Provera general information
What is Provera used for?
Provera 10mg tablets are used to treat several menstrual and uterine problems to re-establish a regular menstrual cycle. These conditions are:
- secondary amenorrhoea (menstrual periods that have stopped, are absent or irregular)
- abnormal uterine bleeding during the menstrual cycle instead of at the end
- endometriosis (growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus) causing pain and bleeding.
Provera 10mg tablets are also used to counteract the stimulating effect of oestrogen on the endometrium, therefore reducing the risk of endometrial cancer, which can develop in response to oestrogen in women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms. Adding a progestin with an oestrogen is thought to help the feminisation process for male to female transsexuals and Provera 10mg tablets are used as a component of transgender hormone therapy, to help stimulate breast development and reduce the production of testosterone.
How does Provera work?
Provera 10mg tablets contain medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic derivative of the female sex hormone progesterone, which means that its chemical structure closely resembles that of naturally produced progesterone and it therefore works in a similar way. Endogenous (naturally produced) progesterone is produced by the ovaries during the second phase of the menstrual cycle. It acts on the endometrium (lining of the uterus) converting the proliferating phase to the secretory phase. This causes the endometrium, which has thickened in response to oestrogen during the first half of the cycle, to stop growing and start secreting hormones and other proteins needed to maintain a pregnancy, if conception occurs; if not, levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall and the endometrium is shed (menstruation). This action helps re-establish a regular menstrual cycle in the treatment of secondary amenorrhoea and abnormal uterine bleeding during the menstrual cycle. Provera 10mg tablets act on the endometrium in all its locations to stop it growing, which alleviates symptoms of endometriosis including pain and bleeding.
What does Provera contain?
Provera 10mg tablets contain medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic derivative of the female sex hormone progesterone, used for treating several menstrual and uterine problems. Provera 10mg tablets also contain lactose, sucrose, maize-starch, liquid paraffin, purified talc, calcium stearate, purified water, and the colouring agents sunset yellow FCF CI15985.
Treating endometriosis with Provera
Provera 10mg tablets contain medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic derivative of the female sex hormone progesterone, which means that its chemical structure closely resembles that of naturally produced progesterone and it therefore works in a similar way. During a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone (produced by the ovaries) acts on the endometrium and causes it to stop growing and start secreting hormones and other proteins needed to maintain a pregnancy, if conception occurs. If not, levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall and the endometrium is shed (menstruation). Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus which behaves in the same way as uterine endometrium. Provera 10mg tablets act on the endometrium in all its locations to stop it growing, which alleviates symptoms of endometriosis including pain and bleeding.
Treating menstrual problems with Provera
Provera 10mg tablets contain medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic derivative of the female sex hormone progesterone, which means that its chemical structure closely resembles that of naturally produced progesterone and it therefore works in a similar way. A normal menstrual cycle is dependent on the interaction of several hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries as well other regulating hormones produced by the pituitary gland. If any of these hormones are not produced in the correct amounts this can disrupt the cycle and cause problems like amenorrhoea (menstrual periods that have stopped, are absent or irregular) and abnormal uterine bleeding during the menstrual cycle instead of at the end. Provera 10mg tablets can re-establish a regular menstrual cycle by helping to restore natural hormone levels.
Provera for hormone replacement therapy
Provera 10mg tablets contain medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic derivative of the female sex hormone progesterone, which means that its chemical structure closely resembles that of naturally produced progesterone and it therefore works in a similar way. Taking oestrogen for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps reduce symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, including, hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy. Oestrogen also has several other beneficial actions in various metabolic processes including bone turnover and lipid (fat) metabolism, but its effect of thickening the endometrium (uterine lining) can lead to endometrial (uterine) cancer in some menopausal women taking oestrogen only HRT. Provera 10mg tablets counteract the stimulating effect of oestrogen on the endometrium, reducing the risk of endometrial cancer, which can develop in response to an oestrogen, in women taking HRT for menopausal symptoms.
What is the difference between a synthetic progesterone like Provera (medroxyprogesterone) and natural progesterone?
Provera 10mg tablets contain medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic derivative of the female sex hormone progesterone, which means that its chemical structure closely resembles that of naturally produced progesterone and it therefore works in a similar way. However, unlike natural progesterone it is easily absorbed and can be taken in tablet form at relatively low concentrations, whereas natural progesterone is not well absorbed by the gastrointestinal system and until recently could only be administered by injection. A new form of micronized progesterone (reduced to tiny particles so that it is better absorbed) is now available. Provera 10mg tablets are used as part of a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regime to counteract the effect of oestrogen and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, however, unlike micronized natural progesterone, Provera can interfere with the beneficial effects of oestrogen, such as preventing bone loss and regulating cholesterol.
Provera for transgender treatment
Provera 10mg tablets contain medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic derivative of the female sex hormone progesterone, which means that its chemical structure closely resembles that of naturally produced progesterone and it therefore works in a similar way. Adding a progestin with an oestrogen is thought to help the feminisation process for male to female transsexuals and Provera 10mg tablets are used as a component of transgender hormone therapy, to help stimulate the development of female sexual characteristics, such as breast development, and reduce the production of testosterone.
Provera for feminising hormone therapy
Provera 10mg tablets are used as a progestin component of transgender hormone therapy along with the feminising hormone oestrogen, to help stimulate the development of female sexual characteristics, such as breast development, and reduce the production of testosterone.
What are the side effects of Provera?
The most frequently reported side effects when taking Provera 10mg tablets, include acne, menstrual changes (breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or missed periods) dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache, nausea, nervousness, skin rash and itch, sleeplessness, stomach pain, weight gain or loss. More severe side effects include jaundice.
What are the health risks of using Provera?
Long-term HRT with Provera 10mg tablets does have associated health risks, particularly increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer compared with oestrogen alone HRT, but it does reduce risk of endometrial cancer. Combined HRT with oestrogen and progestin therapy has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. If you are pre-menopausal and particularly if you have a family history of brittle bones (osteoporosis) you may be at risk of losing bone mineral density and developing brittle bones.
When should Provera not be used?
You should not use Provera if you:
- are allergic to medroxyprogesterone or any other ingredient in Provera 10mg tablets
- have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma or liver disease
- a history of thrombosis (blood clots) or stroke
- porphyria (a metabolic disease resulting in abnormal pigment in the urine and skin)
- abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- are allergic to any of the ingredients in Provera tablets
- are taking aminoglutethimide, used to treat breast cancer, as this may reduce the effectiveness of provera
How should Provera be taken?
You should take Provera 10mg tablets with water with or without food at the same time each day. The dose of Provera you take, how often your take it and for how long, will depend on the condition for which you are being treated and should be as recommended by your doctor.
How long should you take Provera?
You should take Provera 10mg tablets for as long as your doctor recommends, which may be for 10 days, 10 days a month for several months or continuously for several months.
Missed dose of Provera
If you miss a dose of Provera take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should product name be stored?
Keep your Provera 10mg tablets in the blister pack until use. Store in a cool dry place below 30°C.