Progesterone or a progestin? The words sound alike. The molecules are not.
Micronized progesterone is the same molecule your body makes, processed into an absorbable oral form. Progestins, like medroxyprogesterone or norethindrone, are synthetic molecules built to act on the same receptor, and each behaves in its own way. The distinction matters because much of what people have heard about "progesterone" side effects and risks actually comes from studies of specific synthetic progestins, not from the body-identical hormone.
The short answer
If you are on systemic estrogen and have a uterus, you need progesterone or a progestin alongside it; that is settled practice. The open question is which. Micronized progesterone is body-identical, commonly taken at night, and many patients and clinicians prefer starting there. Progestins remain appropriate tools in particular cases. What we offer is micronized progesterone, prescribed after clinician review; if your history points toward a different agent, your clinician will say so instead of forcing the fit.
Side by side
| Micronized Progesterone | Synthetic Progestins | |
|---|---|---|
| The molecule | Identical to the hormone your body makes | Synthetic relatives, each its own molecule |
| Examples | Progesterone capsules | Medroxyprogesterone, norethindrone, others |
| How it is discussed in research | Studied as its own agent | Findings differ progestin by progestin |
| Typical role here | What we prescribe, after clinician review | Not offered here; discussed honestly in review |
| Regulatory status | Compounded to your prescription; not an FDA-approved drug product | Various FDA-approved drug products exist |
| Monthly cost | From $29/mo | Not offered |
Why do people say progesterone makes you sleepy?
Micronized progesterone has a genuinely calming, sedating quality for many patients, which is why it is usually taken at night, and why some patients consider that a feature rather than a side effect. It is one of the clearest practical differences from most progestins.
Is one safer than the other?
That question is exactly what your clinician is for, because the honest answer depends on which progestin, which dose, which route of estrogen, and which history. What can be said plainly: the two categories are not interchangeable in research, and conclusions about one do not automatically transfer to the other. Bring the question to review; it deserves a real answer against your chart.
Questions
What happens if I am not approved?
You are not charged. Your clinician explains the reasoning and, where useful, what a better next step may be. Reviews are typically completed in under 24 hours.
Is micronized progesterone bioidentical?
Yes. It is the same molecule your body produces. "Micronized" describes the processing that makes it absorbable as a capsule, not a change to the hormone.
Is it FDA approved?
No compounded medication is FDA-approved, including this one. Compounded medicines are made to your individual prescription by a licensed pharmacy rather than manufactured and approved as a finished drug product.
Ready when you are.
About 10 minutes. No charge unless your clinician approves.