What is Medroxyprogesterone?
Medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets is a medication that has a number of uses.
It’s used as a Menopause Hormone Therapy (also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy), in combination with estrogen therapy in women that have intact uteri.
Medroxyprogesterone is also used to treat menstrual disorders that are caused by hormonal imbalances.
Additionally, Medroxyprogesterone is sometimes used to treat and relieve symptoms associated with:
- Endometrial cancer
- Breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Medroxyprogesterone, please review the product monograph.
How does Medroxyprogesterone work?
Progesterone is a naturally produced female hormone that helps regulate bleeding patterns.
Medroxyprogesterone is a hormone that’s very similar to the naturally produced progesterone, so when women enter menopause and postmenopause, their bodies begin producing less progesterone. This medication helps replace this natural reduction in hormones to regulate bleeding patterns.
This medication also works by reducing the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of the uterus lining), as well as the risk of cancer of the uterus.
It’s believed that it works to prevent cancer by decreasing hormone release, and preventing cancer cells from multiplying, by balancing out high levels of estrogen.
What is Medroxyprogesterone used to treat?
There are a number of uses that Medroxyprogesterone is indicated for, including:
- As part of Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT), alongside estrogen therapy, for women with intact uteri
- As part of the treatment for menstrual disorders that are caused by hormone imbalances
- As part of the treatment plan for managing symptoms associated with endometrial cancer
- As part of the treatment plan for treating symptoms associated with breast cancer in postmenopausal women
It’s important to note that regular check-ups are essential to ensure the efficacy of your treatments, as well as to ensure you’re minimizing possible risks associated with MHT.
How do you take Medroxyprogesterone?
The dosage of Medroxyprogesterone that’s prescribed to you will depend on the treatment plan being used.
Your healthcare practitioner will give clear dosing instructions for your medication, depending on which indication Medroxyprogesterone is being used for. Always follow your practitioner's dosage schedule exactly as prescribed, and never take more Medroxyprogesterone than has been prescribed.
Medroxyprogesterone tablets should be taken by mouth, and they can be taken with or without food.
To help ensure the highest efficacy for your medication, you should take your daily dose of Medroxyprogesterone around the same time. This will help ensure the hormone levels in your body remain as stable as possible throughout your treatment cycle.
How long does Medroxyprogesterone last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Medroxyprogesterone?
The side effects that are most commonly seen while taking Medroxyprogesterone include:
- Breast tenderness
- Lactation (breast milk secretion)
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Spotting
- Irregular periods
- Absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Vaginal secretions
- Headaches
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Premenstrual syndrome-like symptoms
- Itching, hives, or rash
- Acne
- Hair loss or growth
- Abdominal discomfort or bloating
- Nausea
- Fever
- Weight gain
- Swelling
- Mood shaped face
If any of these side effects start to become severe or uncomfortable, you should talk to your healthcare practitioner. They may be able to suggest an alternative Medroxyprogesterone dosage or an alternative medication that may work better for you.
MHT is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms and has been shown to prevent bone loss.
In menopausal women who start appropriately-dosed MHT prior to age 60 OR within 10 years of their last period, the health benefits outweigh the risks.
Risks of MHT are considered very rare (~1 case per 1000 to 10,000 women on MHT per year) and may include:
- risks of stroke or blood clots in legs or lungs with oral estrogen (much lower risk with estrogen gel or patch)
- risks of dementia in women older than 65 years,
- risk of breast cancer (less than ~1 case per 1000 women on MHT per year)
These conditions are all rare, but they highlight the importance of having a full discussion with your healthcare practitioner; especially if you’re experiencing moderate to severe side effects.
Individualization is key, and your MHT treatment plan should be reassessed (at least) once a year to monitor your health, as well as ensure that you are on the correct dosage and formulation.
Your practitioner can help you find balance between treating your symptoms safely, and avoiding increased risks.
Who shouldn't take Medroxyprogesterone?
There are certain people that shouldn’t use Medroxyprogesterone, including:
- People with liver disease
- People who have or have had cancer of the breast or uterus, unless Medroxyprogesterone is being used to treat and relieve symptoms of these cancers
- People with abnormal vaginal bleeding
- People who are pregnant, or believe they may be pregnant
- People who have or have had any blood circulation problems (i.e., blood clots, stroke, blindness, or migraines)
- People who have had a stroke or heart attack
- People who are allergic to progestin or any of the other ingredients in Medroxyprogesterone
In addition to these people, there are others who should be cautious about taking Medroxyprogesterone. Be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner if you:
- Have a history of allergies or intolerances to any other medications or substances
- Have a history of breast disease, lumps, breast biopsies, or a family history of breast cancer
- Have any unusual or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Have a history of uterine fibroids or endometriosis
- Have a history of liver disease or jaundice
- Have a history of itching related to estrogen use or during pregnancy
- Have a history of migraine headache
- Have a history of high blood pressure
- Have a personal or family history of blood clots, or a personal history of heart disease or stroke
- Have a history of kidney disease, asthma, or epilepsy
- Have a history of bone disease
- Have diabetes
- Have porphyria (a blood pigment disease)
- Have a history of high cholesterol or triglycerides
- Have had a hysterectomy
- Are pregnant or may become pregnant
- Smoke
If any of these conditions apply to you, your healthcare practitioner may be able to suggest an alternative Medroxyprogesterone dosage or another medication that may work better for you.
Further reading
