Why Increased Bleeding After Taking Provera for Hormonal Imbalance? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Taking progesterone may actually increase the amount of bleeding?


I have been experiencing irregular menstrual bleeding, with a persistent light flow and brownish blood spots appearing about a week before my period.
Sometimes the color resembles that of menstrual blood.
After seeing a doctor and undergoing an ultrasound, I was informed that I might be experiencing a lack of progesterone along with adenomyosis, which is causing the continuous bleeding.
The doctor prescribed Provera 5 mg for me to take three times a day, one tablet at a time.
I have been taking it for a day, but I noticed that the bleeding has actually increased (previously it was just a little bit of brown discharge).
Is this normal?

Miss Lin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/02

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, is it the time for your menstrual period? If not, it may be considered abnormal, and I recommend seeing a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/03/02

More Info


Provera, which contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It is commonly prescribed to address hormonal imbalances, particularly in cases where there is insufficient progesterone production, such as in conditions like endometrial hyperplasia or uterine fibroids. When starting Provera, it is not uncommon for patients to experience changes in their bleeding patterns, which can sometimes include increased bleeding.

In your case, the increase in bleeding after starting Provera could be attributed to several factors. First, it's important to understand that hormonal treatments can initially cause fluctuations in menstrual bleeding as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels. This adjustment period can lead to heavier bleeding or spotting, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment.
Additionally, since you mentioned having a condition like adenomyosis (which is often referred to as uterine adenomyosis), this can also contribute to abnormal bleeding patterns. Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, leading to heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramps, and other symptoms. The introduction of Provera may initially exacerbate these symptoms before they improve, as the medication works to regulate the hormonal balance and reduce the growth of the endometrial tissue.

It is also worth noting that Provera is often used to help stabilize the endometrial lining. In some cases, if the lining is particularly thick or if there is an underlying condition that causes irregular bleeding, the initial response to the medication may not be what is expected. The body may react by shedding the lining more aggressively, leading to increased bleeding.

If the bleeding continues to increase or if you experience any concerning symptoms such as severe pain, dizziness, or passing large clots, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider. They may want to reassess your treatment plan, possibly adjusting the dosage or considering alternative therapies.
In summary, while it is not uncommon to experience increased bleeding after starting Provera, especially in the context of hormonal imbalances and conditions like adenomyosis, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If the bleeding does not stabilize or worsens, further evaluation by your healthcare provider is warranted to ensure that there are no other underlying issues contributing to the increased bleeding.

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