Provera (medroxyprogesterone): what you should know
Provera is a brand name for medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Doctors prescribe it for several women’s health issues — abnormal uterine bleeding, menstrual irregularities, endometrial protection during estrogen therapy, and some cases of endometriosis. There’s also a depot form (Depo‑Provera) for contraception, but that’s a different shot with its own rules.
How people usually take Provera
Oral Provera tablets commonly come in 2.5, 5, and 10 mg strengths. Typical dosing depends on the problem: for stopping heavy uterine bleeding a common short course is 10 mg daily for 5 to 10 days. For protecting the uterus when using estrogen, many providers give 2.5–10 mg daily for 12–14 days each month. Follow your prescriber’s exact plan — doses and timing change with the reason you’re taking it.
Depo‑Provera (intramuscular 150 mg every 12 weeks) is a separate contraceptive product; don’t substitute tablet instructions for the injection.
What to expect and common side effects
Many people get irregular bleeding or spotting at first — that usually calms down after a few cycles. Other common effects are breast tenderness, headaches, mood swings, weight changes, and lower libido. Most of these are mild and improve with time.
Watch for serious signs. Stop Provera and contact a doctor if you have sudden leg pain or swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath (possible clot), yellowing of skin or eyes (liver issue), very heavy bleeding, or new severe depression. If you’re on the depot shot long-term, ask about bone density, since prolonged use can lower bone mineral density.
Some conditions make Provera unsafe: known or suspected pregnancy, active breast cancer, current or recent blood clots, uncontrolled liver disease, and unexplained vaginal bleeding. Always tell your provider about past clots, stroke, severe migraines, and smoking — these change the risk profile.
Drugs that speed liver enzymes (rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, St. John's wort) can lower Provera levels and reduce its effects. Share a full medication list with your prescriber, including supplements and herbal remedies.
Practical tips: take tablets at the same time each day, with or without food. If you miss a dose by one day, take it as soon as you remember; if several days are missed, check with your prescriber — instructions depend on why you’re taking it. Keep track of bleeding changes and mood shifts so you can report them.
If you’re considering Provera, talk openly with your doctor about goals, risks, and alternatives. Your provider may recommend baseline checks like pregnancy test, blood pressure, and liver function tests, and follow-up care based on how you respond.
Questions or odd symptoms? Call your clinic or pharmacist — getting personal advice beats guessing online.
