Side Effects of Short-Term Oral Medroxyprogesterone

Common Side Effects

Changes in libido may occur with continued use of medroxyprogesterone, as reported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 1

Thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism are potentially serious side effects of medroxyprogesterone, particularly in patients with advanced disease, according to the Clinical Nutrition guidelines 2
Progestins like medroxyprogesterone may negatively impact cardiovascular risk through effects on lipid profiles, vasomotion, and carbohydrate metabolism, as stated by the Blood Reviews journal 4
For patients with cancer, progestins like medroxyprogesterone acetate may be considered to increase appetite in anorectic patients with advanced disease, but clinicians must be aware of the potential serious side effects, particularly thromboembolism, as recommended by the Clinical Nutrition guidelines 2, 3, 5

When used for hormone replacement therapy in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, medroxyprogesterone acetate has been shown to effectively induce secretory endometrium when combined with estrogen, as reported by the Blood Reviews journal 4