Provera is a medication used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help balance hormone levels in the body. It contains the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the female hormone progesterone. Progesterone is important for various functions in the female reproductive system, such as regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterus for pregnancy.
In HRT, Provera is often prescribed to women who have reached menopause to protect the lining of the uterus. It can be used along with oestrogen to relieve symptoms of menopause like hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, and fatigue.
How does Provera work?
The active ingredient in Provera is medroxyprogesterone acetate, a type of medicine called a progestogen. Its job is to mimic the effects of the female hormone progesterone. It enters cells and attaches to a specific receptor, where it can work.[1] It works by filling in for the hormones that drop during and after menopause. When you take oestrogen as part of your HRT, it can thicken the uterus lining, which may increase your risk of womb cancer. So taking a progestogen like Provera can counteract this effect and work together with the oestrogen to ease menopause symptoms.
What doses are available for Provera?
Provera is available in 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg tablets. These dosages are used for menstrual issues, endometriosis, and menopause symptoms. It’s also available in higher strengths of 100mg, 200mg and 400mg, but these will mainly be prescribed for specific types of cancer.
Treated trusted sources:
Edwards M, Can AS, (March 2023). Progestin. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Mr Craig Marsh on March 07, 2023. Next review due on August 01, 2024.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
ProveraMedroxyprogesterone acetate
How to use Provera
Depending on what stage of menopause you’re at, your clinician will prescribe you a dosing regimen that you should follow closely.
There are two ways to take Provera:
Sequentially:
Depending on what dose you’re given, the recommended dose is 10mg per day for 12 to 14 days of each cycle
Take it at the same time every day with your oestrogen
Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
Continually:
The recommended dose is 2.5mg to 5mg every day for 28 days of your cycle
Take it at the same time every day with your oestrogen
Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
How long does Provera take to work?
When it comes to menopause, everyone’s different. How long you need to take it can vary, as some women may have to take it for a couple of years while others find their symptoms improve after a few months. Medroxyprogesterone can start to work quickly and can improve your symptoms within a month of taking it. It can take between two and three months of taking it with oestrogen for you to see the full benefits of Provera. [1]
What happens if I make a mistake using Provera?
If you forget to take Provera, take the tablet as soon as you remember, then carry on as normal. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you take too many Provera tablets, seek urgent medical attention. If you stop taking Provera suddenly, it can cause your symptoms to come back, as well as breakthrough bleeding. It’s important to let your clinician know if you want to stop taking Provera or if you want to alter your dose.
Treated trusted sources:
NHS, (April 2023), Medicines: Medroxyprogesterone tablets: Common questions, nhs.uk,
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Mr Craig Marsh on March 07, 2023. Next review due on August 01, 2024.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
ProveraMedroxyprogesterone acetate
ProveraMedroxyprogesterone acetate
FAQ: Provera
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Will I get side effects from Provera?
Answer:
Like all medicines, Provera can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. One in ten people may experience headaches, nausea, irregular bleeding or spotting. Some common side effects include allergic reactions, in which case you should stop taking it and inform your clinician, as well as mood changes, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, hair loss, acne, itchiness, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, and weight gain. If you’re concerned about any of these, let your clinician know to either change your dose or try a different treatment option.
Are there similar treatments to Provera?
Answer:
Several treatments use the same active ingredient as Provera. Depo-Provera is one, and it’s also made by the same manufacturer — except it’s an injection, not a tablet. It’s used for contraception and offers protection for eight to thirteen weeks. However, one study looked at using medroxyprogesterone acetate as an injection for menopause and found that 89.5% were relieved of symptoms compared to only 25% in the control group, suggesting that it has potential for future use for menopausal women as an alternative method. [1] Some other treatments include combined HRT, which often uses medroxyprogesterone as one of its active ingredients. Depending on your stage of menopause, taking a continuous combined tablet may be easier for you, as you don’t have to remember to take two tablets all the time. Indivina, Premique, and Tridestra are all combined HRTs that use the same active ingredient as Provera but are made by different manufacturers, so their pricing and packaging may differ.
Can Provera cause weight gain?
Answer:
Weight gain is listed as one of the common side effects, and it may become more likely after taking it for a long time. One study looked at the link between weight gain and medroxyprogesterone, which was able to establish that the medication can cause an average 2.40kg increase in weight, especially for those who use it from a young age (for contraception). [2] Although this may seem off-putting, it’s important to remember that some patients may not experience any weight changes or even lose weight instead. Talk to your clinician if you’d like to discuss a different type of progestogen.
Do I need a prescription for Provera?
Answer:
Yes. You’ll need a prescription for Provera, as the prescriber will want to know more about your health background to decide whether it’s safe for you, and to decide which dose you should be on (usually, your starting dose will be the smallest one).
Sims, J., Lutz, E., Wallace, K., Kassahun-Yimer, W., Ngwudike, C., & Shwayder, J. (2020). Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate, weight gain and amenorrhea among obese women adolescent and adult women. The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : The official journal of the European Society of Contraception, 25(1), 54.
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