Any other shift workers here on progesterone?

CuriousChristie

• 18 December 2024 04:19

I’m 47 in peri still getting random periods. Any other shift workers here on progesterone? I'm wondering how you take your progesterone when you're working a night shift? Do you take it in the evening, or adjust it somehow?

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  MariaInMeno

  • 18 December 2024 23:33

  Hi! As a fellow shift worker, I’m happy to share what’s been working for me. I personally take mine before I go to bed, no matter the time of day. My understanding is that when cycles are regular, progesterone can help with sleep, which is why it's often prescribed to take at night. That said, I'm no expert. Might be good idea to have a chat with your care team to come up with a plan that feels right for you. In the meantime, I’ve invited a clinician to share their thoughts on this topic :)

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  sanoMidLife Clinical Team

  • 20 December 2024 12:10

  CuriousChristie Managing progesterone use as a shift worker during perimenopause can be challenging, but there are strategies to make it work for your schedule. The type of progesterone you use plays a significant role. For oral micronized progesterone (e.g., Prometrium), taking it at night is ideal due to its sedative effects, which can support better sleep. For topical progesterone creams, the timing depends on your symptoms and can be adjusted to fit your routine.

  If you work night shifts, it’s best to take your progesterone at the start of your main sleep period, even if that occurs during the day. The goal is to align it with your “night,” or the time when your body naturally prepares for rest. 

  Consistency is key—try to take it at the same point in your sleep cycle, whether you’re working or on days off, to maintain hormonal balance. Pay attention to how you feel. If you experience drowsiness or other side effects, you may need to adjust the timing or dosage.

  If you’d like clinical input, I recommend discussing your situation with a healthcare provider, such as your sanoMidLife clinician, for tailored advice. Progesterone can impact mood, energy, and hormonal balance differently for everyone. Let me know if you'd like a deeper dive into specific considerations!

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  sanoMidLife Clinical Team

  • 20 December 2024 12:17

  MariaInMeno Thank you for sharing your experience—it’s incredibly insightful! Syncing progesterone with your personal sleep schedule, rather than traditional clock time, is crucial since our internal clocks significantly influence how we metabolize medications. 

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