HRT- Provera, Cycrin

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Different Forms of HRT: Provera, Cycrin

(Progestin -- medroxyprogesterone acetate or MPA)

MPA is, in effect, the conjugated estrogen of the progesterone world. In other words, it is the oldest form of the hormone used in HRT, the most commonly prescribed, and the type of progesterone that has been used in most HRT studies. (In fact, it’s the one being used in the large Women’s Health Initiative Study.)

This synthetic form of progesterone is called a C21 progestin and is made by adding chemical groups to progesterone which makes the progesterone more stable and more easily available. But MPA often causes PMS-like side effects in many women -- sometimes to such a degree that women want to stop HRT completely. In addition, MPA may detract from some of the heart-health aspects of estrogen. So it’s usually recommended that you take the smallest amount that will protect against endometrial build-up.

Standard dosage: 2.5 mgs daily (on continuous therapy) 5 mgs daily for two weeks of your cycle (on cyclical therapy) Also available in 10 mg dosage

Pros: Widely studied

Cons: Linked to a number of side effects ranging from breast tenderness to bloating to depression; blocks some of estrogen’s effects on cholesterol

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Information last updated on: 3/10/08

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