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Compare Aygestin vs. Prometrium

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) and progesterone (Prometrium) are both used to treat hormone imbalances, but they have some key differences. Norethindrone acetate is used for conditions like absent menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and endometriosis, and is taken orally once a day. Progesterone, on the other hand, is used to regulate menstrual cycles, stop abnormal bleeding, and protect the uterus from damage in postmenopausal women taking estrogen replacement therapy. It is available as an oral capsule or an injection and is taken once a day but only for a certain number of days each month. Norethindrone acetate can cause side effects like breakthrough bleeding and headaches, while progesterone commonly causes dizziness and drowsiness. Additionally, progesterone capsules contain peanut oil, so they are not safe if you have a peanut allergy. Both medications are available in generic forms.

  • Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)
    Progesterone (Prometrium)
  • Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)
    Progesterone (Prometrium)

  • Summary of Aygestin vs. Prometrium

    Summary for Progestin
    Prescription only

    Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is a progestin, a man-made version of the hormone progesterone. It's used to balance out hormone levels to treat absent menstrual bleeding (periods) and abnormal vaginal bleeding in adults. Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can also help with endometriosis. The dosage can differ depending on what condition you have, but norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is usually taken by mouth once a day. Side effects include breakthrough bleeding and headaches. Brand name Aygestin has been discontinued and norethindrone acetate is only available as a generic.

    Summary for Progesterone
    Prescription only

    Progesterone (Prometrium) is an oral medication used to protect the uterus in postmenopausal women (those who've gone through menopause) who are also taking estrogen. It can also help regulate menstrual cycles in people who aren't getting their period. The medication is typically taken by mouth once at bedtime for 10-12 days, depending on what you're taking it for. Potential side effects include headache, weight gain or weight loss, and breast tenderness.

  • Indications of Aygestin vs. Prometrium

    Indications for
    •Lack of menstrual periods due to hormonal imbalance (secondary amenorrhea)
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding due to hormonal imbalance
    •Endometriosis
    Indications for
    •Protection of the uterus for postmenopausal women also taking estrogen medications
    •Lack of menstrual periods due to hormone imbalance

  • Pros and Cons of Aygestin vs. Prometrium

    Pros and Const for Progestin
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Helps to regulate your period from hormonal imbalances
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Not recommended if you have liver problems
    •Can cause breakthrough bleeding and other bothersome side effects
    •Not for those who have reached menopause
    Pros and Const for Progesterone
    Pros
    •Helps protect the uterus and regulate periods
    •Taken by mouth once a day
    •Might be easier to take than the injection form
    Cons
    •Not a good option for people with liver problems
    •Shouldn't be used in people with a peanut allergy
    •Potentially raises your risk of serious blood clots

  • Common Side Effects of Aygestin vs. Prometrium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
    •Change in menstrual flow
    •Lack of periods
    •Headache or migraine
    •Breast enlargement
    •Breast tenderness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach cramps or bloating
    •Patches of darkened skin (melasma or chloasma)
    •Acne
    •Hair loss
    •Yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes (jaundice)
    •Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
    •Changes in vision
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (31%)
    •Breast tenderness (27%)
    •Joint pain (20%)
    •Depression (19%)
    •Dizziness (15%)
    •Stomach bloating (12%)
    •Hot flashes (11%)
    •Trouble urinating (11%)
    •Stomach pain (10%)
    •Vaginal discharge (10%)

  • Warnings of Aygestin vs. Prometrium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke
    •Abnormal changes in vision
    •Fluid build-up (edema)
    •Depression
    •Changes in blood sugar and cholesterol levels
    •Harm to unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood clots
    •Breast cancer
    •Dementia
    •Vision problems
    •Dizziness and drowsiness
    •Fluid buildup

  • Prices with our coupons for Aygestin vs. Prometrium

    Learn more about Norethindrone acetate
    Learn more about Progesterone

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