Hormone therapy — brand

Crinone

Progesterone vaginal gel

Bioidentical progesterone vaginal gel — primarily used in fertility treatment but occasionally in HRT for patients intolerant of oral progesterone.

Medically reviewed by Kindr Health Clinical Team · Last reviewed 2026-07-03

What it is

Crinone is a brand-name bioidentical progesterone vaginal gel in 4% and 8% strengths.

Most commonly used in IVF/ART; sometimes used in HRT for women who cannot tolerate oral progesterone.

How it works

Vaginal delivery achieves high local uterine concentrations via the "first uterine pass" effect, with lower systemic levels than oral routes.

Who it's for

Women on estrogen needing endometrial protection who cannot tolerate oral progesterone (drowsiness, GI effects)
Fertility treatment (primary use)

Who should not take it

Active liver disease
Active thromboembolic disease
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

Common side effects

Vaginal discharge
Mild local irritation

Evidence summary

FDA-approved for progesterone supplementation/replacement in ART and for secondary amenorrhea.

Brand-name vs compounded

Crinone is an FDA-approved brand-name product. Many Kindr patients use compounded alternatives prepared by a state-licensed 503A pharmacy when a custom dose, custom combination, or different delivery form is clinically preferable. Both pathways are available through Kindr — your provider will recommend based on your individual needs.

Brand-name Crinone

FDA-approved finished product
Standardized doses
Available at most pharmacies
May be covered by insurance
Limited dose options

Compounded alternative

Custom dose for your needs
Prepared by FDA-registered 503A pharmacy
Not FDA-approved as a finished product
Typically cash pay
Flexible delivery forms

FAQ

Is Crinone used for menopause HRT?

Off-label sometimes, when oral progesterone is not tolerated. Oral micronized progesterone is the standard HRT progestogen.

Sources

Medically reviewed by Kindr Health Clinical Team
Kindr Health Inc. — Editorial & Clinical Team (physician-supervised)
NPI 1609792902 · Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Other medications

Estradiol →

Hormone therapy

Micronized Progesterone →

Hormone therapy

Testosterone (low-dose, female-physiologic) →

Hormone therapy

Semaglutide →

GLP-1 weight care

This page is educational and is not a substitute for a clinical evaluation. Whether any medication is appropriate for you depends on your full medical history. Kindr providers make individualized prescribing decisions during a clinical visit.