Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate: an update

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2008 Jul;278(1):1-12. doi: 10.1007/s00404-007-0497-z. Epub 2008 May 10.

Abstract

Objective: Depo-Provera is a contraceptive approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1992 and used worldwide by more than 90 million women.

Aim of study: Despite the fact that progestins are endogenous hormones that are secreted by the body, its excess might lead to detrimental health effects. Whether progestins as contraceptives are friends or foes is a questionable matter. In this manuscript, we drive the attention to both usage and side effects Depo-Provera.

Results: Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a highly effective, convenient non-daily hormonal contraceptive option that has been available worldwide for many years. The experience with DMPA provides a large body of long-term data regarding the efficacy and safety of this contraceptive method; this long-term experience has established that the use of DMPA does not increase the risk of cardiovascular events, breast cancer, other gynecologic malignancy, or postmenopausal fracture; however, patients are often more concerned about the relatively immediate effects of contraceptives such as potential changes in menstrual cycle, body weight, and mood disturbances.

Conclusion: Concerns about such issues may lead to reluctance to initiate therapy or premature discontinuation. Counseling and understanding of women's concerns and experiences using Depo-Provera is important and could help health care providers redesign counseling strategies to improve contraceptive continuation and improve patient adherence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Drug-Induced
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / prevention & control
  • Animals
  • Arachnoiditis / chemically induced
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / administration & dosage*
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / prevention & control
  • Lactation / drug effects
  • Lipoproteins / drug effects
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / administration & dosage*
  • Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / adverse effects*
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Female
  • Lipoproteins
  • Medroxyprogesterone Acetate