On Novelle Patch And Progesterone. Having Hot Flashes, Back Pain And Sciatica. Should I Be Serious?

Posted on Wed, 7 Aug 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 7 Aug 2013 Answered on

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I am on the Novelle patch and progesterone 10 mg/day...stopped for a couple days by mistake and got back on last Saturday..been having hot flashes again when they were previously under control and now I seem to be spotting a bit...worried it could be serious as I have also had back pain and sciatica for 4 weeks..

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (35 minutes later)

Dear patient,

Thanks for the health concerns; most likely, the return of symptoms corresponds to hormonal level fluctuations because of missing the pills; in a similar fashion, women who miss birth control pills for contraception can have spotting or cramping pains; continue on your medications as before and allow your body to equilibrate again; if the symptoms persist after 10-14 days, then consultation with your family physician or ObGyn is in order.

Truly yours,

Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar