Endogest (progesterone) allows for supplementation of the naturally-occurring hormone progesterone. Though predominantly used by women, it does see use in men as well.

This is a very versatile medication with a wide range of uses. Low levels of the hormone should be identified by a doctor prior to starting treatment with Endogest, and likewise a doctor can recommend the ideal dosage schedule.

Endogest is used to help women become pregnant, maintain a healthy pregnancy, and prevent endometriosis if not pregnant. In men it is used to help retain male characteristics and prevent prostate cancer. In both genders Endogest can help prevent a wide range of conditions, from gallbladder issues to arthritis.

Endogest for Pregnancy

Low progesterone can cause a number of pregnancy complications; inability to become pregnant, miscarriages, and other difficulties carrying to term. Any woman experiencing these problems should have progesterone levels checked, and if low a doctor will likely recommend Endogest or a similar treatment.

If taking progesterone for pregnancy the medication is often administered vaginally, using a suppository, cream, or gel, and usually just a few days per month.

Women instructed to take Endogest or similar tablets should get treatment guidelines from a doctor.

Endogest for Pre-Menopausal Women

In pre-menopausal women Endogest may be prescribed to treat a number of issues relating to the reproductive system. It is often used to:

• Promote regular periods in women experiencing irregular periods
• Restore regular periods in cases of amenorrhea (absent periods)
• Reduce pain in dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
• Reduce risk of endometrial hyperplasia (tissue growing outside the uterus)
• Stop abnormal uterine bleeding

Women who have an intact uterus must take progesterone if also taking estrogen for birth control. In most cases the two products are combined, hence the term "combined hormonal birth control". Failure to take progesterone with an intact uterus significantly increases risk of endometriosis.

Endogest for Post-Menopausal Women

As with birth control, menopausal women with an intact uterus must use progesterone if undergoing hormone replacement therapy with estrogen. It not only helps prevent endometriosis, but also helps prevent some types of cancer. Progesterone may also influence mood, hot flashes, and other menopause symptoms, though benefits in this area are unclear and not as powerful as estrogen.

Women who have had their uterus removed do not need to take progesterone to prevent endometriosis.

Endogest for Men

Most men know that testosterone is responsible for developing and maintaining male characteristics. Many men do not know that progesterone is one of the precursors to testosterone. Men with low testosterone levels may benefit from progesterone supplementation with Endogest, though this is a complicated subject and in some cases testosterone supplementation may be more suitable. The issue should be discussed with a doctor.

Progesterone can also influence fertility in men, as the hormone plays a role in sperm production. Endogest is unlikely to help in this respect unless progesterone levels are already low; supplementing extra progesterone does not produce significant benefit.

Endogest in Both Genders

In both men and women progesterone can be used to prevent a range of medical issues, including:

• Thyroid issues
• Gallbladder issues
• Weight gain
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Loss of libido
• Bone loss
• Muscle loss
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Cancer

Progesterone's role in all of the above is complicated and beyond the scope of this article. If experiencing the above, however, progesterone levels should be considered. Levels of progesterone can be checked with a simple blood test, and if levels are in fact low, a prescription for Endogest may be given.

Regardless of its use, Endogest is a potent hormone supplementation that should not be used trivially. It is impossible to tell one's progesterone levels without access to a laboratory, which is easiest to acquire through a doctor. A doctor can also recommend the ideal dosage for an individual.