top of page

Oral Progesterone 

What you get is Progesterone 5 mg tablet 

Dosage & Administration

  • Typical dose: 5 mg by mouth at bedtime.

  • Best taken at the same time every night, as it may support GABA activity and promote better sleep.

Half-Life

  • Oral micronized progesterone has a short half-life (3–6 hours).

  • However, its metabolites (like allopregnanolone) may remain active longer and provide calming, neuroprotective effects.

Missed Dose

  • If you miss your bedtime dose, skip it and continue the next night as usual.

  • Do not double up the next day.

How to Store

  • Store at room temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)

  • Keep away from direct sunlight: UV light may degrade the hormone.

  • Do not expose to heat: Avoid leaving it in hot areas like near windows, radiators, or in a car.

  • Avoid moisture: Do not store in the bathroom or near a humid area.

  • Always close the container tightly after each use.

Common Side Effects

This low-dose formulation is typically well tolerated. However, some may experience:

  • Drowsiness or light sedation (especially if taken during the day)

  • Vivid dreams

  • Dizziness or grogginess upon waking (rare at low dose)

  • Mild stomach discomfort

Contraindications

  • Have a history of blood clots, stroke, or severe liver disease

  • Have untreated prostate cancer (consult with your specialist first)

  • Severe or untreated obstructive sleep apnea — may worsen respiratory function during sleep

Drug Interactions

  • Corticosteroids – may increase immunosuppressive effects

  • Anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine) – may reduce progesterone effectiveness

  • DHEA or testosterone therapy – may need careful balancing to avoid hormonal dominance

  • Sedatives or alcohol – may increase drowsiness

When can i see results ?

  • Within 1–3 days: Many men report improved sleep onset and deeper sleep, especially when taken at night.

  • 1–2 weeks: You may notice a reduction in nighttime anxiety, restlessness, or racing thoughts.

  • 2–4 weeks: Continued benefits may include better emotional stability, less irritability, and improved sleep-wake rhythm.

Oral progesterone crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than topical forms, which is why calming and sleep-related effects are often felt faster.

Topical Progesterone for Men 

What you get is Progesterone 1% ( 10 mg / ml ) 

Dosage & Application

  • Apply once daily 1-4 click as doctor prescribe, usually in the evening, before bed time 

  • Rub into thin-skinned areas for best absorption, such as:

    • Inner forearms

    • Inner thighs

    • Abdomen (below the navel)

 Where Not to Apply

  • Avoid applying to genital area  or directly over nipples.

  • Do not apply on open wounds, irritated skin, or areas with thick body hair (as it may reduce absorption).

  • Avoid areas that will be washed within 1 hour.

Possible Side Effects (Usually Mild and Temporary)

  • Mild fatigue or sleepiness, especially if applied in the morning

  • Slight changes in mood or libido in the first few weeks

These symptoms are usually mild, and often resolve as your body adjusts. If anything feels uncomfortable, just let us know — we can adjust your dosage or timing as needed.

Half life 

  • Progesterone starts to absorb within minutes after application.

  • The half-life is 13–17 hours, which supports once-daily dosing.

  • Effects are gradual and cumulative, usually noticeable within a few weeks of consistent use.

Contraindications

  • A history of hormone-sensitive cancers (such as prostate cancer)

Drug Interactions

  • Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone):
    Progesterone and steroids work through similar pathways in the body. When used together, they may slightly affect adrenal or immune function. This isn’t usually a problem, but your doctor may monitor your progress just to keep everything in balance.

  • DHEA:
    DHEA and progesterone are both natural hormones that share the same production pathway. Taking them together is often helpful, but your doctor may fine-tune your dose to make sure you feel your best and avoid minor symptoms like fatigue or mood swings.

  • Anticonvulsants (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine):
    These medications can speed up how your body breaks down hormones, which may make progesterone slightly less effective. This is nothing to worry about — your doctor will simply adjust the dose if needed so you still get the full benefit.

How to store 

  • Room temperature: Store between 15–25°C (59–77°F).

  • Avoid heat: Do not store near windows, radiators, or in a car.

  • Keep away from direct sunlight: UV light can degrade the hormone.

  • Avoid moisture: Do not store in the bathroom.

  • Seal tightly: Always close the pump or cap after each use.

When can I see result ?

  • Within 3–7 days: Many men report feeling calmer, more emotionally balanced, and notice better sleep quality.

  • 2–4 weeks: Improvements in mood stability, reduced irritability, and better synergy with testosterone therapy become more noticeable.

Results vary by individual, but low-dose topical progesterone often provides subtle yet meaningful support within the first few weeks of consistent use.

Type of progesterone 

Progesterone is a natural hormone found in small amounts in men. It helps balance estrogen, support sleep, regulate mood, and reduce the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. In functional medicine, low-dose bioidentical progesterone is sometimes used to support men with symptoms of estrogen dominance, sleep disturbances, or anxiety—especially alongside testosterone therapy.

Topical Progesterone 

Topical Progesterone for Men: Who Is It For?

Topical progesterone may be used in men with symptoms of estrogen dominance, such as water retention, breast sensitivity, mood swings, or belly fat—especially in those on testosterone therapy. It can also help promote a sense of calm and hormonal balance.

Benefits:

  • Easy to apply daily

  • Helps balance excess estrogen

  • Supports mood and stress response

  • May reduce the need for estrogen blockers

Limitations:

  • Absorption varies depending on skin type and site

  • Effects may be milder than oral progesterone

  • Needs consistent use and rotation of application areas

Read More

Oral progesterone 

Oral progesterone is often used in men who experience sleep difficulties, nighttime anxiety, or overactive thoughts, especially during hormone therapy. It may also help reduce symptoms of estrogen dominance and support emotional balance.

Benefits:

  • Strong calming effect through GABA pathways

  • Supports deeper, more restful sleep

  • Helps regulate mood and stress at night

  • Easy to take once daily at bedtime

Limitations:

  • May cause morning drowsiness if the dose is too high

  • Not ideal for daytime use

  • Should be taken with caution alongside other sedatives

Part 1: Do You Show Signs of Low Progesterone or Estrogen Dominance?

Check any symptoms you’ve experienced consistently in the past few weeks:

☐ Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
☐ Racing thoughts or anxiety at night
☐ Feeling easily overwhelmed or stressed
☐ Water retention or feeling puffy
☐ Breast tissue tenderness or enlargement
☐ Fat gain around chest or hips
☐ Feeling emotional or unusually irritable
☐ Difficulty calming down after stress
☐ Mood swings despite stable testosterone
☐ You're on testosterone but still feel "imbalanced"

If you checked 3 or more boxes, you may benefit from low-dose progesterone support.

Next is 

Part 2: What Type of Progesterone Might Be Best for You?

Check the statements that apply to your current experience:

A. If most of your symptoms are at night or related to sleep/anxiety:

☐ I struggle to fall asleep even when tired
☐ My mind feels "racing" or busy at night
☐ I often wake between 2–4 a.m. and feel wired
☐ I feel calm after taking GABA, magnesium, or ashwagandha
☐ I’m sensitive to stress and find it hard to relax

✅ If you check 2 or more here, oral progesterone (at night) may be more effective.

B. If most of your symptoms are estrogen-related or daytime imbalances:

☐ I’m on testosterone but still feel emotional or "soft"
☐ I notice water retention, chest fullness, or breast sensitivity
☐ I have increased belly or hip fat even with TRT
☐ My estrogen blood levels are high or borderline high
☐ I’m looking for steady hormonal balance during the day

✅ If you check 2 or more here, topical progesterone (low-dose daily) may be more suitable.

References (Functional Medicine Use of Progesterone in Men)

  1. Holtorf K. The Bioidentical Hormone Debate. Postgrad Med. 2009;121(1):73–85.

  2. Rouzier & Holtorf. Evidence-Based Use of Bioidentical Hormones in Men. Functional Medicine Review.

  3. Wiley TS & Formby B. Hormone Balance Made Simple.

  4. Dzugan SA & Smith A. The Role of Progesterone in Men. Townsend Letter.

  5. Carruthers M. Management of Hypogonadism in the Aging Male. Int J Clin Pract. 2005;59(9):1003–1008.

  6. Paul SM et al. Neurosteroids and GABA-A receptor function. J Neurobiol. 1990;21(7):858–868.

  7. Wihlback AC et al. Effects of progesterone on sleep: a systematic review. 2005.

Progesterone treatment for men health 

In functional medicine, low-dose progesterone is sometimes used to support men’s hormonal balance. It may help improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, ease estrogen-related symptoms, and enhance overall well-being—especially in men undergoing testosterone therapy. By gently supporting the body’s stress and hormone regulation systems, progesterone can play a valuable role in comprehensive male hormone care.

Benefits of Progesterone in Men

  • Supports deeper, more restful sleep by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain

  • Helps reduce anxiety, nighttime restlessness, and overstimulation

  • Assists in balancing estrogen levels by counteracting excess aromatization

  • May reduce symptoms of estrogen dominance, such as water retention or gynecomastia

  • Enhances emotional stability and mood regulation

  • Supports the body's stress response by serving as a precursor to cortisol and testosterone

  • May improve hormonal synergy when used alongside testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

bottom of page