
Progesterone injections are commonly used to treat irregular menstrual cycles and fertility issues. They are usually administered into the muscle and can cause various side effects, including redness at the injection site, drowsiness, dizziness, and breast tenderness. Some people have reported experiencing numbness and pain in the muscles after repeated progesterone injections, raising concerns about the possibility of long-term nerve damage. This paragraph aims to explore the link between progesterone injections and muscle numbness, addressing the concerns of those who may be prescribed this medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is progesterone used for? | Treats irregular menstrual cycles, certain menstrual problems, and prevents thickening of the uterine lining in people taking estrogen after menopause. |
| How is it administered? | Injection into a muscle, usually in a hospital or clinic setting. |
| Side effects | Dizziness, drowsiness, breast tenderness, stomach discomfort, redness at the injection site, hot flashes, fatigue, pain, chest pain, swelling of hands and feet, peripheral edema, weight increase, muscle cramp, coughing, upper respiratory tract infection, viral infection, blood clots, fluid retention, allergic reactions, stroke, myocardial infarction, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary emboli, deep vein thrombosis, probable dementia, numbness in the legs, hips, and lower back. |
| Precautions | People who are 65 and older are at greater risk for some side effects. Should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia. |
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What You'll Learn

Numbness and pain in the bum, upper leg, hip, and lower back
In some cases, the numbness and pain associated with progesterone injections may be a result of the oil used in the injection accumulating in the muscle. This can cause knots or bumps known as panniculitis, which can be treated with physical therapy or massage. Using heat or a heating pad after the injection can help to warm and thin the oil, improving absorption and reducing the risk of side effects.
If you are experiencing numbness or pain after progesterone injections, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend alternative methods of administering progesterone, such as suppositories, or prescribe a different medication to address the issue. It is also important to report any side effects to the appropriate authorities, such as the FDA in the United States or Health Canada in Canada.
It is worth noting that other side effects of progesterone injections may include redness at the injection site, dizziness, drowsiness, breast tenderness, stomach discomfort, allergic reactions, blood clots, fluid retention (edema), and increased risk of cardiovascular disease or dementia in postmenopausal women when combined with estrogen therapy. These side effects can vary depending on the individual and the specific progesterone product prescribed. Therefore, it is always important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
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Nerve damage
The injections can cause numbness, and this may be due to nerve damage. One user on Reddit reported that they had been experiencing numbness and "weird nerve zaps" down their hips and legs after nine weeks of progesterone injections. They also reported having lasting numbness on both sides from the shots, which went away after giving birth, but returned when they began trying for another baby. Another user commented that they had experienced numbness in their leg for six months after stopping the injections.
It is important to rotate injection sites and not inject into the same spot repeatedly, as this can increase the chances of tissue damage.
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Allergic reactions
While I cannot confirm if progesterone injections cause numbness in the muscle over time, I can provide information on allergic reactions to progesterone injections.
Progesterone injections are usually administered into a muscle. They are often prescribed as part of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment to increase the chances of becoming pregnant.
Progesterone injections can cause allergic reactions, which can be severe and life-threatening. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, requires immediate emergency medical attention. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include:
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using progesterone and seek immediate medical help.
It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies, especially to peanuts or sesame seeds, before using progesterone. Progesterone is usually compounded in sesame oil, and exposure to allergens can trigger an allergic reaction.
In some cases, progesterone injections can cause little knots or bumps in the muscle, known as panniculitis. These bumps can be treated with physical therapy. It is recommended to avoid injecting directly into these bumps and to maintain a distance of at least one inch to minimise pain and facilitate absorption.
Additionally, people who are 65 and older may be at a higher risk for certain side effects from progesterone injections. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to understand the potential risks associated with progesterone injections.
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Blood clots
Progesterone is used as a part of hormone replacement therapy in women who have passed menopause but have not had a hysterectomy. It is also used to bring on menstruation in women of childbearing age who have stopped menstruating. Progesterone is typically administered as a capsule taken by mouth, but it can also be injected into a muscle.
Progesterone may cause a blood clot in the arteries or veins, which could lead to a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism (VTE). A blood clot in the lungs is known as a pulmonary embolism, while a clot in the legs or arms is called deep venous thrombosis. The risk of blood clots increases as the dose of estrogen increases. The use of injectable depot-medroxyprogesterone (DMPA) has been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis compared to non-users. However, progestin-only contraceptives, which include progestin-only birth control pills, intrauterine devices, and injections, have not been shown to increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
It is important to note that the absolute risk of developing a blood clot while taking progesterone is relatively small. However, individuals with thrombophilia or a history of thrombosis may have a higher risk. If you experience any signs or symptoms of a blood clot, such as pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, progesterone may cause other side effects, such as fluid retention (edema), which can be dangerous for people with heart failure or kidney problems. It can also cause frequent spotting or light bleeding between periods. Pregnant individuals or those trying to conceive should not use progesterone unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
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Fluid retention
While I could not find conclusive evidence that progesterone injections cause numbness in the muscle over time, there are several other side effects associated with the use of progesterone injections. These include redness at the injection site, dizziness, drowsiness, breast tenderness, stomach discomfort, and changes in mood. In addition, some people have reported experiencing pain and numbness after receiving progesterone injections. It is important to note that these side effects may vary from person to person and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Now, regarding fluid retention, also known as edema, it is important to understand that progesterone can indeed cause this condition. Fluid retention refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues, which can lead to swelling in various parts of the body. While fluid retention is a common side effect of progesterone use, it is important to monitor it closely, especially for individuals with certain health conditions.
The mechanism behind fluid retention caused by progesterone involves alterations in the body's fluid and sodium regulatory systems. Studies have shown that progesterone administration results in acute perturbations in body fluid regulation, such as changes in the threshold for arginine vasopressin (AVP) release and thirst onset. AVP is the primary hormone responsible for regulating renal free water levels in the body. Additionally, progesterone influences other sodium-regulation hormones such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), renin, and aldosterone.
The effect of progesterone on fluid retention may be more pronounced in specific populations. For example, older individuals or those with underlying health conditions may experience greater fluid retention compared to young, healthy individuals. This can be particularly concerning for people with heart failure or kidney problems, as fluid retention can exacerbate these conditions and lead to serious complications.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience fluid retention while taking progesterone. They may recommend alternative treatments or provide guidance on managing fluid retention through lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake, increasing fluid intake, or engaging in light physical activity. Additionally, they can advise on whether it is safe to continue using progesterone injections, taking into account the potential risks and benefits for your individual situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, several people have reported experiencing numbness in their hips, legs, and buttocks after receiving progesterone injections. This may be caused by accidentally hitting a nerve during the injection.
The most common side effects of progesterone injections include dizziness, drowsiness, breast tenderness, stomach discomfort, redness at the injection site, and allergic reactions.
If you experience any side effects from progesterone injections, you should consult your healthcare provider. They can advise you on how to manage the side effects and determine if you should continue the injections.
Yes, there are alternative forms of progesterone, such as capsules, suppositories, and creams. If you are experiencing side effects from injections, your healthcare provider may recommend switching to one of these alternatives.











































