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Dydrogesterone

Dydrogesterone is a synthetic progestogen taken as a tablet. It acts on the lining of the womb much as natural progesterone does, and it does this without stopping ovulation. It is used in a number of menstrual and fertility-related conditions.

Medicine containing Dydrogesterone

Duphaston

Endometriosis, Dysmenorrhea, Infertility

10mg

Duphaston tablets contain dydrogesterone and are used for endometriosis, dysmenorrhoea, infertility and secondary amenorrhoea. It comes in one strength and several pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$2.13/ tabletView

Key points

  • Dydrogesterone is an orally active progestogen that shifts the endometrium from a proliferative to a secretory phase while ovulation continues.
  • It is used for endometriosis, painful periods, absent periods and infertility.
  • Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, severe hepatic impairment and known hypersensitivity to dydrogesterone are reasons not to use it.

What dydrogesterone is used for

Dydrogesterone belongs with the treatments grouped under women’s health. It is used in endometriosis, dysmenorrhoea, secondary amenorrhoea and infertility. In each case the aim is a more regular cycle, and in fertility care it may support outcomes by encouraging more consistent cycles.

How it works

The medicine copies the effect of the body’s own progesterone on the endometrium. That moves the lining from a proliferative to a secretory phase, and ovulation is not inhibited in the process. Onset is generally seen within 2 to 4 weeks, and a dose lasts around 8 to 12 hours.

Forms and brands

Dydrogesterone comes as a tablet. Duphaston 10mg tablets contain it. Orders are prepared by pharmacy partners in India and shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging, with prices shown in ringgit.

Safety

Do not use dydrogesterone if you have vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, severe hepatic impairment, or a known hypersensitivity to dydrogesterone. A tumour should be excluded before the medicine is started, and anyone with a history of depression needs monitoring during treatment. It is for adults.

Common effects include headache, nausea and menstrual irregularities. Breast pain, mood swings and migraine are also reported. Haemolytic anaemia and hepatic dysfunction are serious effects that need immediate medical attention.

Ritonavir, nelfinavir and phenobarbital interact with dydrogesterone. Limited studies in pregnancy show no evidence of harm; breastfeeding should be avoided unless a consultant specifies it.

What the sources say

  • Progestins as a group are a well-established cause of clinically apparent liver injury, with a likelihood score of A. (NCBI)
  • Liver injury reported during progestin therapy has been self-limiting and has resolved completely once the progesterone preparation was stopped. (NCBI)
  • High doses can raise liver enzymes after one to two weeks of treatment, and these changes usually settle quickly when the dose is adjusted or the medicine is stopped. (NCBI)
  • Nausea, headaches, anxiety, weight gain, oedema and breast tenderness are common side effects of progestin therapy. (NCBI)

Further reading

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