Susten 200mg is a lower-strength formulation of natural micronized progesterone. It functions identically to the 400 mg dose by replacing or supplementing natural progesterone levels to support reproductive health, but it is often prescribed when a lower or split daily dose (e.g., 200mg twice a day) is clinically required.
Primary Medical Uses
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Fertility Support & IVF: It prepares the uterine lining for embryo implantation and provides luteal phase support during assisted reproductive treatments.
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Early Pregnancy Maintenance: It helps sustain early pregnancy and reduces the risk of preterm birth or recurrent miscarriages in women with low progesterone.
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Menstrual Cycle Regulation: It treats secondary amenorrhea (missing periods for months) and manages irregular or abnormal uterine bleeding.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): It is paired with estrogen in postmenopausal women to relieve menopausal symptoms and prevent the overgrowth of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia).
Delivery Methods and Formulations
The 200mg strength is available in a few distinct forms, and you must use the exact route your doctor prescribed, as they are absorbed differently by the body:
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Soft Gelatin Capsules: These are highly flexible and can often be taken orally or inserted vaginally (and sometimes rectally) as directed by your physician.
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Susten SR (Sustained Release) Tablets: These are specifically engineered to release the hormone slowly into the body and must be swallowed whole with food; they should never be chewed or crushed.
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Susten VT (Vaginal Tablets): These are specifically formulated exclusively for intra-vaginal use and should never be swallowed.
Common Side Effects
Side effects vary based on how you take the medication. Oral administration passes through the liver, making systemic symptoms more likely:
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Drowsiness, fatigue, or dizziness (especially with oral tablets, often minimized by taking them at bedtime)
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Abdominal pain, bloating, or nausea
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Breast tenderness or swelling
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Mild vaginal irritation or discharge (common with vaginal tablets/capsules)
Precautions & Warnings
Do not use Susten 200mg without a doctor's clear instruction if you have a history of blood clots, stroke, liver disease, breast or genital cancers, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Always take it at the same time each day to maintain steady hormone levels.
