Provera: What It Is and Why Doctors Prescribe It

If your clinician mentioned Provera, they mean medroxyprogesterone acetate — a man-made progesterone. People use it for things like irregular bleeding, absent periods, and certain hormone-related conditions. There’s also a long‑acting injectable form (Depo‑Provera) used for contraception. This page gives simple, practical facts about how Provera works, common doses, likely side effects, and smart safety steps.

What Provera is used for and typical dosing

Provera (oral medroxyprogesterone) is commonly used to stop heavy or irregular uterine bleeding and to trigger a period when someone has amenorrhea. A common short course is around 5–10 mg daily for several days to a couple of weeks, but exact doses vary by reason. The injectable form (Depo‑Provera) is 150 mg intramuscularly every 12 weeks for contraception. Your prescriber will pick the right dose based on your condition and medical history.

If you’re taking Provera to manage a menstrual problem, expect bleeding patterns to shift — spotting at first, then withdrawal bleeding after the treatment course ends. For contraception, remember the injectable needs on‑time visits every 12 weeks to keep full protection.

Side effects, risks, and practical safety tips

Common side effects are bleeding changes (spotting or missed periods), breast tenderness, headaches, mood swings, nausea, and weight changes. With Depo‑Provera, fertility may take a few months to return after stopping. Long‑term injectable use has been linked to reduced bone mineral density; if you plan to use it for many years, talk about bone health and calcium/vitamin D with your provider.

Before you start Provera: get a pregnancy test and review your medical history. Avoid Provera if you have active breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding without evaluation, or certain liver problems. Tell your clinician about liver disease, a history of blood clots, or current medications that change hormone levels.

Drug interactions matter. Enzyme‑inducing drugs (like some seizure meds, rifampin, or St. John's Wort) can reduce hormonal effects and change bleeding patterns. Always list all prescriptions, OTC drugs, and supplements when you talk with your prescriber.

Practical tips: keep a simple calendar of injections or pills, call your clinic if bleeding is unusually heavy or if you have severe abdominal pain, and get a baseline blood pressure and weight check. If using Depo for long periods, ask about bone density monitoring if you have other risk factors for osteoporosis.

Where to get Provera safely: always use a valid prescription and a reputable pharmacy. If you’re considering online pharmacies, pick one that requires a prescription and shows clear contact details and licensing. Avoid vendors that sell prescription drugs without asking for a prescription.

If something feels off — new breast lumps, calf pain or shortness of breath, sudden severe headaches, or jaundice — seek medical care right away. And if you want to explore alternatives or have fertility plans, bring that up with your clinician so you can pick the safest, most effective option for you.