Medroxyprogesterone 520-85-4

Uses

In females, the most common uses of Medroxyprogesterone are as an oral or depot-injected contraceptive and also as the progestin component of menopausal hormone replacement therapy. Medroxyprogesterone is also used as a treatment for endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. In males, Medroxyprogesterone has been used to control inappropriate sexual behavior and also as a "chemical castration" of convicted sex offenders.

Side effects and risks

In females, the most common side effects are acne, changes in menstrual flow, and drowsiness. In males, Medroxyprogesterone can reduce sex drive. Medroxyprogesterone can cause birth defects and should not be used by pregnant women. Medroxyprogesterone is secreted in breast milk. There is evidence that Medroxyprogesterone increases the risk of breast cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), and dementia, at least in postmenopausal women. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study revealed that conjugated equine estrogens (CEEs) alone reduced the risk of breast cancer but CEEs plus Medroxyprogesterone increased the risk, and CEEs alone had no effect on the risk of CHD but CEEs plus Medroxyprogesterone increased the risk. The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) revealed that CEEs plus Medroxyprogesterone increased the risk of dementia significantly more than CEEs alone. Further research is necessary to substantiate causality. Medroxyprogesterone acetate can cause depression up to suicidal level.