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Progesterone-only capsule Gepretix: what is Gepretix and how do I use it?

Gepretix is one of the newest types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It’s a soft capsule and contains a form of the hormone progestogen called micronised progesterone. It is derived from plants, including yam, a root vegetable and is identical in structure to the hormone progesterone produced in our bodies. Because of this it is often referred to as body identical.

Women who take HRT and still have their womb (uterus) are required to take a type of progestogen, in addition to oestrogen. This is because over time, taking oestrogen can lead to a build-up in the lining of your womb. Taking a progestogen, such as Gepretix, prevents this occurring and reduces associated risks.

Progesterone is also prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms such as sleeping problems, anxiety, low mood and anxiety, which are associated with declining levels of progesterone during the perimenopause and menopause. It can also be taken by women who have had a hysterectomy too.

How does Gepretix work?

Gepretix works by replacing the progesterone that is lost during and after the perimenopause and menopause.

As it is a body identical hormone, women usually experience less side effects compared to the older types of progestogens. These older types, given as tablets or as a combination patch, can be associated with a slightly higher risk of blood clot and heart disease. Studies have shown that women who take newer body identical progesterone do not have a higher risk of clot of heart disease.

When and how do I use Gepretix?

Gepretix is given as a 100mg capsule. There are two ways of taking it:

For women who have had periods in the last 6-12 months, the usual recommended dose is two 100mg capsules, taken together each evening, for two out of four weeks per month, on a repeating basis.
For women who have not had a period for over a year, the usual recommended dose is taking one 100mg capsule every evening, without a break on a continuous basis.

The dosage information that comes with the medication differs slightly to this, but it is far more straightforward to take it in this way and easier to remember. It is very common to take it in the way we have described.

Gepretix is a natural sedative so can cause drowsiness in some women. It is therefore recommended you take it at bedtime.

It is best to take Gepretix on an empty stomach because eating food can actually increase its absorption.

What are the benefits?

Gepretix is a branded generic version of Utrogestan. It is more cost effective than Utrogestan and can be a suitable alternative to Utrogestan.

As well as easing menopausal symptoms, HRT can reduce your future risk of osteoporosis, as well as your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Who is Gepretix suitable for?

For most people, the benefits of HRT outweigh any risks. As Gepretix is a body identical hormone is it a good alternative to synthetic progestogens, whichare included in some types of patches and oral tablets. It’s also beneficial for women who don’t want the Mirena coil fitted as their source of progestogen.

Can I expect any side effects?

Women usually experience less side effects with body identical hormones that the older types of progestogens, but can take a few months for your body to adjust to taking HRT, so you may notice some mild side effects. These can include vaginal bleeding, abdominal bloating, lower abdominal pain or discomfort and breast tenderness. These usually settle over time, but talk to your healthcare professional if they continue for longer than the first six months.

Some women find that their mood is lower when they take Gepretix or Utrogestan. This side effect is less common nowadays, but can still occur in around one in ten women. If you experience this and it doesn’t improve, you can discuss alternative ways of taking Gepretix with your healthcare professional.

Some women have reported side effects with Gepretix which they did not have with Utrogestan – if this occurs to you then it would be worth asking your healthcare professional for Utrogestan instead.

Resources

Gepretix

Electronic Medicines Compendium: Gepretix

NHS: hormone replacement therapy

BNF: progesterone