Prometrium vs Aygestin: side-by-side comparison
Prometrium (Hormones and Birth Control) and Aygestin (Women's Sexual Health) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Prometrium | Aygestin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Progesterone | Norethindrone |
| Manufacturer | Catalent / Virtus | Various generics |
| Class | Hormones and Birth Control | Women's Sexual Health |
| Strengths | 100mg, 200mg | 5mg |
| Forms | capsule | tablet |
What's the same
Prometrium and Aygestin are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Prometrium belongs to Hormones and Birth Control while Aygestin belongs to Women's Sexual Health. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Prometrium: Progesterone in Prometrium binds to progesterone receptors and modulates gene expression in reproductive and other tissues. Aygestin: Norethindrone binds to progesterone receptors and exerts progestational effects: thickening cervical mucus, suppressing the LH surge, thinning the endometrium and reducing endometrial implant activity in endometriosis.
When Prometrium is preferred
Prometrium is approved for endometrial protection in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen, secondary amenorrhoea and selected ART indications.
When Aygestin is preferred
Aygestin is approved for endometriosis-associated pain, abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, and secondary amenorrhoea.
Frequently asked questions
Is Prometrium or Aygestin better? ▾
Prometrium and Aygestin are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Prometrium to Aygestin? ▾
Switching between Prometrium and Aygestin is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Prometrium and Aygestin have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Prometrium comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.