Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone and is prescribed to treat amenorrhea, or the cessation of menstrual periods, abnormal uterine bleeding and may be also be used as a contraceptive.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate works by inhibiting the secretion of pituitaryThe pituitary gland is largely responsible for controlling the production of hormones that regulate the body and play an important role during pregnancy.
The gland consists of two parts, the adenohypophysis, whose control functions include growth hormone, somatotropin, follicle stimulating hormone (fsh), luteinizing hormone, and prolactin which stimulates breast milk production.
The other part, the neurohypophysis, stores and regulates oxytocin, responsible for stimulating the uterine muscle during labor, and vasopressin which inhibits diuresis and raises blood pressure.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. hormonesA complex chemical substance created in a part or organ of the body. When released it initiates or regulates activity in an organ or group of cells in another part of the body.
Hormones secreted by endocrine glands are transported through the bloodstream to their target organ. The amount of hormone secreted is regulated either by other hormones, by neurotransmitters, or simply when an excess of the organ's activity indicates a need to reduce the amount of the hormone produced.
Other hormones are produced locally by the organs themselves and are common in the digestive tract.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., which are responsible for controlling and regulating the menstrual and reproductive cycles. It also changes the behaviour of the uterine cells including thickening the cervical mucusThe viscous secretions of the mucus membranes and glands. Mucus contains mucin, white blood cells, water, salts and exfoliated cells.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., which reduces the possibility of sperm reaching and fertilizing the ovum.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate should not be used during pregnancy. Although it was previously thought to be the cause of congenital malformations recent studies have shown this to be untrue. If medroxyprogesterone acetate is used inadvertently during the early stages of pregnancy there is no risk of a birth defect.
Common brand names
Common side effects
Medroxyprogesterone acetate does pass into breast milk. The use of medroxyprogesterone acetate should be discontinued and be replaced by another form of contraceptive by mothers who plan to breastfeed.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate should not be used by infants or children.
There are no known food interactions.
There are no special problems expected when medroxyprogesterone acetate is used in combination with alcohol
Consult your doctor before taking medroxyprogesterone acetate if you have a history of any of the following:
Do not take medroxyprogesterone acetate if you have a history of any of the following:
Consult your doctor before using medroxyprogesterone acetate if you are taking any of the following drugs, medications or supplements:
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