Does Progesterone Suppository Delay Menstruation? the Impact - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Will using progesterone suppositories delay menstruation?


Hello doctor, I inserted a progesterone suppository on April 30th over the weekend.
My period was supposed to start today, May 3rd, but it hasn't arrived, and I haven't tested positive for pregnancy.
I'm wondering if the progesterone is affecting this.
This cycle, I only used one suppository.
I'm confused about whether I'm pregnant or if it's just a delay.
I have had a previous miscarriage, and my cycle is typically 24 days.
I had a weak positive on an ovulation test on April 20th, and on April 28th, I started noticing very light pink discharge.
Therefore, I inserted the suppository on April 30th.
Currently, my pregnancy test shows negative, and the ovulation test seems to have darkened.
My dizziness symptoms have intensified.
I'm unsure if the delay in my period is due to the suppository or if I might be pregnant but unable to test positive yet.

eken, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/03

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


I inserted a progesterone capsule around April 30th.
My period was supposed to start today, May 3rd, but it hasn't come yet, and I haven't tested positive for pregnancy.
I'm not sure if this is due to the progesterone.
This cycle, I only used this one capsule of Utrogestan.
I'm confused about whether I'm pregnant or just experiencing a delay.
I had a previous miscarriage, and my cycle is usually 24 days.
I had a weak positive on an ovulation test on April 20th, and I started noticing very light pink discharge on April 28th.
So, I inserted a Utrogestan capsule on April 30th.
Currently, my pregnancy test is negative, but the ovulation test seems to have gotten darker.
I've been experiencing increased dizziness, and I'm unsure if the delay in my period is due to the progesterone I inserted or if I might be pregnant but it's too early to detect.

Answer: It is likely due to the progesterone.
It is recommended to test again in a week.

Reply Date: 2018/05/03

More Info


Progesterone suppositories are often used in various medical contexts, including hormone replacement therapy and fertility treatments. One of the common effects of progesterone is its ability to influence the menstrual cycle. When progesterone is introduced into the body, it can indeed delay menstruation. This is primarily because progesterone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation. However, when progesterone is administered, it can maintain the uterine lining, thus postponing the onset of menstruation.

In your case, since you inserted a progesterone suppository on April 30 and your expected period was on May 3, it is quite possible that the progesterone is delaying your menstruation. The timing of your ovulation, indicated by the ovulation test on April 20, and the subsequent light pink discharge on April 28, suggests that your body was preparing for menstruation. The introduction of the progesterone could have interrupted this natural cycle.

It is also important to consider the possibility of pregnancy. Since you mentioned that you have not yet confirmed pregnancy with a test, it is worth noting that the timing of the test is crucial. Pregnancy tests measure the hormone hCG, which is typically detectable about a week after a missed period. If you are testing too early, it may not yield accurate results. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as increased dizziness, could be related to hormonal changes from the progesterone or could indicate early pregnancy.

Given your history of a natural miscarriage, it is understandable to feel anxious about the possibility of being pregnant again. If you suspect you might be pregnant, it is advisable to wait a few days and then retest. If your period does not arrive within a week or if you continue to experience symptoms that concern you, it would be prudent to consult with your healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than a home urine test, and can provide further guidance based on your specific situation.

In summary, progesterone can delay menstruation, and your current symptoms may be a result of either the progesterone itself or an early indication of pregnancy. Monitoring your symptoms and timing your pregnancy tests appropriately will be key in determining the next steps. If you have any further concerns or if your symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is always a good course of action.

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