Description:

Progynance  is a bioidentical progesterone supplement in soft gelatine capsule form. It is used to treat or prevent conditions caused by progesterone deficiency in women, including:

• Threatened or recurrent miscarriage in early pregnancy
• Luteal phase support in assisted reproductive technologies (IVF, ICSI, embryo transfer)
• Secondary amenorrhea (absence of periods due to low progesterone)
• Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
• Endometrial protection during hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with oestrogen in women with intact uterus
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menstrual disorders (in some protocols) The micronized form enhances oral absorption and mimics natural progesterone more closely than synthetic progestins.

Prescription: Prescription-only. Requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana (usually from a gynaecologist, obstetrician, fertility specialist, or endocrinologist). Dispensed by pharmacies with Rx. Not OTC due to specific indications (especially pregnancy use) and need for proper monitoring.

Therapeutic Category:

Progestogen / Natural Progesterone Replacement (Bioidentical micronized progesterone).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each soft gelatine capsule contains:

• Active ingredient: Natural micronized progesterone – 200 mg or 400 mg. Other ingredients (typical): Peanut oil (arachis oil – carrier for better absorption), gelatine (capsule shell), glycerol, titanium dioxide, purified water, and colorants (e.g., iron oxides). Capsules are soft, opaque, usually yellow or off-white.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Progynance 200mg soft gelatine capsules (standard dose for most indications)
• Progynance 400mg soft gelatine capsules (higher dose for ART support, severe deficiency, or when higher levels are needed) Common pack sizes: 10, 15, 30 capsules per pack. The 200mg is the most frequently prescribed strength.

Consume Type:

Oral – Soft gelatine capsule (swallow whole with water; do not crush, chew, or open).

Directions/Usage: Take as prescribed (usually once or twice daily).

• Luteal support / ART: 200–400 mg once or twice daily (often started after ovulation/embryo transfer and continued until pregnancy test or 8–12 weeks gestation).
• Threatened / recurrent miscarriage: 200–400 mg daily (once or divided) from confirmation of pregnancy until 12–16 weeks or as directed.
• Secondary amenorrhea: 200 mg daily for 10–12 days per cycle (usually day 15–26).
• HRT endometrial protection (with oestrogen): 200 mg daily for 12–14 days per cycle (or continuous if prescribed).
• Take preferably at bedtime (due to drowsiness) or as advised.
• Can be taken with or without food (food may reduce GI upset).
• Duration: Varies by indication (weeks in pregnancy/ART; cyclic in HRT); do not stop suddenly without medical advice.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Drowsiness / sleepiness (most frequent – take at bedtime)
• Breast tenderness / pain
• Headache
• Nausea, bloating, abdominal discomfort
• Dizziness
• Mood changes (irritability, mild depression) Less common: Acne, hair loss, weight changes, irregular bleeding (in HRT). Rare/serious (seek help): Severe allergic reactions, jaundice (liver effects), severe depression, blood clots, or vision changes.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 capsules per strip; packs of 1×10, 3×10 = 30, or 5×10 = 50 capsules; foil blisters in carton with patient leaflet and dosage instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to progesterone, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, known/suspected breast or endometrial cancer, severe liver disease, active thromboembolic disorders, or porphyria.
• Caution in pregnancy (safe when indicated for miscarriage prevention or luteal support; use only under medical supervision), breastfeeding (minimal passage in milk), depression history, migraine, epilepsy, or cardiovascular risk factors.
• Monitor for drowsiness (avoid driving/operating machinery if affected).
• Report severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, leg swelling, jaundice, or unusual bleeding immediately (possible serious complications).
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar natural micronized progesterone 200mg/400mg soft capsules in Ghana include:

• Generic micronized progesterone 200mg/400mg soft capsules (various importers)
• Utrogestan (original Besins brand – most common alternative)
• Progestan, Susten, Naturogest, Cyclogest (vaginal form), or other generics
• Progesterone injection (for acute use) Consult gynaecologist/pharmacist in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

HM Medics or licensed Indian manufacturer (Crescent Pharmaceuticals / other Indian companies produce many generic micronised progesterone capsules for export markets, often under HM Medics branding in Africa). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported generic).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by Indian pharmaceutical companies; imported to Ghana and widely available in local pharmacies).