Provera (medroxyprogesterone) is a form of the female progesterone hormone used to treat secondary amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods in a woman who was previously menstruating). Provera also treats abnormal bleeding from the uterus and symptoms of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Provera helps to stop the growth of this tissue.

Women who stop having regular menstrual periods or who begin to have irregular menstrual periods may have a drop in their progeseterone levels. Medroxyprogesterone supplements this lack of progestin. This medication also reduces your chance of getting uterine cancer. Taking estrogen and progestin has been shown to reduce cancer of the uterus.

Take Provera as prescribed by your doctor. Dosage depends on your condition, but your doctor will most likely start you at the lowest dose to see how your body reacts. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water and take the medication at the same time each day. Do not change your dose or stop taking Provera, unless told so by your doctor.

What to do while taking Provera

• Tell your doctor immediately if you suddenly experience partial or complete loss of vision.
• Regularly check your breast for any lumps and have regular professional breast examinations and mammograms.
• If you have taken Provera as a hormone replacement therapy for over 5 years, then your doctor will need to physically check your pelvic organs and conduct regular blood tests to make sure no ovarian cancer has developed.

Do not take Provera if you have or have had the following conditions:

• A stroke, blood blots, or pulmonary embolism
• Severe liver disease - Bleeding or discharge from your nipples
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Breast cancer or breast lumps
• Unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding
• Blood in the urine

Women who take Provera may experience a decrease in the calcium in their bones. Brittle bones can result in osteoporosis, which can lead to an increased amount of bone breakages and fractures. This can occur with long term use of Provera, so your doctor may need to evaluate your bone mineral density.

Some common side effects of Provera include:

• Breast tenderness
• Breast milk secretion
• Vaginal secretions
• Spotting (minor vaginal bleeding)
• Dizziness
• Insomnia, sleepiness, fatigue
• Blood clot
• Itching, hives, skin rash
• Blotchy or dark areas on the face (melasma)

More serious, but less common side effects can include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Breast, uterine, ovarian cancer
• High blood pressure
• Enlargements of benign tumors (fibroids)

Consult your doctor for a full list of side effects.

What not to do while taking Provera

Notify your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time (ex. a long flight). Special precautions may need to be taken to prevent the occurrence of blood clots.

Do not smoke while taking Provera. Smoking further increases your risk for strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. Do not take this medication while pregnant because it may harm an unborn baby, especially during the first 4 months of pregnancy. This drug also passes into breast milk, so tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or become pregnant.