This international study, conducted by The Education Program at the EFS, explored how progesterone is actually experienced across the reproductive lifespan, combining data from 337 respondents in 28 countries with 238 patient narratives describing physical, emotional, and psychological effects. Findings highlight widespread side effects, major gaps in patient preparation, and the powerful emotional meaning progesterone carries — particularly in fertility treatment, where it is closely linked to hope
ABSTRACT SUMMARY
ASRM 2025 Scientific Congress & Expo.
25–29 October 2025, San Antonio, Texas.
The abstract was published in Fertility and Sterility: https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(25)01115-X/fulltex
Title: GLOBAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF REAL-TIME PROGESTERONE USE AND PATIENT EXPERIENCES ACROSS THE REPRODUCTIVE LIFESPAN
Objectives: To explore real-time experiences of individuals who have taken or are currently taking exogenous progesterone across the reproductive lifespan. This study captures patient-reported insights on reasons for use, delivery methods, duration, side effects, healthcare communication, and impact on mental and physical well-being, with the goal of informing patient-centered clinical care.
Methods: An anonymous, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between March and April 2025. Eligible participants included individuals with current or past progesterone use, regardless of reproductive stage, gender identity, or location. Recruitment was conducted globally via social media and professional networks. The survey collected quantitative and qualitative data across key domains: demographics, reproductive stage, reasons for use, formulations, duration, side effects, and healthcare communication. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative responses were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns in participant narratives.
Results: A total of 337 individuals from 28 countries completed the survey, with most respondents from English-speaking regions and an age range of 18-55+
Participants represented diverse reproductive stages, including menstruation, fertility treatment, pregnancy, perimenopause, postmenopause, and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
- 67.4% were currently taking progesterone; 30.3% had taken it in the past
- 61.1% reported use for over one year
- Most common forms: oral tablets (61.7%), vaginal pessaries (40.9%), injections (20.8%), IUDs (18.7%), and patches (15.4%)
- Physical side effects: skin rashes (43.6%), headaches (40.3%), abdominal pain (39.1%), breast tenderness (34.4%)
- Psychological effects: trouble sleeping (37.4%), irritability (35.3%), low mood (34.7%), anxiety (32.9%)
- 18.1% reported negative mental health effects; 13.4% reported improvement
- Only 13.9% felt fully informed about potential side effects prior to treatment; 54.3% reported inadequate explanation from their provider
Thematic analysis of free-text responses (n=238) revealed four dominant themes:
- Inconsistent provider communication
- Emotional burden of treatment
- Lack of information on side effects
- Appreciation for progesterone’s benefits in fertility and menopause contexts
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first global, patient-led study examining progesterone use across multiple reproductive stages. Findings highlight widespread use, notable side effects, and inconsistent provider communication. Patient narratives reveal critical gaps in education, informed consent, and emotional support
Impact statement: This study provides novel insights into progesterone use from the patient perspective and underscores the need for more equitable, empathetic, and patient-informed reproductive care. The findings support improved clinical communication, shared decision-making, and future updates to hormone therapy guidelines
Watch Julie Morgan, PhD Researher, MSc, RGN, APM (PFQ), the European Fertility Society’s Education Committee Chair, as she presents our survey results at the ASRM 2025 Scientific Congress on the topic “A global cross-sectional survey of progesterone use and patient experiences across the reproductive lifespan”. The video is available in the Members Area after logging in: https://www.europeanfertilitysociety.com/resources/