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Can Progestin Therapy Cause Any Risk For Long Term Use?
I am on a progestin therapy (progesterone) and have been since 2009. I take 400 mg of progesterone daily to keep from having complex hyperplasia Grade 1a Endometrial Cancer. I am 53 years old. Is there a great long term risk for taking this medication to my health? I was told I would have to take this for the rest of my life or have a hysterectomy.
Tue, 10 Jan 2017
Hi,
Progestins are a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring female reproductive hormone progesterone. The target of progestins used in hormone therapy is generally the uterus. But progestin therapy can affect every major organ system including the brain, cardiovascular system, immune system and the generation of blood cells.
Some of the side effects which could be caused due its long term use include:
1. Dementia in post-menopausal women who are more than 65 years of age.
2. Swelling in the feet, ankles, and lower legs.
3. Blood clots.
4. Stroke.
5. Breast cancer (commonly in women between ages 50 and 79).
Hence, it would be advisable to undertake necessary tests and do regular follow-up so as to detect the development and prevent any of such complications early.
Hope the information provided would be helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ashakiran S
Progestins are a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring female reproductive hormone progesterone. The target of progestins used in hormone therapy is generally the uterus. But progestin therapy can affect every major organ system including the brain, cardiovascular system, immune system and the generation of blood cells.
Some of the side effects which could be caused due its long term use include:
1. Dementia in post-menopausal women who are more than 65 years of age.
2. Swelling in the feet, ankles, and lower legs.
3. Blood clots.
4. Stroke.
5. Breast cancer (commonly in women between ages 50 and 79).
Hence, it would be advisable to undertake necessary tests and do regular follow-up so as to detect the development and prevent any of such complications early.
Hope the information provided would be helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ashakiran S
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