NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Medroxyprogesterone

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a synthetic progestin used orally (Provera) for secondary amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial protection in HRT, and endometriosis. The injectable long-acting form (Depo-Provera) is a widely used contraceptive given every 3 months. It is also used in the treatment of endometrial and renal cell carcinoma and in the management of endometriosis-associated pain.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2015–2024
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a synthetic progestin used orally (Provera) for secondary amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial protection in HRT, and endometriosis. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is Oral: 2.5–10 mg daily for 10–14 days per cycle; Depo-Provera: 150 mg IM or 104 mg subcutaneously every 3 months (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Highly effective injectable contraception (>99%)6,4
  • Only 4 injections per year for contraception4,6
  • Reduces menstrual bleeding (many users become amenorrheic)3,5
  • Oral form protects endometrium when combined with estrogen in HRT
  • Treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding
What to watch for
  • Irregular menstrual bleeding and spotting (common initially)
  • Amenorrhea (50% of users by 1 year on Depo-Provera)
  • Weight gain (average 5–8 lbs over 2 years with Depo-Provera)
  • Known or suspected pregnancy
  • Active thrombophlebitis or current thromboembolic disorders

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: highly effective injectable contraception (>99%), only 4 injections per year for contraception, reduces menstrual bleeding (many users become amenorrheic). 10 sources indexed (2015–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

A synthetic progestogen that binds to progesterone receptors, transforming a proliferative endometrium into a secretory one and preventing endometrial hyperplasia. For contraception, Depo-Provera suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, inhibiting gonadotropin secretion and preventing ovulation. Also thickens cervical mucus and alters the endometrium to prevent implantation. Has mild glucocorticoid and anti-estrogenic activity.

Class
Progestin Hormone
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
Oral: 2.5–10 mg daily for 10–14 days per cycle; Depo-Provera: 150 mg IM or 104 mg subcutaneously every 3 months (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral tablet (Provera) or intramuscular/subcutaneous injection (Depo-Provera)

Oral tablets can be taken with or without food. Depo-Provera injection forms a depot that slowly releases medication over 3 months.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Irregular menstrual bleeding and spotting (common initially)
  • Amenorrhea (50% of users by 1 year on Depo-Provera)
  • Weight gain (average 5–8 lbs over 2 years with Depo-Provera)
  • Headache
  • Mood changes and depression
  • Bone mineral density loss with prolonged injectable use
  • Delayed return to fertility after injectable discontinuation (average 10 months)
  • Breast tenderness

Contraindications

  • Known or suspected pregnancy
  • Active thrombophlebitis or current thromboembolic disorders
  • Known or suspected breast cancer1
  • Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
  • Severe hepatic disease
  • Known hypersensitivity to medroxyprogesterone1,2
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Reviews & position papers

1

Reference material

4
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Medroxyprogesterone, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Medroxyprogesterone?

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a synthetic progestin used orally (Provera) for secondary amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial protection in HRT, and endometriosis. The injectable long-acting form (Depo-Provera) is a widely used contraceptive given every 3 months. It is also used in the treatment of endometrial and renal cell carcinoma and in the management of endometriosis-associated pain.

What is Medroxyprogesterone used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Medroxyprogesterone include: Highly effective injectable contraception (>99%); Only 4 injections per year for contraception; Reduces menstrual bleeding (many users become amenorrheic); Oral form protects endometrium when combined with estrogen in HRT; Treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Medroxyprogesterone?

A typical adult dose of Medroxyprogesterone is Oral: 2.5–10 mg daily for 10–14 days per cycle; Depo-Provera: 150 mg IM or 104 mg subcutaneously every 3 months (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablet (Provera) or intramuscular/subcutaneous injection (Depo-Provera). These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Medroxyprogesterone?

Reported side effects include irregular menstrual bleeding and spotting (common initially), amenorrhea (50% of users by 1 year on depo-provera), weight gain (average 5–8 lbs over 2 years with depo-provera), headache, mood changes and depression, bone mineral density loss with prolonged injectable use. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Medroxyprogesterone?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Medroxyprogesterone in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.