Medroxyprogesterone

What is Medroxyprogesterone?

Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin hormone treatment for heavy periods. It’s taken a few days before your period starts, which helps make it lighter and shorter.

While you don’t need treatment for heavy periods, managing them can be difficult, especially if you experience period symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue. So by taking Medroxyprogesterone, it can make your periods more manageable and easier to live with.

Does Medoxyprogesterone have any other names?

Medroxyprogesterone is the generic version of a tablet called Provera. Provera was a branded treatment, which has been discontinued by its manufacturer and is no longer available. So if you’ve taken Provera for heavy periods before, Medroxyprogesterone may be a good alternative for you. It’s available in the same doses as Provera (2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg), and works in the same way in the body. Generic medications often tend to be cheaper than branded versions too.

How does Medroxyprogesterone work?

Medroxyprogesterone is a synthetic form of progesterone, a hormone that naturally occurs in your body. It helps reduce heavy menstrual periods by inhibiting the growth of your uterine lining and making it thinner. As menstrual bleeding is caused by the shedding of the uterine lining, a thinner lining leads to lighter and often less painful periods.^[1]

What doses of Medroxyprogesterone are there?

Medroxyprogesterone is available with us in doses of 5mg and 10mg. You start taking it between day 16 and day 21 of your menstrual cycle. The usual dose is one or two tablets daily for up to 10 days.

How to take Medroxyprogesterone

Swallow the tablet whole with water. It can be taken with or without food. It’s best to take it at the same time each day for best results. For detailed instructions, check the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Medroxyprogesterone is usually taken for two to three consecutive cycles. After this, your clinician will reassess you to make sure your treatment is working well.

It’s important to understand that Medroxyprogesterone isn’t a long-term solution; it’s temporarily prescribed to help lighten your periods until the root cause of your heavy period is understood and treated.

How long does Medroxyprogesterone take to work?

Medroxyprogesterone starts to work straight away; you should notice an improvement from your first period after taking it. You may experience lighter bleeding, shorter period days, fewer blood clots, and possibly less painful periods.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Medroxyprogesterone?

If you take more than the recommended amount, contact your doctor straight away.

If you miss a dose, take your missed tablet as soon as you remember and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed one.