Prometrium Contains Peanut Oil: Compounded Progesterone Alternatives for Peanut Allergies
Prometrium and most generic micronized progesterone capsules suspend the hormone in peanut oil, a hard stop for peanut-allergic patients. Compounded progesterone in alternative bases solves it, at any strength your prescriber needs.
The short answer: Prometrium and most generic micronized progesterone capsules use peanut oil as the suspension vehicle, the labeling itself contraindicates them in peanut allergy. For those patients, a compounding pharmacy prepares the identical hormone, micronized progesterone, in a peanut-free base. Olive oil, MCT oil or an oil-free capsule are the usual choices, at whatever strength the prescriber specifies. Same molecule, different vehicle, no allergen, by prescription only.
KeyPoints
- Prometrium and most generics suspend micronized progesterone in peanut oil; peanut allergy is a labeled contraindication
- Compounded capsules deliver the same hormone in olive oil, MCT, or oil-free bases
- Custom strengths fill the gap between the commercial 100 mg and 200 mg options
- This is allergen-avoidance and access, not a claim of superiority over the FDA-approved product
- Progesterone is prescription-only. Your provider determines dose, timing, and monitoring
EndKeyPoints
Why is there peanut oil in a hormone capsule?
Micronized progesterone is poorly absorbed as a dry powder; suspending the micronized particles in oil dramatically improves oral bioavailability. When Prometrium was developed, peanut oil was the chosen vehicle, and most generics replicated it. For the vast majority of patients that's a non-issue. For patients with a peanut allergy, that is a hard stop on one of the most commonly prescribed parts of menopausal hormone therapy. Progesterone is the standard partner to estrogen for protecting the uterine lining.
What does the compounded alternative look like?
| Option | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compounded capsule (olive oil) | Olive oil suspension | Closest analogue to the commercial design, peanut-free |
| Compounded capsule (MCT oil) | Medium-chain triglycerides | Common choice for patients avoiding multiple food oils |
| Compounded capsule (oil-free) | Powder blend with absorption-supporting excipients | For patients avoiding oils altogether |
| Sustained-release capsule | Release-modifying matrix | Prescriber option for smoother overnight levels |
| Topical or vaginal forms | Cream or suppository base | Different absorption profile, prescriber-selected for specific goals |
The active ingredient throughout is USP-grade micronized progesterone with a certificate of analysis. Your prescriber picks the vehicle and form; we verify every excipient against your documented allergies. Which is standard practice for any allergen-driven compound we prepare.
Custom strengths: the second reason this gets compounded
Commercial capsules exist at 100 mg and 200 mg, period. Plenty of protocols land between or below those numbers. One patient gets morning grogginess at 200 mg but breakthrough symptoms at 100 mg. Another provider prefers to titrate in smaller steps. Compounding can produce 125 mg, 150 mg, or any other prescribed strength, in the same peanut-free base. Our compounded progesterone capsules and topical progesterone cream cover both routes.
Who should bring this up with their provider?
- Peanut-allergic patients currently avoiding progesterone therapy, or worse, taking the commercial capsule without realizing what's in it
- Patients with multiple excipient sensitivities, dyes, specific oils, who react to commercial formulations
- Patients needing in-between strengths their provider can't reach with 100/200 mg tablets-in-hand
Getting peanut-free progesterone in Los Angeles
Ask your prescriber to specify "micronized progesterone, peanut-free base" with the strength and form, and send it to Generation Pharmacy. Most capsules are ready in 1–2 business days. Read the BHRT patient guide, browse the formulation catalog, or call 424-228-1049 to have a pharmacist review excipients with you before your first fill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Prometrium really contain peanut oil?
Yes. Prometrium capsules, and most generic micronized progesterone capsules, suspend the hormone in peanut oil, and the product labeling lists peanut allergy as a contraindication. Patients with peanut allergy should not take them and should always confirm excipients with their pharmacist.
What do compounding pharmacies use instead of peanut oil?
Compounded micronized progesterone capsules can be prepared in alternative vehicles your prescriber approves, such as olive oil, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, or oil-free powder-filled formulations. The active hormone is identical micronized progesterone; only the base changes.
Can compounded progesterone come in strengths other than 100 and 200 mg?
Yes. Commercial capsules come only in 100 mg and 200 mg. Compounding can prepare any prescribed strength, 25, 50, 125, 150 mg, or anything else your provider determines, plus sustained-release versions when the prescriber wants smoother overnight coverage.
Who else benefits from compounded progesterone besides peanut-allergic patients?
Patients sensitive to dyes or other excipients in commercial capsules, patients who need non-standard strengths, and patients whose providers prefer alternative forms such as topical creams, troches, or vaginal preparations.
Is compounded peanut-free progesterone the same as the commercial product?
It contains the same active ingredient, micronized progesterone, but it is a pharmacy-prepared compound, not an FDA-approved finished product. The reason to use it is access for patients the commercial product excludes, not superiority. It requires a prescription, and your provider directs dosing and monitoring.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or before starting any new treatment.
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