Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

Page Contents

1 WHAT IS IT?
2 WHEN DO WE USE IT?
3 WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?
4 HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
5 WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?
6 ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?
7 FURTHER READING

WHAT IS IT?

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a synthetic variant of the steroid hormone progesterone.

WHEN DO WE USE IT?

For oral contraception: this medication can be used to prevent pregnancy.

When characterizing amenorrhea (Progesterone challenge): this medication can be given to patients who are experiencing secondary amenorrhea to evaluate if a period can be caused by adding exogenous progesterone.

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Oral administration is an option for this medication.

IM injection can be given to women every three months for maximum of 2 years.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?

Effects on uterus: this medication will bind to progesterone receptors which will decrease growth and increase vascularization of the uterus. It is also thought that it will increase cervical mucus.