Medroxyprogesterone is the active ingredient in Provera, and belongs to the family of medications known as progestins. Provera is a form of the female hormone progesterone and may be prescribed for several reasons, but most commonly to treat heavy menstrual periods or stopped periods (amenorrhea) that are due to an underlying hormone problem.

It may sometimes be prescribed off-label for period delay, in cases where norethisterone is not suitable.

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Heavy period: A brief overview

Heavy periods are common, but they can have a big effect on a woman’s everyday life. Heavy periods aren’t necessarily a sign there is anything wrong, but they can affect you physically and emotionally. Excessive menstrual bleeding is usually known as menorrhagia. It can be a distressing problem, and is one of the most common reasons for women to visit their GP. 1 in 20 women consult their GP every year about this problem.

Common causes include hormone imbalance. In a normal menstrual cycle, a balance between the hormones estrogen and progesterone regulates the buildup of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), which is shed during menstruation. If a hormone imbalance occurs, the endometrium develops in excess and eventually sheds by way of heavy menstrual bleeding.

It’s difficult to define exactly what a heavy period is because it varies from woman to woman. Heavy for one woman may be normal for another. Most women will lose less than 16 teaspoons of blood (80ml) during their period, with the average being around 6 to 8 teaspoons. Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as losing 80ml or more with each period, having periods that last longer than 7 days, or both.

Provera as treatment for heavy periods

As mentioned above, Provera is a progestins medicine which is a female hormone. These hormones are produced by the body and are necessary along with other hormones for normal female sexual development and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle during childbearing years.

Medroxyprogesterone reduces the effects of estrogen on tissues such as the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and the breast and it stops the growth of the lining of the uterus and by causing the uterus to produce certain hormones.

How do I use this medicine?

When using this medicine, it is absolutely crucial to precisely follow the guidelines presented to you by your prescriber. In addition to this, you should also consult the official patient information leaflet that you can find within every box of the medicine for a detailed overview of the treatment. Doing so will go a long way in diminishing the risk of side effects while at the same time boosting the chances of success.

Some most general guidelines can be described as follows:

  • Provera comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
  • It is usually taken once a day on certain days of a regular monthly cycle.
  • Continue to take Provera according to your monthly schedule even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
  • medroxyprogesterone without talking to your doctor.
  • If you miss a dose take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you have any questions or worries about the treatment, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Can I buy Provera online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to purchase this drug online after a quick consultation on chat or a phone consultation. Provera is not prescription free and therefore you must always have a prescription from your doctor to start the treatment. Never start such treatment without talking to a doctor, and do not buy this medicine online from pages that do not require a doctor’s consultation. These are unauthorized online pharmacies and can sell fake versions of the drug.

If you are fit for the treatment, you will receive it directly by mail from an approved pharmacy in the UK.

Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, this cream can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most serious of them certainly is an allergic reaction to the medicine. If you turn out to be allergic to Provera or any of its ingredients, it is essential to contact the emergency services immediately and ask for advice.

The symptoms of any allergic side effects are:

  • You have difficulty breathing
  • Your face or throat swell
  • Your skin develops a severe rash

Other possible side effects:

  • breasts that are tender or produce a liquid
  • changes in menstrual flow
  • irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Acne
  • growth of hair on face
  • loss of hair on scalp
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Drowsiness
  • upset stomach
  • weight gain or loss

Provera, especially in high doses, may cause weight gain and fluid retention. With this in mind, caution should be exercised in treating any patient with a pre-existing medical condition, such as epilepsy, migraine, asthma, cardiac or renal dysfunction, that might be adversely affected by weight gain or fluid retention.
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Provera contraindications

In order to ensure the safety of this treatment, always make sure to disclose all the relevant info to your doctor and this includes other medicines you might be taking at the moment and other medical conditions that you might be affected by.
Hypersensitivity to Provera is a contraindication. In addition, this cream should not be used if you have the following:

  • Pregnant. If pregnancy occurs during medication with Provera, treatment should be withdrawn immediately.
  • Breastfeeding
  • These tablets are not indicated in children.
  • Fertility. Medroxyprogesterone acetate at high doses is an antifertility drug and high doses would be expected to impair fertility until the cessation of treatment.