Can someone tell me what Provera (hormone?) is all about?

Question

A doctor prescribed it because I am having heavy periods in between periods.

Answer 1

Provera is also known as medroxyprogesterone acetate. It is a progestagen - that is to say it imitates the effect of progesterone in your body.

There is a good wiki article about "depo provera" which is an injection form - you get an injection once every 3 months. It acts as a contraceptive and also the progesterone effect causes your endometrial lining build up to be much less. This lining is what is shed during the menstrual period and hence a smaller lining would mean lighter periods.

The depo provera sometimes causes periods to stop altogether.

Provera is also available in a tablet form.

Answer 2

It's a drug. Most doctors in-the-know about hormones are now avoiding Prempro and Provera as much as possible, due to the negative impact of MPA on the body — altering a woman’s biochemistry in a way that can increase her risk for a number of serious medical problems. (MPA is the generic form of Provera, also used in Prempro.)

Avoiding MPA is especially wise because there are safer, more effective alternatives such as Prometrium, which is a widely available brand of bioidentical, prescription-strength progesterone. Unlike bioidentical progesterone, a synthetic form of progesterone such as Provera is also likely to worsen any mood swings, bloating, and depression.

Answer 3

I've been taking the shots for about 7 years now for birth control. I haven't had a period this whole time. It's great if you ask me. I personally have had no side effects. I highly recommend it, especially if you are having such heavy periods.