Information about Provera (Medroxyprogesterone)
Provera is the brand name for Medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female hormone progesterone. It is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions related to hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, and to manage certain symptoms related to menopause.
Product Highlights
- Used to treat irregular menstrual bleeding or periods caused by hormonal imbalances.
- Helps prevent endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining), especially in women taking estrogen hormone therapy.
- Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat absent menstruation (secondary amenorrhea) due to hormonal irregularities.
- Medroxyprogesterone is used as an injectable contraceptive to prevent pregnancy for up to three months.
- Provera is sometimes prescribed for the management of menopausal symptoms, in combination with estrogen.
- Occasionally used to treat certain cancers, such as endometrial or renal cancer.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Provera can help restore regular periods in women with irregular cycles or absent menstruation.
- When used in combination with estrogen, it reduces the risk of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women.
- As an injectable form, it provides long-term contraception with a single injection lasting 12–14 weeks.
- Effective for managing excessive or irregular bleeding caused by hormonal imbalances.
- Helps manage symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness in women who are undergoing menopause.
Direction of Use
- Take as directed, typically 2.5–10 mg once daily, depending on the condition being treated.
- Typically administered every 3 months (Depo-Provera), depending on the doctor's recommendations.
- For menstrual issues or irregular bleeding, the treatment duration and timing will be determined by your healthcare provider.
- It's important to take the medication consistently and at the prescribed time for optimal results, especially if using Provera as contraception.
Safety Concerns
- Medroxyprogesterone may increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, or stroke.
- Long-term use of the injectable form (Depo-Provera) may lead to a decrease in bone mineral density, increasing the risk of fractures.
- Common side effects can include headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness, weight gain, and nausea.
- There may be an increased risk of breast cancer with prolonged use, particularly for women with a history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers.
- Provera can affect liver function, so it should be used with caution in individuals with liver disease.
Avoid Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) If
- If you are allergic to Medroxyprogesterone or any of the other components in Provera.
- If you have a history of or are currently experiencing blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke.
- Provera should not be used by individuals with liver disease or liver cancer.
- If you have a history of breast cancer or any other cancer that is sensitive to hormones, you should avoid Provera.
- Provera should not be used during pregnancy, as it may cause harm to a developing fetus.
- If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, Provera should not be used until a cause is determined.
