Medroxyprogesterone
Is It Right for You?
A complete guide to Medroxyprogesterone — what it treats, how it works, dosages, side effects, and when a clinician may prescribe it following an online consultation.
What Is Medroxyprogesterone?
Medroxyprogesterone is a progestogen with several uses. It is used as part of HRT to protect the womb lining, as a long-acting contraceptive injection, and to treat conditions such as heavy or irregular periods and endometriosis.
It is available as tablets and as the injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera. The form and dose depend on what it is being used for. It is also used in some other specialist situations.
Medroxyprogesterone is a prescription-only medication in the UK. A licensed clinician can review your needs and medical history through a telehealth consultation and prescribe where appropriate.
What Conditions Is Medroxyprogesterone Used For?
Medroxyprogesterone is used for:
given with oestrogen to protect the womb lining in women who still have a womb.
as the Depo-Provera injection given every few months.
helping to control heavy, irregular, or painful periods.
used to manage the symptoms of endometriosis.
The contraceptive injection can reduce bone density with long-term use, which usually recovers after stopping. Your clinician will weigh this up, especially in younger users or with long-term use, and review it periodically.
How Does Medroxyprogesterone Work?
Medroxyprogesterone is a progestogen. In HRT, it balances the effect of oestrogen on the womb lining, keeping it from thickening too much.
As a contraceptive injection, it mainly works by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg (ovulation), and also thickens cervical mucus and thins the womb lining.
In conditions such as heavy periods and endometriosis, it acts on the womb lining and hormonal signals to reduce bleeding and ease symptoms.
Dosages & Administration
The correct dose depends on the type and severity of infection, age, weight, and kidney function. Always follow your clinician's instructions. The table below is for general reference only.
Administration Tips
For the injection, attend appointments on time every few months to maintain contraceptive cover; there is a window if you are slightly late.
For tablets, take them exactly as prescribed, as the timing within your cycle or HRT regimen matters for it to work properly.
Side Effects of Medroxyprogesterone
Side effects depend on the use and dose. Changes in bleeding are common, and the injection can affect bone density with long-term use.
- Irregular bleeding, or periods stopping (common with the injection)
- Weight changes
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Bloating
- Signs of a blood clot - swollen, painful leg, chest pain, breathlessness
- New, heavy, or persistent unexpected bleeding
- Severe low mood or depression
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Severe allergic reaction
After stopping the contraceptive injection, it can take several months - sometimes up to a year - for normal fertility and periods to return. Bear this in mind if you are planning a pregnancy in the near future.
Drug Interactions
Always disclose all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements to your clinician or pharmacist before starting medroxyprogesterone.
Some epilepsy medicines, rifampicin, and St John's Wort can reduce effectiveness, particularly of tablet forms.
These can affect hormone levels; your clinician will advise on suitability and precautions.
This can lower medroxyprogesterone levels and reduce its effect.
Tell your clinician about other hormones you take so treatment can be managed safely.
Important Warnings
Long-term use of the injection can reduce bone density, which usually recovers after stopping. Your clinician will review this, especially with long-term or younger use.
Periods and fertility can take several months to return after the injection, so it may not suit those planning pregnancy soon.
Tell your clinician about clotting risk factors, liver disease, certain cancers, or unexplained bleeding, as these affect suitability.
Medroxyprogesterone contraception prevents pregnancy but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms as well if needed.
Speak to a Clinician About Treatment
Getting advice no longer means sitting in a waiting room. Through The GP Service, you can consult with a licensed clinician in minutes — from home, on your lunch break, or wherever works for you. If treatment is clinically appropriate, your clinician can issue a prescription during the consultation. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
The treatment you need, when you need it.
Medroxyprogesterone FAQs
Yes. A licensed clinician can review your needs and medical history through a telehealth consultation and prescribe medroxyprogesterone where appropriate, though the injection must be given in person.
The contraceptive injection is usually given every twelve to thirteen weeks. Attending on time keeps you protected against pregnancy.
Many people find their periods become irregular or stop altogether with the injection, which is common and usually not harmful.
Fertility can take several months, sometimes up to a year, to return after the injection, so plan ahead if you want to conceive soon.
Long-term use of the injection can reduce bone density, which usually recovers after stopping. Your clinician will consider this and review your use.
Yes. In tablet form it is used with oestrogen in HRT to protect the womb lining. A clinician can advise whether it suits your treatment.