Effects of Progestin
Progestin is a synthetic version of the female hormone progesterone. It is used for many medical purposes with the most common being hormonal contraception and to counter the effects of estrogen hormone replacement therapy in women. All medications cause some side effects, but if side effects are severe they should be reported to one's physician immediately.
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Effects from Progestin Gel
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Progestin gel is a form of progesterone used to treat infertility in women. Common side effects include bloating, cramping, constipation or diarrhea, dizziness and abnormal vaginal discharge. Rarer side effects, such as troubled breathing, one-sided muscle weakness, or painful swelling, should be reported to a physician immediately. These types of symptoms could be signs of a stroke or blood clot which can occur in women who take progesterone supplements and smoke. Also, anyone with a history of abnormal vaginal bleeding, missed abortion or cancer should avoid these types of supplements.
Progestin Inserts
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Progestin inserts are used as a support for implanted embryos and in early pregnancy as a prevention against miscarriage. These inserts work to thicken the lining of the uterus and create an environment more suitable for an embryo. Side effects include bloating, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, and weight gain. Progestin inserts should not be used by women who have had unexplained vaginal bleeding, bleeding of the brain, or breast cancer.
Progestin Oils
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Progestin oil is simply a progestin injection in sesame oil used to treat absent or irregular menstrual periods. It works by regulating the body's own cycles so that it creates hormones on its own and regulates uterine bleeding. Anyone with an allergy to progesterone or its synthetics, sesame seeds or oils, or benzyl alcohol should avoid progestin oil as should anyone with a history of blood clots or stroke, and women who are pregnant.
Progestin Birth Control Pills
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Progestin only birth control pills, also known as "mini pills" are often prescribed for nursing mothers and women who wish to avoid the side effects of traditional estrogen-progesterone birth control pills because they have fewer side effects and do not "dry up" a mother's milk. Side effects of these pills include increased hunger, weight gain, tender breasts, spotting between periods and acne. Unlike regular birth control pills, if you miss a dose by more than three hours, you must use a second form of contraception for the rest of that cycle until your nest period. You cannot "double up" a dose as you can with the others.
Progestin Implant
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The progestin implant ( also known as Implanon) is relatively new on the market in comparison with other progestin products. Implants work to prevent pregnancy by slowly releasing the progesterone hormones into your body over a period of three years. The Implanon implant is small, about the size of a matchstick, and is inserted into the inside of the upper arm by a physician. After three years, the implant must also be removed by a physician. The side effects are minimal and include vaginal spotting or bleeding, weight gain, and some occasional pain around the insertion site.
Progestin Injections (Shots)
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Progestin injections, like Depo-Provera, are popular with women who prefer birth control methods that do not interfere with sexual spontaneity. It is also widely used with women who have sickle cell disease since women have fewer problems with their conditions when the shots are used. To be effective, women must receive another shot every three months. Headaches, nausea, irregular menstrual cycles, and weight gain are all common with progestin injections.
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