The symptomatology of progestogen intolerance

It is common for women receiving oestrogen replacement therapy to experience adverse symptoms whilst taking cyclical progestogen. This study highlights the similarity of these symptoms to those experienced in pre-menstrual syndrome and confirms that the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire is an appropriate tool for future research. The data also indicate that progestogens vary in the type of symptoms they cause. Norethisterone is more likely to cause symptoms from the Moos pain symptom cluster than either medroxyprogesterone or dydrogesterone, but is less likely to cause negative affect symptom cluster symptoms. The relative levels of oestrogen and progestogen may influence the severity of progestogenic symptoms.