People's Pharmacy

Provera

Generic Name:medroxyprogesterone

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Overview

Provera is derived from a natural female hormone, progesterone. It is prescribed to bring on menstrual periods or treat abnormal uterine bleeding.

Although other uses have not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Provera is probably prescribed most often to menopausal women in conjunction with estrogen hormones like Premarin.

Estrogens increase the risk of uterine cancer and Provera may help offset this danger.

Doctors also sometimes prescribe this progestin for severe sleeping disturbances characterized by breathing difficulties.