How Do Duphaston Tablets Induce Menstrual Bleeding?

Menstruation is a natural part of a woman's reproductive cycle. Ideally it occurs in a regular pattern and without discomfort, but some women find that they menstruate painfully and without predictability. Duphaston, a synthetic hormone, can work to regulate these and other problems by inducing menstrual bleeding. Knowing how Duphaston is able to do this can help women make an educated choice with their doctor about whether Duphaston is the right treatment option.

Function

• Duphaston is the brand name for dydrogesterone, which is a synthetic hormone that is very similar to progesterone. Progesterone is one of the main female sex hormones, along with estrogen, that is involved in the reproductive cycle. Duphaston is used to treat and regulate hormonal imbalances--specifically, progesterone deficiency.

Menstruation

• Every month, levels of progesterone rise in a woman's body. As a result of this hormonal increase, the lining of the uterus thickens, which is conducive to supporting a pregnancy. If a woman ovulates and the egg is fertilized, then the levels of progesterone stay high. If the egg isn't fertilized, the body begins to produce less progesterone. The lining of the uterus is then shed through natural bleeding, or menstruation.

Effects

• Duphaston acts like progesterone and therefore thickens the lining of the uterus. Taking the drug ensures that the endometrium of the uterus is built up enough to be shed, and consequently, when hormones shift after ovulation, bleeding is more likely. Breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods) also may occur if the build up of the endometrium from Duphaston use is substantial because the body naturally will shed cells that it isn't using.

Benefits and Uses

• Duphaston, because of its ability to regulate the development of the uterine lining, often is used to treat irregular periods and relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome associated with hormonal fluctuations. This regulation can also lead to less painful periods. It also is used in hormone replacement therapy.

Pregnancy

• Duphaston is safe to use while trying to get pregnant because it is designed to mimic a natural hormone that is necessary for a healthy uterine lining. It is often prescribed as a treatment for infertility caused by menstrual irregularity or insufficient buildup of the endometrium. Its ability to keep the endometrium thick has led to its use for the prevention of miscarriage.