What is medroxyprogesterone?
Medroxyprogesterone - generic for Provera - is a prescription medication used to treat amenorrhea (the absence of a monthly period), overgrowth of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia), and irregular uterine bleeding. Medroxyprogesterone contains progesterone, a hormone released by the ovaries that helps regulate monthly menstruation cycles. Synthetic forms of progesterone are commonly found in birth control pills.
In addition to its use in the treatment of irregular menstrual bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia, medroxyprogesterone may be prescribed to help reduce the risk of uterine cancer in women who are currently taking estrogen.
It’s important to note that while medroxyprogesterone contains progesterone, it is not a method of birth control. Similarly, medroxyprogesterone will not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or other infections of the female reproductive system.