What is Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Provera) used for?

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a prescription medication used to treat irregular menstrual periods or unusual vaginal bleeding. It is used to regularize menstrual periods in women who are not pregnant, are not undergoing menopause, and previously had normal menstruation but have not menstruated for at least the last six months. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is also used to prevent endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of the uterine lining) and to reduce the risk of cancer in postmenopausal women taking estrogens.

There may be other uses of this medicine — your healthcare provider or pharmacist can give you more drug information and provide medical advice.

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Provera) Mechanism of Action

Medroxyprogesterone acetate works by thinning the lining of the uterus and causing the uterus to make certain hormones.

What is the dosage of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Provera)?

This medicine is available as an oral tablet. Medroxyprogesterone tablets come in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. 

Lack of menstrual periods: The usual dose of medroxyprogesterone is 5 mg to 10 mg once a day for 5-10 days. Menstrual bleeding usually occurs 3-7 days after the last dose. The medicine can be started on any day. Your healthcare professional will tell you how often to take the medicine. 

Irregular menstrual periods: The dose of medroxyprogesterone is 5 mg to 10 mg once a day for 5-10 days starting on day 16 or day 21 of the menstrual cycle. Menstrual bleeding usually occurs 3-7 days after discontinuing medroxyprogesterone. Patients with a history of abnormal uterine bleeding may benefit from planned menstrual cycling with medroxyprogesterone.

For protection of the uterus: The dose of medroxyprogesterone to reduce overgrowth of the uterine lining is 5 mg to 10 mg daily for 12-14 days in a row every month in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen, beginning on day 1 or day 16 of the menstrual cycle.