Medroxyprogesterone is a synthetic form of progesterone, a natural hormone that regulates menstruation and plays a role in pregnancy. It’s used to manage a variety of conditions, including heavy menstrual bleeding, but also endometriosis, and the symptoms of menopause. In higher doses, it’s sometimes used for certain types of cancer.
Medroxyprogesterone is the generic name for the branded medication Provera. They contain the same active ingredient and work the same way.
While it is used for menstrual issues, medroxyprogesterone is typically recommended when other treatments are either not suitable or ineffective. It works by mimicking the body’s natural progesterone, helping to regulate the buildup of the uterine lining. This means that there’s less of it to break down, and this reduces menstrual bleeding.
How does Medroxyprogesterone work?
Medroxyprogesterone works by influencing your hormone levels to help regulate your menstrual cycle. It’s a progestin, a synthetic form for progesterone. It acts like natural progesterone, controlling the buildup of the endometrial lining in the uterus.
During a period, this lining breaks down and exits the body through menstrual bleeding.
So for women with heavy periods, taking Medroxyprogesterone can help manage the frequency and intensity of menstruation, by reducing the buildup of lining in the uterus. This can make it effective for treating heavy periods and other conditions like endometriosis. [1]
What doses of Medroxyprogesterone are there?
Medroxyprogesterone comes in 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg tablets. These dosage strengths are typically prescribed to treat period problems, like heavy periods, endometriosis, and symptoms of menopause.
It’s also available in a higher dose of 150mg/ml as an injection, but these are only used in specialist care settings.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on March 27, 2025. Next review due on March 27, 2028.
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.
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How to take Medroxyprogesterone for heavy periods
Your clinician will tell you exactly how you should use Medroxyprogesterone.
The usual dosage for treating heavy periods or abnormal bleeding is between 2.5mg to 10mg daily, for 5 to 10 days. You’ll usually start the medication 16 to 21 days after the start of your last period, but your doctor will guide you on the exact duration. You normally then follow this course of treatment for your next 2-3 menstrual cycles.
How long does it take Medroxyprogesterone to work?
Medroxyprogesterone generally starts to work quickly, with bleeding often stopping within 24 to 48 hours after beginning treatment.[1] However, it might take a couple of cycles before you see consistent results, and a doctor will monitor your progress to ensure the treatment is effective and isn’t causing any adverse effects.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Medroxyprogesterone?
If you forget to take a dose or take it later than usual, you might have some breakthrough bleeding. Just take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, just skip it and continue as normal from there.
You shouldn’t double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on March 27, 2025. Next review due on March 27, 2028.
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.
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Medroxyprogesterone isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let the clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.
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Medroxyprogesterone: FAQ
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.
How effective is Medroxyprogesterone?
Answer:
Medroxyprogesterone is an effective short-term treatment for heavy periods. It can help to stop blood flow quickly, within 48 hours.[2][3] That said, it isn’t guaranteed to work for everyone, and there’s evidence to suggest that factors like the length of your period can affect how well it works for you.[4]
Can I get pregnant while taking Medroxyprogesterone?
Answer:
If you’re taking Medroxyprogesterone in tablet form, yes – but you shouldn’t take Medroxyprogesterone if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive. This is because the hormone may affect pregnancy. If you find out you're pregnant while taking Medroxyprogesterone, stop straight away and inform your doctor.
Medroxyprogesterone does lower your fertility levels when you’re using it, but this is temporary and should go away after you complete the treatment.[2]
Medroxyprogesterone is available as a contraceptive treatment, in the form of an injection (most commonly Depo-Provera).
Does Medroxyprogesterone cause any side effects?
Answer:
Yes, like most medications, medroxyprogesterone can cause side effects. That doesn't necessarily mean you'll experience them, but you should take some time to look through the patient package insert provided so you know what to look out for. Common ones include changes to menstrual bleeding, weight gain or loss, and headaches.
There are some less common serious side effects, like mood changes, blood clots, and liver issues. If you experience any severe or unusual side effects, or if you experience any redness, swelling, or pain in your legs or arms, you should ring 911 for urgent medical advice.
What happens when I stop taking Medroxyprogesterone?
Answer:
When you stop taking medroxyprogesterone, it might take some time for your menstrual cycle to return to normal, and you might experience some irregular bleeding (spotting).
Sometimes you might need to use medroxyprogesterone periodically, for 2-3 months at a time. A doctor can advise you best on how to transition between treatments.
Does Medroxyprogesterone cause weight gain?
Answer:
Weight gain has been reported as a potential side effect of medroxyprogesterone. It's been noted in studies that the medication can lead to an increase in BMI and slight weight gain over time.[1] However, not everyone will experience this side effect.
Is Medroxyprogesterone similar to any other treatments?
Answer:
Medroxyprogesterone is similar to some other progestin treatments. A common option is norethindrone, which is also used to treat heavy periods.
Do I need a prescription for Medroxyprogesterone?
Answer:
Yes, you need a prescription for Medroxyprogesterone. Medroxyprogesterone isn’t suitable for all women. Make sure to inform your doctor of all the medications you’re taking, prescribed or not, and tell them about any medical conditions you have. This is because some medications and conditions can be affected by Medroxyprogesterone, and cause interactions.
Bender, R.A. (2022). Medroxyprogesterone Acetate for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Due to Ovulatory Dysfunction: The Effect of 2 Different-Duration Regimens. Medical Science Monitor, 28.
Last updated on Mar 27, 2025.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Mar 27, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
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.
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Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Cristina writes content for Treated, and reviews content produced by our other writers to make sure it’s clinically accurate.
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.
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