Finding Progesterone Shouldn't Be This Hard

If you've been told your pharmacy is out of Progesterone — whether it's oral capsules, vaginal inserts, or injectable — you already know how stressful it can be. You need this medication for your health, and hearing "we can't get it right now" isn't an acceptable answer.

The good news? Progesterone is still being made and shipped to pharmacies. The challenge is knowing which pharmacies have it. In this guide, we'll share three practical strategies to help you find Progesterone in stock near you — and what to do if your first attempts come up short.

For background on what's behind the shortage, see our explainer on why Progesterone is so hard to find in 2026.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock in Real Time

The fastest way to find Progesterone is to skip the phone calls and use an online stock-checking tool. Medfinder lets you search for Progesterone availability at pharmacies near your zip code. You can filter by formulation — capsules, vaginal gel, inserts, or injectable — so you're not wasting time on locations that have a form you don't need.

Here's how to use it:

1. Go to Medfinder.com
2. Type in "Progesterone" and select your specific formulation and dose
3. Enter your zip code
4. View which nearby pharmacies currently have it in stock

This is especially useful for harder-to-find formulations like Progesterone injection (Progesterone in oil) or Endometrin vaginal inserts, which many retail pharmacies don't routinely carry.

You can also read our detailed walkthrough on how to check if a pharmacy has Progesterone in stock.

Tip 2: Call Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

When big chain pharmacies are out of stock, independent pharmacies are often your best bet. Here's why:

• Different supply chains: Independent pharmacies often use different wholesale distributors than chains like CVS or Walgreens. They may have access to inventory that the chains can't get.
• Flexibility: Independent pharmacists can sometimes source medications through secondary wholesalers or directly from manufacturers.
• Personal attention: You're more likely to talk to the actual pharmacist, who can help you problem-solve and may even hold stock for you when it arrives.

If you need Progesterone for fertility treatment (vaginal gel, inserts, or injections), consider calling a specialty pharmacy that works with reproductive endocrinology clinics. These pharmacies often maintain better stock of fertility-related medications because it's their core business.

Compounding pharmacies are another option. They can custom-prepare Progesterone in vaginal suppository, cream, or other forms. While compounded products aren't FDA-approved, they can fill the gap when commercial products are unavailable. Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for your situation.

Tip 3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Pharmacies typically receive medication shipments early in the week — often Monday through Wednesday. If you're trying to fill a Progesterone prescription during a shortage, calling or visiting the pharmacy early in the week (preferably Tuesday or Wednesday morning) may improve your chances of finding it in stock.

Other timing tips:

• Refill early: Most insurance plans allow you to refill 7-10 days before your current supply runs out. Don't wait until you're completely out.
• Request 90-day fills: If your insurance allows it, a 90-day supply means fewer trips to the pharmacy and less exposure to stock-out situations.
• Set up auto-refill: Many pharmacies will automatically order your medication when a refill is coming due. This gives the pharmacy advance notice to secure stock.
• Morning pickups: Pharmacies are more likely to have newly received stock available in the morning before the day's rush of prescription fills.

What If You Still Can't Find Progesterone?

If you've tried these strategies and you're still coming up empty, don't give up. Here are a few more options:

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

Depending on why you take Progesterone, your provider may be able to prescribe an alternative. For menopausal hormone therapy or amenorrhea, synthetic progestins like Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) or Norethindrone (Aygestin) may be options. These are different medications with different properties, so this decision should always involve your prescriber. Read more in our guide to alternatives to Progesterone.

Ask Your Doctor to Specify "Substitution Permitted"

If your prescription is written for brand-name Prometrium, your pharmacy can fill it with a generic equivalent — but only if the prescription allows substitution. Make sure your doctor hasn't written "DAW" (Dispense As Written) unless there's a specific medical reason for the brand.

Check Multiple Pharmacy Chains

Different pharmacy chains use different distributors. If CVS is out, Walgreens might have it — and vice versa. Costco, Walmart, and grocery store pharmacies are also worth checking. Use Medfinder to compare availability across all nearby options at once.

Consider Mail-Order or Online Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies and online pharmacies like Amazon Pharmacy may have access to different inventory pools. If you have some time before you run out, ordering online could get you your medication in 3-5 business days.

Final Thoughts

Finding Progesterone during a shortage takes more effort than it should, but it's almost always possible with the right approach. Start with Medfinder to check real-time availability, branch out to independent and specialty pharmacies, and plan your refills strategically.

If cost is also a concern, don't miss our guide on how to save money on Progesterone in 2026. And for a complete overview of this medication, check out What is Progesterone? Uses, dosage, and what you need to know.