Oral micronized progesterone showed a modest dose-related reduction in menopausal hot flushes without an apparent increase in adverse effects.
This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled postmenopausal women experiencing frequent moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms. After a screening period documenting symptom frequency, participants received daily oral micronized progesterone at one of three doses or placebo for twelve weeks, with changes in hot flush frequency and treatment-emergent adverse events assessed.
Hot flushes declined in all groups, including placebo, but reductions were somewhat greater with increasing progesterone doses, suggesting a modest dose-response pattern. Most reported adverse effects were minor, and adverse-event frequency did not appear to rise with higher progesterone doses; one serious episode of fainting required hospitalization and treatment discontinuation.
