A progestogen hormone
Medroxyprogesterone
A progestogen hormone available as tablets and as the long-acting 'Depo' contraceptive injection given every few months.
What is Medroxyprogesterone?
Medroxyprogesterone is a progestogen, a synthetic version of progesterone. It is used as tablets for various hormone-related conditions and as the long-acting 'Depo' contraceptive injection given every few months. The injection is very effective but can reduce bone density with long-term use, and there can be a delay before fertility returns after stopping it.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Medroxyprogesterone — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Medroxyprogesterone is a progestogen, a man-made version of the natural hormone progesterone. It comes as tablets, used for a range of hormone-related conditions, and as the well-known long-acting 'Depo' contraceptive injection, which is given every few months. As a progestogen it acts like the body's own progesterone on the womb lining and the menstrual cycle.
How it works
As a progestogen, medroxyprogesterone mimics progesterone. Given as the Depo contraceptive injection, it mainly works by stopping the release of an egg (preventing ovulation), and also by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the womb lining, which together make pregnancy very unlikely between injections. In its tablet form it is used to influence the womb lining and the menstrual cycle in various hormone-related conditions.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: A long-established progestogen.
A progestogen used in the UK both as tablets and as the long-acting 'Depo' contraceptive injection.
Practical use
How to take Medroxyprogesterone
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- The Depo injection is given by a nurse or doctor every few months, so attend your appointments on time.
- Tablets should be taken exactly as your prescriber directs, as the pattern depends on the condition being treated.
- If you might want to become pregnant soon, discuss this first, as fertility can take a while to return after the injection.
- Mention bone health and any risk factors, as long-term use of the injection can affect bone density.
- Tell your prescriber if you could be pregnant before starting it.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Medroxyprogesterone
Advantages
- The Depo injection lasts for months, so there is no daily pill to remember.
- Very effective at preventing pregnancy when injections are given on time.
- Often makes periods lighter or stops them altogether over time.
Disadvantages
- Long-term use of the injection can reduce bone density.
- Fertility can take several months or longer to return after stopping the injection.
- Once given, the injection cannot be removed if side effects occur, and irregular bleeding is common at first.
Practical use
Good to know
The Depo injection is given every few months, which suits people who prefer not to take a daily pill, but it is worth knowing two things about it. First, using it over a long time can reduce bone density, so your prescriber will review whether to continue it, especially in younger and older users. Second, after stopping the injection there can be a delay of several months — sometimes longer — before normal fertility returns, so it is not the best choice if you want to conceive soon. Changes in bleeding, often lighter or absent periods over time, are common.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Women who are pregnant or who think they could be pregnant.
- People with a current or past blood clot, certain cancers, or unexplained vaginal bleeding before it is checked.
- Used with caution where bone health is a concern, and in those wanting to conceive in the near future — discuss this first.
Monitoring
- Your bleeding pattern, which often settles after the first few months.
- Bone health and risk factors, especially with long-term use of the injection.
- Blood pressure, weight and a general review at each injection or follow-up.
Side effects
- Changes in bleeding, often irregular at first then lighter or absent periods over time.
- Weight change, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes or bloating.
- With long-term use, a reduction in bone density, which your prescriber will keep under review.
Key interactions
- Some medicines, including certain ones for epilepsy and St John's wort, can affect progestogens.
- Tell your prescriber about all your medicines and herbal products before starting it.
- Other hormone treatments should be combined only under medical guidance.
Available as: Tablets and a long-acting contraceptive injection.
Answers
Medroxyprogesterone: frequently asked questions
How often is the Depo injection given?
It is given every few months by a nurse or doctor, which is why many people choose it — there is no daily pill to remember. Keep to your appointment schedule for it to keep working.
Does it affect my bones?
Long-term use of the injection can reduce bone density. Your prescriber will review whether to continue it, particularly in younger and older users, and weigh this against the benefits.
How long until I can get pregnant after stopping it?
Fertility can take several months, and sometimes longer, to return after the injection. If you want to conceive soon, mention this, as another method may suit you better.
Will my periods stop?
Bleeding is often irregular at first, then for many people periods become lighter or stop altogether over time. This is common and not harmful.
Can I stop the injection if I get side effects?
Once given, an injection cannot be removed, so its effects last until it wears off. Discuss any side effects with your prescriber before your next dose is due.
The wider class
About Progestogens
Medroxyprogesterone belongs to the progestogens class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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