| Medroxyprogesterone is a female hormone, usually called progesterone. Medroxyprogesterone is a synthetic steroid that acts like the natural hormone progesterone. It is important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. Medroxyprogesterone is a semisynthetic compound that differs in structure from the naturally occurring human hormone progesterone. Medroxyprogesterone inhibits secretion of pituitary hormones that in turn regulate menstrual and reproductive cycles. It also alters activity of uterine cells,
resulting in, among other changes, thickening of the cervical mucus. Medroxyprogesterone is in a class of medications called progestins. It works by stopping the growth of the lining of the uterus and by causing the uterus to produce certain hormones. Progestins are produced by the body and are used by the body for development of milk-producing glands and for maintenance of the menstrual cycle. In the shot form, medroxyprogesterone acetate prevents egg development and ovulation which protects against pregnancy. Natural progesterone is essential to normal functioning of the womb and reproductive system.
Medroxyprogesterone is a long acting progestogen derived from soybeans. The mode of anticancer action of the progestins includes an indirect action on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis consisting of inhibition of gonadotrophin releasing hormone release as well as a direct action on estrogen receptors resulting in the inhibition of cellular proliferation. The growth inhibitory effects of progestins are not cell cycle phase-specific, but may be maximal in the G1 phase of dividing cells. Medroxyprogesterone helps to treat symptoms associated with endometrial or renal cancer. Medroxyprogesterone is also used to prevent overgrowth of the lining of the uterus (womb) and may decrease the risk of cancer of the uterus in patients who are taking estrogen.
Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat conditions such as irregular or abnormal uterine bleeding and lack of menstruation. Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat abnormal menstruation or irregular vaginal bleeding. Medroxyprogesterone is also used to bring on a normal menstrual cycle in women who menstruated normally in the past but have not menstruated for at least 6 months and who are not pregnant or undergoing menopause. Medroxyprogesterone is added to estrogen replacement therapy to prevent uterine cancer caused by unopposed estrogen. It is also used to treat absence of menstrual bleeding (amenorrhea) and abnormal menstrual bleeding. Medroxyprogesterone is available alone and in a combination product. Medroxyprogesterone injection is used to prevent pregnancy. Medroxyprogesterone injection is a very effective method of birth control but does not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Medroxyprogesterone injection may decrease the amount of calcium stored in bones. The longer you use this medication, the more the amount of calcium in your bones may decrease. Medroxyprogesterone can cause mild fluid retention and body weight gain, which is usually not clinically significant. The effect on body weight gain has been used therapeutically. Exposure to medroxyprogesterone or other progestogens may increase the risk of breast cancer and cervix cancer. Medroxyprogesterone is contraindicated in patients with a history of significant thromboembolic disease, cerebrovascular disorders, known or suspected pregnancy or as a diagnostic test for pregnancy, undiagnosed vaginal and/or urinary tract bleeding, undiagnosed breast pathology, liver dysfunction or disease, or known hypersensitivity to medroxyprogesterone or any of its other ingredients. Medroxyprogesterone is embryotoxic and must not be used in pregnancy. |
