Details

Dydrogesterone is synthetic progesterone. Progesterone is a female hormone which is responsible for the healthy growth of the womb (uterine) lining also known as endometrial. If the egg released during the menstrual cycle is not fertilized, progesterone levels decrease and initiates proper shedding of the womb lining (menstruation). If the egg is fertilized and attaches to the womb lining, progesterone levels continue to increase and helps in maintaining the integrity of womb lining which is very necessary to preserve the pregnancy. Dydrogesterone is used to mimic the action of progesterone in various conditions such as menstrual disorders, prevent miscarriage, endometriosis, infertility and in combination with hormonal replacement therapy (HRT).

Typical Uses

As Dydrogesterone helps regulate the healthy growth and normal shedding of the womb lining, it may be used in the treatment of menstrual disorders such as absent, irregular or painful menstrual periods, infertility, premenstrual syndrome and endometriosis. It may also be used to minimise the overgrowth of the womb lining due to oestrogen (the main female sex hormone) in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) following menopause. By maintaining the womb lining, this medicine is also useful in helping prevent miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) in women who have suffered repeated miscarriages or who may miscarry. Dydrogesterone is usually taken on selected days during the menstrual cycle, depending upon the disorder that is being treated.

Side Effects

Some of the side effects of dydrogesterone include pulsating headache which can develop into a migraine pain in breast and breast tenderness occasional blood spotting pain during periods irregular period heavy bleeding during periods missed period weight gain depression abnormal liver function which can progress into jaundice nausea and abdominal discomfort and hypersensitivity.

Drug Interactions

At present, there are no drug interactions available for dydrogesterone.

Mechanism of action

Dydrogesterone is a progestogen that works by regulating the healthy growth and normal shedding of the womb lining by acting on progesterone receptors in the uterus.

Pregnancy Category : B