Provera For HRT

What is Provera?

Provera is a progestogen. It is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. Provera is usually prescribed when the body isn’t making enough progesterone, such as during menopause. Still, it can also be prescribed for delaying periods, managing heavy or painful periods and treating mild to moderate endometriosis.

Provera contains the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate and is sometimes prescribed alongside oestrogen, to provide a combination hormone replacement therapy.

Provera tablets are only available on prescription.

How does Provera work?

Provera is prescribed, alone or in combination with oestrogen, to treat symptoms of the menopause. If you take oestrogen alone and you have not had a hysterectomy, so still have your womb intact, you are at an increased risk of developing womb cancer.

Progesterone works by thinning the lining of the womb, preventing endometrial cancer. Whether taken alone or in combination with oestrogen, progesterone can help to improve some of the cognitive symptoms of menopause and improve sleep.

When taken as a hormone replacement therapy, Provera replaces the hormones that are in decline during and after menopause, helping to improve the symptoms.

How effective is Provera for menopause?

Provera is often prescribed to help manage vasomotor symptoms associated with the menopause, like hot flushes and night sweats, particularly in women who cannot take oestrogen.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate was studied for its effects on hot flushes in oestrogen-receptor-expressing breast cancer survivors. The study found that medroxyprogesterone acetate was safe for use in this group and 75% of participants experienced satisfactory relief of hot flushes.

A study published in 2023 found that women perceived the administration of 300 mg of oral micronized progesterone for three months reduced the frequency of night sweats and improved overall sleep quality.

How to take Provera?

You should always take Provera tablets exactly as your clinician has prescribed. Provera is available in three dosages:

• 2.5 mg
• 5 mg
• 10 mg

If you take Provera in combination with oestrogen HRT, such as Evorel or Progynova patches or Novofem tablets, you will likely be prescribed 10 mg per day for the last 14 days of each 28-day oestrogen HRT cycle.

However, it can also be prescribed as follows:

• 2 mg daily for continuous use, such as in combination with Kliofem 2 mg
• 5 mg for continuous daily use in combination with Kliovance 1 mg or alongside Sandrena gel

You should swallow Provera tablets with a glass of water and you can take them with or without food.

You should try to take the tablets at the same time every day. If you have been prescribed multiple doses, you should spread them out evenly throughout the day.

What happens if you miss a dose of Provera?

If you miss a dose of Provera, take the tablet as soon as you remember. You should then continue taking Provera tablets at the normal times, as prescribed by the clinician. Do not take a double Provera dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you take more Provera than you have been prescribed, you should contact your clinician straight away.

Who can take Provera?

Provera is suitable for most women who have started their periods. It is also suitable for women who are menopausal, who have their womb intact and are looking for a suitable HRT option.

Provera warnings and contraindications

Provera may not be suitable for some people. You should let one of our clinicians know before starting this medicine if you:

• Are allergic to medroxyprogesterone acetate or any other ingredients in the Provera tablets
• Are pregnant, want to get pregnant or are currently breastfeeding
• Have a rare condition called porphyria
• Have ever had breast cancer or any cancer that is affected by hormones, or any family members have been affected by one of these conditions
• Have or have had liver problems
• Have had a blood clot in a vein or lung
• Have angina
• Have had a heart attack
• Experience mental health issues
• Have migraines
• Are diabetic
• Have epilepsy
• Have asthma
• Have gallstones
• Have lupus
• Have hearing loss caused otosclerosis

You should also let the clinician know if you take any of the following:

• Aminoglutethimide
• Blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin
• Medicines used to manage seizures or epilepsy (phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine)
• HIV and AIDS medicines (ritonavir and nelfinavir)
• Medicines used to treat infections (rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz)
• St John’s wort

Provera side effects

As with any medication, Provera can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches
• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Changes in mood
• Weight changes
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Acne
• Changes in libido
• Allergic reactions

How to buy Provera online

Provera is available in the UK on prescription only. You can buy Provera for HRT online from Prescription Doctor in the UK with a private prescription.

To order Provera from Prescription Doctor you will need to fill out a short online consultation questionnaire . Your answers will help our clinicians determine if Provera is suitable for you.

If Provera is found to be right for you, you will receive the medication the next day if you place your order and it is approved before 3 pm.

All our products are sent in discreet, opaque, and tamper-proof packaging to maintain confidentiality.

If our clinicians feel Provera is not suitable for you, then you will receive a full refund at no cost as part of the Prescription Doctor money-back guarantee.

Is Provera available on the NHS for HRT?

Yes, Provera is available on the NHS for HRT.

Alternative hormone replacement therapies

There are several types of hormone replacement therapy available for managing menopause symptoms. Your circumstances and medical history will determine which types are suitable for you. HRT isn’t just available in tablet form, it is also available as gels and patches.

Our medical team can be contacted through your ‘My Account’ area if you want to discuss which HRT options may be suitable for you.

At Prescription Doctor, we offer several HRT options including:

• Patches
  • Evorel patches
  • Progynova
• Tablets/capsules
  • Kliofem
  • Kliovance
  • Livial (Tibolone)
  • Novofem
  • Trisequens
  • Utrogestan
  • Vagifem
• Gels
  • Oestrogel pump
  • Sandrena

Frequently asked questions

Does Provera contain oestrogen?

No, Provera is a man-made form of progesterone. It is prescribed alongside oestrogen for a combination hormone replacement therapy.

Does Provera increase the risk of blood clots?

Women who take hormone medicines, like Provera, are at a slightly increased risk of developing a blood clot.

Can Provera cause weight gain?

Yes, Provera can cause weight gain and fluid retention, especially when taken at high doses.

Who makes Provera?

Pfizer is the manufacturer of Provera.