Gestone (Progesterone)

Description

Last Updated on 10/27/2026 ✔ Medically Reviewed by Dr. Arjun Srivastav

What Is Gestone Progesterone Capsules?

Gestone is a prescription soft gelatin capsule that contains natural micronised progesterone as its active ingredient. It is manufactured by Ferring Pharmaceuticals and supplied in strips of 10 capsules.

This page lists the 200 mg and 400 mg strengths, both confirmed against verified product packaging records.

Because progesterone acts on sensitive hormonal pathways, Gestone must be used only under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional and in line with the applicable product instructions. The information here helps you understand the product and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.

Gestone Product Details

The table below summarises the verified specifications of Gestone capsules.

The product is recorded as an oral, vaginal or rectal capsule depending on the prescriber’s directions. The route must always follow individual medical guidance rather than general assumption.

What Is Gestone Used For?

Progesterone is a female hormone the body produces naturally after ovulation. It prepares and maintains the lining of the uterus so a fertilised egg can implant and develop. When the body does not produce enough on its own, a clinician may prescribe a supplement such as Gestone.

Based on verified product information, Gestone is used for hormone related gynaecological conditions associated with low progesterone. These include secondary amenorrhea, which is the absence of three or more menstrual periods in a row, irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal uterine bleeding, and hormone replacement therapy during menopause when given together with estrogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia.

Hormone results are best interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history and other relevant tests. Understanding SHBG levels in females can provide further context about how sex hormone binding globulin affects the availability of certain hormones.

Gestone is not a universal treatment for infertility or for every pregnancy related concern. Progesterone supplementation supports specific situations where a deficiency has been identified or where clinical guidelines support its use. Any decision to use it rests with a doctor who has assessed the individual case.

Sexual desire can be influenced by several factors, including hormones, medicines, stress and general health. This guide to libido in men and women explains some of the factors that may contribute to changes in sexual desire.

How Does Gestone Progesterone Work?

Progesterone is one of the key hormones involved in the menstrual cycle. After an egg is released from the ovary during ovulation, the remaining structure called the corpus luteum produces progesterone. This hormone thickens and stabilises the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, making it ready to receive a fertilised egg.

If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels fall and the lining sheds during menstruation. If pregnancy does occur, progesterone continues to support the lining and helps sustain the early pregnancy until the placenta takes over production.

Progesterone is one of several hormones involved in reproductive health. Understanding other hormonal changes can also be helpful, including the possible symptoms of low estradiol and how they may be assessed by a healthcare professional.

When taken as a medicine, Gestone supplies the body with natural micronised progesterone that mimics the action of the hormone produced internally. By restoring progesterone levels, it helps regulate the menstrual cycle, supports the uterine lining and complements estrogen in hormone replacement therapy.

Gestone 200 mg vs Gestone 400 mg

Gestone is available in two confirmed strengths, 200 mg and 400 mg. The difference lies in the amount of natural micronised progesterone contained in each capsule. A Gestone 200 mg capsule delivers 200 milligrams of progesterone, while a Gestone 400 mg capsule delivers twice that amount in a single soft gelatin capsule.

The prescribed strength depends on the condition being treated, the route of administration and the individual patient. A doctor considers the clinical need and selects the strength that matches it.

The two strengths should not be treated as interchangeable instructions. Taking a 400 mg capsule when 200 mg was prescribed delivers a higher dose than intended, while taking 200 mg when 400 mg was prescribed may not provide the level of progesterone the treatment requires. Users should never change their dose independently.

How to Use Gestone Safely

The way Gestone is administered depends on the exact product and the approved instructions provided with it. The capsule has been recorded for oral, vaginal and rectal use, which means the route is a clinical decision rather than a preference. Always follow the prescribed dose and route exactly as directed by your doctor.

When the capsule is taken orally, verified product guidance suggests swallowing it whole with a glass of water, preferably at bedtime to reduce drowsiness, and with food to improve absorption. The capsule should not be chewed or crushed before swallowing.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is due soon, in which case skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not double a dose to make up for a missed one. If too much medicine has been used, seek medical advice promptly and keep the packaging handy.

If the instructions are unclear at any point, consult a pharmacist or prescriber before using the medicine. Administration directions from another progesterone brand should not be assumed to apply to Gestone.

Gestone Side Effects

Adverse effects with progesterone can vary according to the formulation, the route of administration and individual circumstances. The effects described below are drawn from verified product information for Gestone and do not assume that every effect reported for oral progesterone applies identically to vaginal use.

Warnings, Precautions and Medicine Interactions

Before starting Gestone, it is important to discuss your full medical history with a healthcare professional. Certain conditions affect whether this medicine is suitable for you and how it should be monitored.

Allergies: Gestone is not recommended for anyone with a known allergy to progesterone, to related progestin medicines, or to any of the other ingredients in the capsule. Seek immediate medical attention if signs of a serious allergic reaction appear.

Conditions that require caution: The medicine should be used with caution and only under medical guidance in people with a history of breast cancer, unusual or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver problems, a history of blood clotting disorders, uncontrolled thyroid conditions or poorly managed diabetes.

Pregnancy related circumstances: Although progesterone is used to support certain pregnancy situations under medical supervision, it is not appropriate for every stage of pregnancy or every pregnancy related concern. The decision to use it during pregnancy depends on the specific clinical reason.

Other medicines: Inform your doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including prescription medicines, over the counter products and herbal supplements. Some medicines can affect how progesterone works, and progesterone can in turn influence the action of other treatments.

Storage and Handling

Gestone should be stored according to the conditions stated on the actual product label. Verified catalog records indicate storage below 25 degrees Celsius.

Keep the capsules in their original strip or packaging until use to protect them from moisture and light. Store the medicine out of the reach and sight of children and away from pets.

Do not use Gestone after the expiry date printed on the pack, and do not use the medicine if the packaging is damaged or the capsules appear altered. The storage requirements of another progesterone brand should not be assumed to apply to Gestone.

Who Should Not Use Gestone Progesterone?

Gestone is not suitable for everyone. Understanding who should avoid it helps prevent avoid harm and supports safe use under medical guidance.

People with a known allergy to progesterone or any ingredient in the capsule should not use this medicine. Those with active liver disease, a history of breast or liver cancer, a history of blood clotting disorders, or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding should also avoid it unless a doctor has specifically reviewed the situation and approved use.

If any of these circumstances apply to you, tell your doctor before starting treatment. The prescriber can assess whether an alternative approach is more appropriate for your condition.

Gestone in Fertility Treatment

Progesterone plays a specific role in fertility care, and Gestone may be part of a treatment plan designed by a fertility specialist.

It can be prescribed to support the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the period after ovulation when progesterone naturally rises. In women undergoing assisted reproduction such as in vitro fertilisation, adequate progesterone helps prepare the uterine lining for embryo transfer.

Gestone may also be used to support early pregnancy in women who have experienced vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy alongside low progesterone levels. The decision to include it in a fertility protocol depends on the individual assessment and the specialist’s clinical judgment.

Gestone and Menopause

During menopause, the ovaries produce less progesterone and estrogen. This hormonal shift can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.

Gestone may be prescribed as part of hormone replacement therapy to help balance progesterone levels. When given together with estrogen, it helps prevent endometrial hyperplasia, the overgrowth of the uterine lining that can occur when estrogen is used alone.

The dose, duration and combination of hormones in menopause therapy are tailored to the individual. A doctor reviews the personal and family medical history before recommending this approach, and treatment is monitored over time.

Missed Dose and Overuse

Knowing what to do when a dose is missed or when too much has been taken helps keep treatment on track and safe.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If the next scheduled dose is close, skip the missed one and continue with the usual routine. Never take two capsules at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

If you suspect too much Gestone has been used, contact your doctor, pharmacist or the nearest hospital right away. Keep the product packaging with you so the strength and details can be shared with the healthcare professional providing assistance.

Gestone and Breastfeeding

The use of progesterone during breastfeeding depends on individual circumstances and medical assessment.

A small amount of progesterone may pass into breast milk. Whether Gestone is appropriate during lactation is a decision for the prescribing doctor, who weighs the potential benefit against the individual situation.

Always inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before starting this medicine. Do not begin or stop use based on general information alone.

How Long Does Gestone Take to Work

The time it takes for Gestone to show an effect depends on the condition being treated and the individual response.

In hormone replacement therapy, changes in symptoms such as hot flashes or menstrual regularity may become noticeable over weeks as progesterone levels adjust. In fertility support, the effect is monitored through blood tests and ultrasound rather than how the patient feels day to day.

Your doctor sets the expected timeline based on the treatment plan and reviews progress at follow up appointments. Do not judge the effectiveness of the medicine on your own or stop it early without medical advice.

Gestone vs Other Progesterone Brands

Gestone is one of several progesterone products available, and the differences between them matter for safe and effective treatment.

Each brand may use a different formulation, set of excipients or approved route. The dose that suits one product may not transfer directly to another, and the side effect profile can vary.

Do not switch from Gestone to another progesterone brand or vice versa without consulting your prescriber. The doctor can confirm whether an alternative is appropriate and adjust the dose or route accordingly.

Monitoring During Gestone Treatment

Ongoing monitoring helps your doctor confirm that the treatment is working as intended and remains safe for you over time.

Depending on the reason for treatment, monitoring may include blood tests to check progesterone levels, ultrasound to assess the uterine lining, and review of any side effects you experience. In fertility care, the specialist tracks response through scheduled scans and hormone panels.

Attend all follow up appointments and share any new symptoms promptly. The information you provide helps the doctor decide whether to continue, adjust or stop the treatment.

Buying Gestone Safely

Gestone is a prescription medicine. If you plan to purchase it through AustraliaRxMeds, check the product listing for available strengths, formulation and prescription requirements before ordering. Always verify the packaging, batch number and expiry date, and consult your pharmacist if you have concerns about the product.

Medical Disclaimer

This page provides general information about Gestone progesterone capsules for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it should not be used to self diagnose or to adjust any treatment without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or pharmacist regarding any medical condition or prescription medicine. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services immediately.