What is Medroxyprogesterone Acetate?
Medroxyprogesterone is used in some contraceptive injections, in the past it played the starring role in hormone therapy for menopausal women, other forms of contraception and even as a treatment for some cancers1. It still has other uses as period delay tablets or as the progesterone part of some HRT regimes.
Controversially, medroxyprogesterone acetate was historically used as a form of male chemical castration which is still used as punishment for some sexual behaviours that are deemed criminal by certain jurisdictions2.
What is it used in?
Contraceptive injection
Is it androgenic?
Yes, but the amount varies. (Check out our ‘Androgens’ blog for more info on what this means).
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate side effects
The following side effects have been noted as common or very common when medroxyprogesterone acetate is taken as an injection1 3:
- Changes to periods including irregular bleeding or stopping periods altogether
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Changes to libido
- Skin changes at the injection site
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