Progesterone only pill Fact Card
POP or Mini-pill
| Brands | Cerazette, Cerelle, Micronor, Norgeston, Noriday |
| Used For | Contraception to avoid pregnancy |
| Doseage | Take one pill at the same time each day |
| Side Effects | Irregular bleeding for the first couple of months, headaches, breast tenderness, acne |
| Warnings | If you take a pill late you could be at risk of pregnancy over the next few days, consult a doctor of pharmacist. |
| Pregnancy | Not harmful to the baby but there is an increased risk of the pregnancy being an ectopic pregnancy. |
The Progesterone Only Pill (POP) - often referred to as the mini pill only has one type of hormone in it - progesterone. It is a medicine that can be used when the Combined Pill is not suitable.
What is Progesterone only pill used to treat?
Used as a form of contraception to prevent pregnancy.
How does Progesterone only pill work?
The progesterone in this pill causes changes to the cervical mucus and lining of the womb to make the environment less hospitable for an egg to implant. I some woman the progesterone pill will stop ovulation. If it is taken with out any mistakes it is 99% effective.
How do I take Progesterone only pill?
The dose of the progesterone hormone in different POPs can vary but the important thing is that you take one tablet a day. Due to there being several different types of progesterone in different POPs there are sometimes slightly different instructions - some POPs must be taken within a 3 hour window, and some have a 12 hour window. The safest thing to do is to make sure you take the POP at the same time every day.
If you do take it late (after 3 hours for some, after 12 hours for others) then it is considered a missed pill and you might need to take steps to ensure you are protected from pregnancies for the next three days.
Side effects of Progesterone only pill
One of the commonest side effects of starting the POP is some irregular bleeding, however it is also possible for periods to become lighter or stop altogether. If you do suffer with irregular bleeding after starting the POP it usually settles down after 2 to 3 months.
Other side effects include breast tenderness, headaches and worsening acne. These also often settle down after the first few months.
Things to avoid
It's very important to avoid missing a pill.
Progesterone only pill and alcohol
Alcohol doesn't stop the pill from working but it may interfere through causing vomiting or forgetting to take the pill at the right time of the day.
Can I take Progesterone only pill when pregnant?
There is no evidence that taking the POP while pregnant causes any harm to the baby. However if you do become pregnant there is a greater chance of the pregnancy being an ectopic pregnancy - this is a pregnancy developing outside of the womb - and this is a serious condition. It would be very important to seek urgent advice if you were suffering from sudden unexpected lower abdominal pain and bleeding.
Progesterone only pill and breastfeeding
It is safe to take the POP while breastfeeding.
Our doctors are available now and can issue same day prescriptions for all standard medications. To see a GP regarding a prescription for progesterone only pill or for any other reason book an appointment now and start feeling better right away.