- Medroxyprogesterone often is used to treat irregular and missed menstrual periods. This progestin is also commonly used for the treatment of unusual uterine bleeding. It often also is taken to lower the chances of developing a medical condition known as endometrial hyperplasia (when taking estrogens). This condition is often a precursor to uterine cancer.
- Medroxyprogesterone also may be used to stop uterine lining overgrowth from occurring in females who are postmenopausal and also receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
- Use of Medroxyprogesterone is not necessarily appropriate or safe for everybody. It is important to discuss the possibility of using this medication with your doctor. Certain kinds of women are advised against taking Medroxyprogesterone, including those with liver disease, those who have experienced blood clotting or who have had a stroke, those with uterine or breast cancer, and those with unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked out. This is for safety purposes. Also, certain medical conditions might require dosage changes or special testing for safe use of medroxyprogesterone, including hypertension, heart disease, congestive heart failure, asthma, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, migraine headaches, lupus, diabetes, high cholesterol and kidney disease.
- Use of Medroxyprogesterone also can lead to several common side effects. These side effects are usually minor and typically subside quickly. If that is not the case for you, however, you must notify your doctor. These side effects include skin discoloration, mild skin rash or itchiness, vaginal discharge or itching, menstrual period changes, breakthrough bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods, scalp hair loss, increased acne or hair growth, sleeplessness, breast discharge or tenderness, nausea, bloating, mild stomachache, weight changes and appetite changes.
- Severe side effects of Medroxyprogesterone are rare. If you experience these side effects it is vital to seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible. Severe effects include vaginal bleeding (for women who have already experienced menopause), sudden weakness or numbness (particularly on just one side of the body), breast lump, sudden confusion, disorientation, vision, balance or speech issues, and headache, signs of depression (such as dizziness, difficulty sleeping and changes in mood), swollen feet, hands or ankles, feeling faint, chest heaviness or ache, general malaise, jaundice and fever.
