Best Progesterone Supplements

Progesterone is a key hormone involved in menstrual cycle regulation, fertility, and pregnancy support. In the UK, many people searching for “best progesterone supplements” are usually looking for trusted, non-prescription options that may support hormone balance, PMS comfort, sleep quality, or cycle regularity — especially during perimenopause.

If you’re specifically looking for micronised / medical progesterone, it’s important to know that true progesterone is a prescription medicine in the UK (commonly used in fertility treatment, HRT, and specific gynaecology plans). “Progesterone supplements” sold over the counter are typically progesterone-supporting nutrients and botanicals, rather than prescription progesterone itself.

For broader hormone support, you can explore the Women’s Health Supplements range, alongside targeted options in Hormone Imbalance Support and Fertility Supplements.

What Are Progesterone Supplements?

Most “progesterone supplements” available without prescription fall into three practical categories:

• Progesterone-supporting nutrients that help normal hormone function and neurotransmitter pathways (for example, vitamin B6 or magnesium).
• Botanicals used traditionally for cycle support, especially for PMS-type symptoms and luteal-phase support (for example, chaste tree berry).
• Topical cosmetic products labelled “progesterone” (often creams). These are not the same as prescription progesterone used in regulated medical treatment plans.

Micronised / Medical Progesterone Products (UK)

Micronised progesterone is a regulated medicine prescribed for specific clinical reasons — commonly as part of HRT (to protect the uterine lining when oestrogen is used), fertility protocols, or other gynaecology care plans. If you suspect low progesterone, the most useful first step is usually to confirm what’s happening biologically before choosing any approach.

On Welzo, many people start by checking progesterone and wider hormone markers using an at-home blood test, such as the Progesterone Test or a broader option like the Female Hormone Test. If your symptoms align with cycle shifts, the Perimenopause Test can also be relevant.

What Are Progesterone Supplements Used For?

Progesterone supplements are commonly used to support hormonal balance, particularly during the second half of the menstrual cycle (the luteal phase), when progesterone naturally rises. They are most often explored by people experiencing symptoms linked to low or fluctuating progesterone, or by those seeking additional support during fertility planning or perimenopause.

It’s important to distinguish between prescription micronised progesterone and non-prescription progesterone-support supplements. Most over-the-counter supplements do not replace progesterone directly; instead, they aim to support the body’s hormonal environment, stress response, or metabolic pathways that influence progesterone production and use.

Common Reasons People Use Progesterone Supplements

Cycle and PMS support
Progesterone plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and counterbalancing oestrogen. When progesterone levels are low relative to oestrogen, people may experience symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, irritability, low mood, or sleep disruption. Supplements are often used as part of cycle-aware routines to support luteal-phase comfort.

Fertility and luteal-phase support
Adequate progesterone is essential after ovulation to support implantation and early pregnancy. While prescription progesterone is used in medical fertility settings, non-prescription supplements are often used to support ovulatory regularity, metabolic signalling, and overall cycle stability in people trying to conceive.

Perimenopause and hormonal transition support
During perimenopause, progesterone levels often decline earlier and more abruptly than oestrogen. This imbalance can contribute to irregular cycles, sleep problems, anxiety, and heavier periods. Many people explore progesterone-support supplements to help manage these transitional symptoms alongside lifestyle and medical guidance.

Stress-related hormone imbalance
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol can interfere with progesterone production, as progesterone shares precursor pathways with stress hormones. For this reason, supplements that support stress resilience and sleep are often included in progesterone-focused routines, even though they do not supply progesterone directly.

General hormone balance education and testing pathways
Some people use progesterone-related supplements while monitoring hormone levels through testing, using supplementation as part of a broader strategy that includes nutrition, stress management, and medical oversight.

Our Top Picks: Best Progesterone-Support Supplements

Best Overall (Cycle & PMS Support)
Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex) Capsules (Pure Encapsulations)
A widely used botanical for luteal-phase and PMS-style support, often chosen as a first comparison point when exploring progesterone-related routines.

Best Targeted “Progesterone-Labelled” Option (Topical)
Pro-Adapt (Progesterone) 15ml (BioMatrix)
A topical, non-prescription product labelled for progesterone support, suitable for people specifically searching for progesterone-named options while keeping expectations realistic.

Best for Hormone Pathway Support
DIM (Diindolylmethane) – Pure Encapsulations
Chosen for its role in supporting oestrogen metabolism pathways rather than providing direct hormone supplementation.

Best for Stress & Sleep Support
Ashwagandha KSM-66 Capsules (Applied Nutrition)
A clinically studied adaptogen is commonly used when stress, poor sleep, or elevated cortisol worsens cyclical symptoms.

Best for Fertility-Friendly Metabolic Support
Myo-Inositol Powder (Lamberts)
A well-researched, practitioner-trusted ingredient commonly used in fertility-focused and cycle-support routines, particularly where metabolic signalling, insulin sensitivity, and ovulatory regularity are central considerations.

Best Budget-Friendly Support
Evening Primrose Oil Softgels (Pure Encapsulations)
A long-standing option for cyclical comfort and general wellbeing, best viewed as supportive rather than hormone-specific.

Best “Upstream” Hormone Precursor 
Pregnenolone Capsules (Swanson)
Included for clarity, as many people researching progesterone encounter pregnenolone. This is not progesterone and should only be considered by informed users.

Detailed Product Reviews 

1) Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex) Capsules (Pure Encapsulations)

2) Pro-Adapt (Progesterone) 15ml

3)  Pure Encapsulations DIM 

4) Applied Nutrition Ashwagandha KSM-66 

5) Lamberts Myo‑Inositol Powder 200 g 

6) Pure Encapsulations Evening Primrose Oil 

7) Pregnenolone Capsules- Swanson

Comparison Table: Progesterone-Support Supplements at 

Features and Benefits of Progesterone Supplements

Progesterone supplements are typically used to support specific phases of the menstrual cycle, fertility planning, or hormone balance during perimenopause and menopause. Unlike vitamins or minerals, progesterone is a hormone, which means its benefits depend heavily on timing, dosage, and individual hormonal context rather than routine daily use.

High-quality progesterone products prioritise clarity of purpose, appropriate delivery format, and realistic expectations. Because progesterone works in opposition to oestrogen in many tissues, it is usually used as part of a broader hormone-balance approach rather than as a standalone solution.

In practice, progesterone-related products are most effective when they are aligned with confirmed ovulation, symptom patterns, or clinician-guided hormone therapy rather than taken continuously without assessment.

Key Features of High-Quality Progesterone Supplements

Well-designed progesterone products focus on precision and context rather than aggressive dosing or general wellness claims. The most reliable options share several defining features:

Clear differentiation between medical and non-medical products
True micronised progesterone is a regulated medicine in many regions and is prescribed for specific clinical indications such as HRT or fertility support. Over-the-counter products labelled as “progesterone” are typically topical formulations or supportive products and should not claim to replace prescription hormone therapy.

Appropriate delivery format
Progesterone is delivered in several forms, including oral micronised capsules (prescription), vaginal preparations (clinical use), and topical creams or liquids (non-prescription). High-quality products clearly state their delivery method and intended use so users understand how the product fits into their routine.

Cycle-aware usage guidance
Progesterone is not meant to be taken randomly throughout the month. Quality products and protocols recognise that progesterone levels naturally rise after ovulation and fall before menstruation. Products that acknowledge luteal-phase timing or provide clear guidance on when to use them are more aligned with physiological reality.

Conservative positioning and safety awareness
Reliable progesterone products avoid exaggerated promises such as “boosting progesterone naturally overnight.” Instead, they focus on symptom support, cycle awareness, or clinician-guided hormone replacement where appropriate.

Integration with broader hormone support
Because progesterone interacts closely with oestrogen, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, high-quality products are often positioned within wider hormone-support or fertility frameworks rather than as isolated fixes.

Potential Benefits People Seek from Progesterone Supplements

From a clinician-reviewed perspective, people usually seek progesterone-related products for targeted, phase-specific reasons rather than general supplementation. The most common goals include:

Support for the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
Progesterone rises after ovulation and supports the uterine lining. Products associated with progesterone are often used when cycles feel short, irregular, or when symptoms appear predominantly in the second half of the cycle.

Ovulation confirmation and fertility planning
Progesterone testing or clinician-guided progesterone use is frequently used to confirm that ovulation has occurred, which is essential for timing conception or understanding cycle health.

PMS- and PMDD-type symptom management
Some individuals explore progesterone support when they experience cyclical symptoms such as mood changes, breast tenderness, sleep disruption, or bloating that appear consistently in the luteal phase.

Perimenopause and menopause symptom support
During perimenopause, progesterone often declines earlier and more erratically than oestrogen. Progesterone-related products are commonly discussed in the context of sleep quality, anxiety, and cycle irregularity during this transition.

Endometrial protection during hormone therapy
In medical contexts, progesterone is prescribed alongside oestrogen in people who still have a uterus to help protect the endometrium. This is a clinical use case and differs from over-the-counter progesterone-labelled products.

It’s important to note that benefits from progesterone-related interventions are usually gradual and context-dependent. They are not typically immediate or dramatic, and effectiveness varies widely between individuals.

How We Think About Using Progesterone Supplements

Progesterone is not a “more is better” hormone. In fact, inappropriate timing or excessive use can worsen symptoms rather than improve them. This is why progesterone is best approached with intention rather than experimentation.

Progesterone-related products are most appropriate when there is a clear reason to use them, such as confirmed ovulation, persistent luteal-phase symptoms, or clinician-identified hormone imbalance. Using progesterone without understanding cycle timing or hormone interactions often leads to confusing or inconsistent results.

When You Should Take Progesterone Supplements

When progesterone supplements are used, timing matters more than consistency. Unlike daily vitamins, progesterone is typically used only during specific phases or circumstances.

After ovulation, not before
Progesterone naturally rises only after ovulation. Using progesterone (or progesterone-labelled products) before ovulation may interfere with ovulatory signalling in some individuals. For cycle-based use, progesterone is generally considered only in the luteal phase.

During the luteal phase (if cycle-based)
For those using progesterone support in a cyclical context, it is usually taken from ovulation until menstruation (or until pregnancy is confirmed, under medical guidance). This window aligns with the body’s natural progesterone pattern.

In perimenopause, based on symptoms rather than cycle days
As cycles become irregular, progesterone timing is often guided by symptoms (such as sleep disruption or anxiety) rather than strict cycle days. In these cases, clinician input becomes especially important.

As part of prescribed hormone therapy
When used as part of HRT or fertility treatment, progesterone should be taken exactly as prescribed. Dosing, duration, and timing are tailored to individual risk factors and goals.

Not indefinitely without reassessment
Progesterone supplementation—especially in medical or higher-dose contexts—should be reviewed periodically. Long-term use without reassessment may mask underlying issues or create new imbalances.

When Progesterone Supplements May Not Be Appropriate

Progesterone products may not be suitable if ovulation has not been confirmed, if symptoms are primarily driven by other hormones (such as thyroid or cortisol), or if there is a history of hormone-sensitive conditions without medical supervision.

As a general rule, progesterone is best viewed as a targeted, phase-specific tool, not a daily wellness supplement. Understanding when—and why—to use it is often more important than the product itself.

How to Choose a Progesterone-Support Supplement

• Start with the symptom driver: PMS discomfort and cycle timing often point toward Vitex-type support; stress and sleep disruption may point toward adaptogen support.
• Decide “medical vs supportive” early: if you suspect true progesterone deficiency, testing and clinical advice is usually more useful than trialling multiple supplements.
• Give it enough time: cycle-related changes often need 2–3 cycles for a fair assessment.
• Check interactions: especially if you use HRT, fertility medicines, thyroid medication, anticoagulants, or have hormone-sensitive conditions.

How to Use These Supplements in a Simple Routine

• Simple starter stack: Vitex daily + magnesium/B6 style support (if already in your routine) + lifestyle basics.
• Stress-first routine: ashwagandha in the evening + sleep hygiene + consistent meals.
• Fertility-focused routine: myo-inositol + cycle tracking + targeted testing if needed.

Side Effects, Interactions, and Who Should Avoid These

Even “natural” hormone-support supplements can cause unwanted effects or interact with medications. Stop use and seek advice if you experience new or worsening symptoms. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, using HRT, or have a hormone-sensitive condition, it’s best to get a clinician's guidance before starting hormone-focused supplements.

External References & Supporting Information

Progesterone plays a central role in the menstrual cycle, fertility, and hormone balance, particularly in the post-ovulation (luteal) phase. Unlike nutrients such as vitamins or minerals, progesterone is a steroid hormone, which means its use, interpretation, and supplementation require more nuance and context.

What Progesterone Does in the Body

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, progesterone is essential for preparing the uterine lining for potential pregnancy and supporting early gestation. It also influences brain signalling, sleep regulation, and thermoregulation.
NIH – Progesterone overview: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558960/

Progesterone levels naturally rise after ovulation and fall before menstruation if pregnancy does not occur. This timing explains why progesterone-related symptoms often appear in the second half of the cycle and why cycle-aware strategies matter more than continuous supplementation.

Progesterone vs “Progesterone Support” Supplements

Most over-the-counter products discussed in hormone-support articles do not contain prescription-grade progesterone. Instead, they support:

• Hormone signalling pathways

• Stress and cortisol regulation

• Oestrogen metabolism

• Cycle comfort and symptom tolerance

The British Menopause Society notes that micronised progesterone used in hormone replacement therapy is a regulated medicine and is different from topical or supplement-based products marketed for general wellbeing.
British Menopause Society – Progestogens and progesterone in HRT: https://thebms.org.uk/publications/factsheets/progestogens-and-progesterone/

This distinction is important for setting realistic expectations. Supplements and botanicals may support the hormonal environment, but they do not replace prescribed hormone therapy.

Evidence Context for Common Progesterone-Support Ingredients

Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)
Vitex is frequently discussed in relation to PMS and luteal-phase symptoms. A review published in Phytomedicine highlights its influence on dopaminergic pathways, which may indirectly affect prolactin and cycle-related symptoms.
Phytomedicine review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23174346/

DIM (Diindolylmethane)
DIM is derived from cruciferous vegetables and is primarily researched for its role in oestrogen metabolism. The National Cancer Institute notes DIM’s influence on oestrogen pathways rather than progesterone production itself.
NCI – DIM overview: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/dim-fact-sheet

Myo-Inositol
Myo-inositol is widely studied in fertility and metabolic health, particularly in ovulatory disorders. A systematic review in Gynecological Endocrinology highlights its role in insulin signalling and ovulatory function.
Systematic review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29498933/

Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
Ashwagandha is not a hormone but an adaptogen. Research published in Medicine (Baltimore) shows its effects on stress, cortisol, and sleep quality, which can indirectly influence cycle symptoms.
Clinical study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29509392/

Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is a source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes its traditional use for inflammatory and cyclical discomfort, though effects are typically subtle and gradual.
NIH ODS – Evening primrose oil: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/EveningPrimroseOil-Consumer/

Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is a precursor hormone from which progesterone and other steroid hormones are synthesised. The Endocrine Society emphasises that pregnenolone supplementation is not equivalent to progesterone therapy and should be approached cautiously.
Endocrine Society overview: https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/pregnenolone

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Are progesterone supplements the same as prescription progesterone?

No. Prescription micronised progesterone is a regulated medicine. Most over-the-counter “progesterone supplements” are supportive nutrients, botanicals, or topical products that are not the same as prescription therapy.

What is micronised progesterone used for?

In UK clinical care, micronised progesterone is commonly used in HRT (to protect the uterine lining when using oestrogen) and in fertility-related protocols when prescribed.

Can supplements increase progesterone levels?

Some supplements may support pathways involved in hormone balance, but they don’t work like prescription progesterone and results vary widely.

How long do cycle-support supplements take to work?

Many people assess over 8–12 weeks (often 2–3 cycles) before deciding if a supplement is helping.

Is Vitex good for PMS?

Vitex is commonly chosen for PMS-style symptoms and luteal-phase support, but it is not suitable for everyone and should be used consistently for a fair assessment.

What if my symptoms are mainly sleep and anxiety before my period?

In those cases, addressing stress physiology and sleep quality may be as important as cycle supplements. Adaptogen-style options are commonly used, alongside routine and sleep hygiene.

Is progesterone cream a replacement for HRT?

No. Topical “progesterone-labelled” products are not the same as prescription progesterone used in regulated HRT plans. Always follow clinician guidance for medical hormone therapy.

Can I take these supplements with HRT?

Sometimes, but it depends on your exact HRT plan and medical history. It’s safest to check with a clinician before adding hormone-focused supplements.

Which supplements are best for perimenopause hormone balance?

Many people focus on a combination of sleep support, stress support, and targeted hormone pathway support, plus testing if symptoms are persistent.

Do I need a progesterone blood test?

If you have persistent symptoms or fertility concerns, testing can be a practical step to avoid guessing and to guide next steps.

Can I take pregnenolone instead of progesterone?

Pregnenolone is not progesterone. It’s a different hormone and is not a substitute for prescription progesterone.

What’s the safest “first step” if I suspect low progesterone?

Tracking symptoms and cycle timing, then considering hormone testing and clinician guidance, is often more useful than trying multiple supplements randomly.

Who should avoid hormone-support supplements?

People who are pregnant/breastfeeding, have hormone-sensitive conditions, or are using prescription hormones should get medical advice before starting hormone-focused supplements.