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Uses of Medroxyprogesterone

Medroxyprogesterone is a pharmaceutical prescribed to women for a variety of reasons. Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin, a form of progesterone, one of the two female hormones (estrogen is the other) that regulate ovulation and the menstrual cycle.

  1. Period Regularity

    • Medroxyprogesterone is used to normalize irregular periods or initiate them when they cease. The drug is prescribed for this use only after a woman has had abnormal or absent periods for at least six months.

    Endometrial Hyperplasia

    • Women receiving estrogen as hormone replacement therapy are at an elevated risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia or overgrowth of cells in the inner lining of the uterus. Medroxyprogesterone significantly reduces the risk of this condition in these women.

    Other Uses With Estrogen

    • Post-menopausal women taking estrogen as hormone replacement therapy may experience abnormal growth of the lining of the uterus. Medroxyprogesterone is used as a preventive measure.

    Uterine Bleeding

    • Some women who experience ongoing abnormal uterine bleeding can use medroxyprogesterone to drastically reduce or stop it.

    Contraception

    • Medroxyprogesterone is an active ingredient in some forms of hormonal birth control. It is typically used in hormonal contraception provided by infrequent injections.

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