Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a synthetic progestin widely used to manage menstrual disorders and provide endometrial protection. In people with secondary amenorrhea or irregular cycles, a short course commonly triggers a predictable withdrawal bleed, helping “reset” the cycle and confirm estrogen exposure. For abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance (not caused by fibroids, cancer, or pregnancy), Provera stabilizes the endometrium and reduces unpredictable spotting or heavy flow.
In postmenopausal hormone therapy, when estrogen is prescribed for vasomotor symptoms or bone protection, Provera is added to counter estrogen’s stimulation of the uterine lining. This decreases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. Clinicians also use Provera in certain gynecologic protocols and, at higher specialist-directed doses, in select oncology settings. It is important to distinguish Provera tablets from Depo-Provera injection: Provera tablets are not a contraceptive and should not be relied upon to prevent pregnancy.
Dosing depends on the indication, your cycle pattern, and whether you’re taking estrogen. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions. Typical adult regimens include:
Secondary amenorrhea: 10 mg by mouth once daily for 10 days is a common approach to induce a withdrawal bleed. Bleeding usually occurs 3–7 days after the last tablet. Your clinician may time the start based on your recent cycle history and goals (for example, to synchronize with other therapies).
Abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance: 5–10 mg once daily for 5–10 days during the latter half of the cycle may be used to stabilize the endometrium. Some protocols repeat monthly until cycles normalize. If structural causes (like fibroids or polyps) are suspected, your clinician may recommend imaging or additional work-up alongside Provera.
Postmenopausal estrogen therapy: 2.5–5 mg daily continuously, or 5–10 mg daily for 12–14 days each month, to reduce the risk of estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia. Choice of cyclic versus continuous regimens depends on bleeding preferences and symptom control.
Administration tips: Take Provera at the same time each day with or without food. If you experience nausea, taking it with a small snack may help. Do not alter the schedule your clinician set—timing matters for cycle control and for minimizing unscheduled bleeding. If you miss a dose, see the “Missed Dose” section for what to do.
Never self-start Provera if you might be pregnant. A pregnancy test is often recommended before treatment for amenorrhea or cycle irregularities. If you have ongoing heavy bleeding, severe pain, or new symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation.
- Provera is not a contraceptive. If you are sexually active and could become pregnant, use reliable birth control while taking Provera unless your clinician advises otherwise. Do not take Provera if you may be pregnant; confirm with a test if your status is uncertain.
- Cardiovascular and clotting risk: Progestins, especially when combined with estrogen, may affect clotting risk. If you have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or strong risk factors (smoking, obesity, immobilization, certain thrombophilias), discuss safer options with your clinician. Seek urgent care for leg swelling/pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
- Mood and mental health: Some individuals experience mood changes, irritability, or depressive symptoms on medroxyprogesterone acetate. If you have a history of depression or anxiety, monitor closely and report any worsening mood, loss of interest, or concerning changes.
- Liver and gallbladder considerations: Significant hepatic impairment is a contraindication. Report jaundice, dark urine, right upper abdominal pain, or persistent nausea. Provera can rarely exacerbate cholestatic conditions.
- Migraines and vision changes: New or worsening migraines, especially with aura, or sudden vision problems warrant immediate evaluation and discontinuation until you’re assessed.
- Breast and gynecologic health: Regular breast exams and age-appropriate screenings are recommended, particularly if Provera is used with estrogen. Report any new breast lumps, abnormal bleeding patterns, or pelvic pain requiring prompt evaluation to rule out structural causes or endometrial pathology.
- Metabolic effects: Progestins may influence glucose tolerance and fluid balance. People with diabetes or hypertension should monitor accordingly.
Avoid Provera if any of the following apply unless a specialist determines otherwise:
- Known or suspected pregnancy
- Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Active or history of thromboembolic disorders (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) or arterial thromboembolic disease (stroke, myocardial infarction)
- Significant liver disease or liver tumors
- Known or suspected hormone-sensitive malignancy (for example, breast cancer), unless prescribed in a specialized oncology setting
- Hypersensitivity to medroxyprogesterone acetate or excipients
Your clinician will evaluate risks and benefits, particularly if you have multiple risk factors. When used with estrogen, additional contraindications to estrogen therapy also apply.
Most people tolerate Provera well, but side effects can occur. Common effects include breakthrough bleeding or spotting, changes in cycle timing, breast tenderness, bloating, mild nausea, headache, dizziness, and mood changes (irritability, low mood). Some notice fluid retention or a temporary change in weight due to appetite or water balance shifts.
Less common but important to report: severe headaches or migraines, visual disturbances, chest pain, shortness of breath, unilateral leg swelling/pain (possible clot), yellowing of the skin/eyes (possible liver issue), severe abdominal pain, or signs of allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing). In postmenopausal regimens with estrogen, there may be an increased risk of breast tenderness and, over time, an altered risk profile for breast cancer and cardiovascular events; your clinician will personalize therapy to your risk factors and monitoring plan.
Side effects often improve after the first cycle as your body adjusts. If symptoms are significant or persistent, consult your clinician to adjust dose, timing, or consider alternatives.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is metabolized in the liver, and certain medications or supplements can alter its levels or effects. Tell your clinician about all prescription drugs, OTC products, and herbal supplements.
Potential interactions include:
- Enzyme inducers that may lower progestin levels: rifampin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, topiramate (at higher doses), and St. John’s wort. Reduced levels can increase unscheduled bleeding or reduce therapeutic effect.
- Enzyme inhibitors that may increase exposure: certain azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) and some macrolide antibiotics; close monitoring may be warranted if side effects emerge.
- Antiretrovirals and hepatitis C agents: protease inhibitors or boosters (e.g., ritonavir, cobicistat) and some direct-acting antivirals can affect hormone metabolism—coordinate care with your infectious disease specialist.
- Anticoagulants: Progestins can variably influence clotting parameters; if you are on warfarin or DOACs, discuss monitoring with your clinician.
- Diabetes medications: Provera may influence glucose tolerance, potentially requiring adjustments in insulin or oral agents.
Because Provera tablets are not a contraceptive, interactions that reduce hormone levels do not translate to a contraceptive failure risk here, but they may reduce Provera’s effectiveness for bleeding control; your clinician can adjust your regimen if needed.
If you miss a dose of Provera, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to “catch up.” For cyclic regimens, a missed tablet can shift bleed timing slightly; if you miss more than one dose or your bleeding pattern changes significantly, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
An acute overdose of medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets is uncommon. Reported symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, breast tenderness, and possible withdrawal bleeding. There is no specific antidote; supportive care is typically sufficient. In case of a suspected overdose, contact your clinician, local poison control center, or seek urgent care—especially if a child may have ingested the medication or if severe symptoms occur.
Store Provera tablets at controlled room temperature, ideally 20–25°C (68–77°F), away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep tablets in their original container or blister until use, and never store in the bathroom. Always keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use expired medication; consult your pharmacist about safe disposal.
People discussing Provera on Reddit often share experiences with inducing a period after months of amenorrhea, managing irregular bleeding, and side effects like mood changes or bloating. Many compare Provera tablets with Depo-Provera injection, clarifying that tablets are for cycle control—not contraception. Others talk about timing Provera with fertility tracking or PCOS care, asking how long after the last pill they can expect a withdrawal bleed.
The following are anonymized, paraphrased sentiments drawn from common threads:
- “I took 10 mg for 10 days, and my period started five days after the last pill. The first month had more cramping, but it evened out by the second cycle.”
- “Provera helped stop constant spotting, but I felt weepy and had headaches. My doctor adjusted the timing and it improved.”
- “I thought Provera was birth control—turns out it’s not. My clinic made sure I used condoms during the course in case of pregnancy risk.”
- “On PCOS forums, lots of us use it to induce a bleed every couple months when we don’t ovulate. Helpful for endometrial protection, but it’s not a fix for ovulation itself.”
On WebMD, patient reviews often describe Provera’s effectiveness at bringing on a period after prolonged gaps, controlling heavy or erratic bleeding, and supporting endometrial health during estrogen therapy. Satisfaction varies by individual tolerance and goals. Some reviewers report minimal side effects and predictable results; others note mood shifts, breast tenderness, or headaches, especially during the first cycle.
Here are paraphrased themes commonly reflected in patient feedback:
- “Works as promised to start a period within a week, brought a sense of relief after months of waiting.”
- “Side effects for me were mild—some bloating and sleepiness. Worth it for cycle control.”
- “Mood changes and headaches were tough. Talking with my doctor about a different schedule helped a lot.”
- “Using it alongside estrogen stopped the random spotting I had with HRT. My provider set a calendar that keeps me on track.”
In the United States, Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets) is a prescription-only medication. By law, you should not buy Provera without a prescription. Any legitimate pathway includes a licensed clinician evaluating your history, confirming that Provera is appropriate, and issuing a prescription with instructions tailored to your needs and risk profile.
Heritage Senior Center offers a legal and structured solution that streamlines access without requiring you to have a prior, separate prescription on hand: you complete a compliant telehealth evaluation, a credentialed clinician reviews your case, and if Provera is medically appropriate, they issue a prescription and arrange fulfillment. This preserves safety standards while reducing barriers and wait times. Services that claim to sell prescription medications directly without any clinical review are not operating within U.S. regulations and may put your health at risk.
Key takeaways if you’re looking to buy Provera without prescription online: expect a legitimate service to involve a medical questionnaire, identity verification, and, when indicated, lab or pregnancy testing. You should receive clear dosing instructions, side-effect counseling, and follow-up support. Heritage Senior Center adheres to these principles to ensure you receive Provera only when it’s safe, appropriate, and legal for your situation.
Provera is an oral progestin (synthetic progesterone) that stabilizes the uterine lining, counteracts estrogen’s effects on the endometrium, and helps trigger a scheduled “withdrawal bleed” when stopped. It binds progesterone receptors, reducing unopposed estrogen and regulating menstrual cycles.
Common uses include treating secondary amenorrhea (absent periods), managing abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, and protecting the uterine lining from overgrowth (endometrial hyperplasia) in women taking estrogen therapy. It may also be used off-label for cycle control in PCOS or to help manage endometriosis-related bleeding.
No. Provera refers to oral tablets of medroxyprogesterone acetate used for cycle control and endometrial protection. Depo-Provera is an injectable form used primarily for contraception and has different dosing, duration, and side-effect considerations (including bone density effects).
Follow your clinician’s schedule. Typical regimens include short courses (for example, 5–10 mg once daily for 5–10 days) to induce a withdrawal bleed, or cyclic dosing (for example, 10–14 days each month) alongside estrogen for hormone therapy. Do not adjust your dose without medical advice.
Many people have a withdrawal bleed 3–7 days after finishing a short course, though timing can vary. If you don’t bleed within two weeks of completing a course, contact your clinician to reassess dosing, diagnosis, or to rule out pregnancy.
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, bloating, nausea, dizziness, headaches, mood changes, acne, and fluid retention can occur. Many effects are mild and improve over time or when the course is completed.
Seek urgent care for symptoms of a blood clot (leg swelling/pain, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath), vision changes, severe headaches, jaundice, heavy uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of an allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, trouble breathing).
Avoid if you are pregnant, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, active or past blood clots or stroke, severe liver disease, or a history of hormone-sensitive cancers unless your specialist advises otherwise. Your clinician will review your risks and alternatives.
Do not use Provera during pregnancy. If you might be pregnant, test before starting. Provera does not stimulate ovulation and is not a fertility drug; it’s often used to induce a withdrawal bleed before timed fertility treatments. Discuss timing if you’re trying to conceive.
Small amounts may pass into breast milk. Short courses for bleeding control are sometimes used, but timing and alternatives depend on your situation and infant age. Consult your clinician to weigh risks, benefits, and nonhormonal options.
Provera does not permanently affect fertility. Normal ovulatory cycles typically resume after stopping. If cycles remain irregular, the underlying condition (such as PCOS, thyroid issues, or weight changes) is a more likely cause than Provera itself.
Some people experience appetite changes, bloating, fluid retention, or mood shifts. These are usually mild and transient. If symptoms are significant or persistent, ask about dose adjustments or alternative progestins with a different side-effect profile.
Take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your schedule. Don’t double up. If multiple doses are missed, contact your clinician; timing affects whether a withdrawal bleed occurs.
Drugs that induce liver enzymes can lower progestin levels (for example, rifampin, some anti-seizure medicines like carbamazepine or phenytoin, certain HIV meds, and St. John’s wort). Always share your full medication/supplement list with your clinician and pharmacist.
For PCOS, cyclic Provera can protect the uterine lining and induce scheduled bleeding; it doesn’t treat insulin resistance or induce ovulation. For endometriosis, progestins can reduce bleeding and pain; whether Provera is preferred depends on response and side effects versus other progestins.
All systemic progestins carry some clot risk, especially with other risk factors (smoking, obesity, immobility, prior clots). In women on estrogen therapy, adding Provera reduces endometrial cancer risk by opposing estrogen. Effects on breast cancer risk may vary; discuss personalized risk with your clinician.
In women with a uterus, a progestin like Provera is added to systemic estrogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia. Regimens can be cyclic (bleed expected) or continuous-combined (aim for no bleeding). Choice depends on symptom goals and tolerance.
No. Oral Provera tablets for cycle control are not contraceptives. If you need pregnancy prevention, discuss appropriate options (for example, combined pills, progestin-only pills, IUDs, implant, or Depo-Provera injection).
Yes, progestins can be used to delay or suppress bleeding in specific situations. The regimen should be individualized and timed by your clinician to minimize breakthrough bleeding and side effects.
Your clinician may confirm you’re not pregnant, review your bleeding pattern, rule out structural causes (fibroids, polyps), check for anemia or thyroid issues, and assess clot and cancer risks before choosing a dose and schedule.
Provera is a synthetic progestin; Prometrium is bioidentical progesterone. Prometrium can be more sedating (often taken at bedtime) and may have a different metabolic and breast risk profile when used with estrogen. Provera often provides robust endometrial protection at low cost. Choice depends on side effects, risk factors, and availability.
Both are effective. Norethindrone acetate can be potent for heavy bleeding and endometriosis but may have more androgenic side effects (acne, oily skin) for some. Provera is well-studied for inducing withdrawal bleeds and HRT endometrial protection. Individual response often guides selection.
Oral Provera is taken short-term or cyclically for bleeding control or HRT protection. Depo-Provera is an injection every 3 months for contraception and can suppress periods long term. Depo has higher likelihood of irregular bleeding early on and reversible bone density loss with prolonged use.
Mirena provides local progestin to the uterus with minimal systemic levels, often leading to lighter periods or amenorrhea and fewer systemic side effects. Provera works systemically and is taken orally. Mirena is long-acting; Provera is flexible and non-procedural. Both protect the endometrium with estrogen therapy.
Mini-pills are daily contraceptives requiring strict timing; they prevent pregnancy and may reduce bleeding over time. Provera tablets for cycle control are not contraceptives and are taken in courses or cyclically. Choose based on whether contraception is needed.
Dydrogesterone is a selective progestin often reported as well-tolerated with a low androgenic profile. Both manage amenorrhea and AUB and protect the endometrium. Availability differs by region; evidence and individual tolerability guide choice.
Megestrol is a stronger progestin often used for cancer-related indications and appetite stimulation; it carries higher risks of weight gain, edema, and thrombosis. For routine gynecologic cycle control, Provera is typically preferred due to dosing flexibility and side-effect balance.
They are therapeutically equivalent when the same dose and form are used. Generics must meet bioequivalence standards; most patients can use either without differences in effectiveness or safety.
Levonorgestrel tablets are high-dose progestin specifically for emergency contraception and are taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Provera tablets are not emergency contraception and should not be used for that purpose.
The implant is a long-acting progestin contraceptive effective for up to 3 years and often alters bleeding patterns. Provera is short-term/cyclic oral therapy for bleeding control and endometrial protection, not contraception. Systemic side effects can occur with both; the implant offers set-and-forget convenience.
Drospirenone-only pills provide contraception with a 24-hour missed-pill window and may have antimineralocorticoid effects (less bloating for some, but monitor potassium with certain drugs). Provera is used for cycle control/endometrial protection, not contraception. Side-effect profiles differ.
Vaginal progesterone delivers high local endometrial exposure with lower systemic effects, often used in fertility care or HRT. Oral Provera provides systemic progestin and is convenient for short courses. Choice depends on indication, tolerance, and access.
All are intrauterine progestin devices differing mainly in size, hormone dose, and duration. They reduce bleeding and protect the endometrium with minimal systemic exposure. Provera offers oral, non-procedural flexibility; IUDs provide long-term, low-maintenance therapy.
Dienogest is a progestin designed for endometriosis pain and lesion suppression, often with good bleeding control. Provera can help with bleeding and symptoms but may be less targeted. Regional availability and individual response determine the better fit.
Combined pills regulate cycles and provide contraception, often reducing cramps and bleeding. Provera alone regulates or induces withdrawal bleeding but does not prevent pregnancy. If contraception and cycle control are both goals, a combined pill may be more efficient.
Cyclic Provera produces a scheduled bleed and may suit those who prefer predictable cycles. Continuous-combined regimens aim for no bleeding over time but can cause early breakthrough spotting. The right approach depends on symptom control and bleeding preferences.
Both progestins can reduce endometriosis-related pain and bleeding. Norethindrone acetate may be more commonly chosen for continuous suppression; Provera is often used for cyclic control. Side-effect profiles (mood, acne, headaches) and response guide selection.