Prometrium vs Provera: Choosing The Right Hormonal Medication
Prometrium and Provera are two hormonal medications with different characteristics.
Each has its uses, composition, chemical structure, and dosage.
Medical conditions like hormonal imbalances and reproductive health conditions can be treated with Prometrium and Provera.
Both of these medicines have similar effects on our bodies by working on Progesterone receptors.
Choosing the correct one depends on the individual’s circumstances and the doctor’s recommendation.
Prometrium vs Provera: Quick overview
Prometrium and Provera are synthetic forms of the hormone Progesterone present in different forms, doses, and compositions.
Let’s get a quick overview of these aspects.
| Aspect | Prometrium | Provera |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Micronized Progesterone | Medroxyprogesterone acetate |
| Dosage | Oral capsules | Oral tablets |
| Usage | Hormonal replacement therapy | Abnormal uterus bleeding, endometriosis |
| Side effects | Breast tenderness, vomiting, mood swings | Headache, breast tenderness, drowsiness, mood changes |
| Drug Interaction | Potential interaction with certain drugs | Possible interaction with specific medication |
What is Prometrium
Prometrium is used as a Hormone Replacement Therapy reducing the risk of Endometrial Hyperplasia.
Endometrial Hyperplasia is a condition where the lining of the uterus becomes abnormally thick which can lead to abnormal bleeding.
Micronized Progesterone, a bioidentical form of Progesterone, is present in Prometrium.
The drug stimulates menstruation in women who have not reached menopause but do not have periods because of low Progesterone levels in their bodies.
Prometrium dosage and duration vary depending on the ailment being treated. It is a pill that can be taken orally and is generally available in 100mg, 200mg, or 300mg.
If you have particular conditions, such as irregular or unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or a history of blood clots, you shouldn’t take Prometrium.
What is Provera
A synthetic Progestin called Provera (Medroxyprogesterone acetate) treats several ailments, such as Endometriosis, Amenorrhea, and irregular uterine bleeding.
Provera is also used in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women to reduce menopause symptoms.
There is an oral tablet for Provera, and the frequency and length of treatment depend on the condition being treated.
In the absence of organic conditions, such as fibroids or uterine cancer, Provera pills are now indicated for treating secondary Amenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding caused by hormone imbalance.
At the time of pregnancy, Provera is not advisable.
Each oral Provera pill has 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg of Medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Provera should not be taken by people who have or had a history of breast cancer, miscarriages, liver problems, or blood clots.
You should consult your doctor for an ideal prescription based on your specific requirements and medical history because Provera includes risk factors and side effects.
Prometrium vs. Provera: which is more effective
The National Library of Medicine conducted a study to compare the effectiveness, tolerability, and cost of natural Micronized Progesterone (MP), which is Prometrium and Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA).
Both the treatments improved menopausal symptoms and quality of life, while MP shows additional benefits in menstrual problems and cognitive function.
It was concluded that MP is a clinically effective, well-tolerated, and cost-comparable alternative to MPA in Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Another study highlights that both are effective, yet MP might improve sleep quality in post-menopausal women taking estrogen.
Side effects of Prometrium and Provera
Prometrium and Provera both have side effects, though certain side effects and their effectiveness might range from mild to severe depending on the individual’s condition.
The potential list of associated side effects for both drugs is provided below.
Prometrium
The following are the side effects which are associated with Prometrium:
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Allergic reactions include skin rashes and tongue, face, or lip swelling
- Drowsiness
- Mood swings
- Eye pain or change in vision such as blurred vision or halo around the eye
- Unusual vaginal discharge, dryness, and itching
Provera
Listed below are the seen side effects of Provera:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Nausea
- Burning or painful urination
- Change in vaginal discharge
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain or loss
- Bloating
- Mood swings
- Blurred vision
- Change in skin color or thickness
Provera has been linked with higher risks of side effects than Prometrium.
Drug interactions
Prometrium and Provera can interact with other medications, which may bother their effectiveness.
Here are some common drug interactions associated with Prometrium and Provera.
With Prometrium
Certain medications can affect how Prometrium works in the body.
Few drugs like Rifampin, Phenytoin, and Carbamazepine can make it less effective.
This means Prometrium might not work with these drugs if taken together.
Taking it with drugs that help prevents blood clots, such as Warfarin, can risk blood clot formation.
Prometrium can also interact with certain medications used in Breast Cancer treatment called aromatase inhibitors.
Other medications like Barbiturates, Ketoconazole, and Silodosin can also interact with Prometrium and affects its effectiveness.
With Provera
Some medications like Rifampin, Phenytoin, and Carbamazepine can make Provera less effective by increasing the activity of liver enzymes.
Aminoglutethimide may interact with this drug.
Corticosteroids, a medication used to reduce inflammation, may not work as well when taken with Provera.
It can also interact with medications like Macrolide antibiotics, Metronidazole, Mifepristone, lumacaftor, etc.
These interactions can affect how Provera works and may increase the risk of side effects.
Conclusion
Prometrium and Provera are synthetic forms of Progesterone.
Both medications work similarly to the mechanism used to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Prometrium is cost compatible and clinically more effective than Provera.
While Prometrium and Provera both treat hormonal imbalances, Prometrium is considered more natural since it contains a hormone identical to that produced by the body.
Medications may differ from person to person due to specific medical conditions, so it is always advisable to seek guidance before opting for medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provera the same as Progesterone?
No, Provera is a Progestin that comes from Progesterone, a natural sex hormone. It is a lab-made version of the natural hormone Progesterone. It works in the same way as the Progesterone hormone produced by ovaries. They both differ in their chemical structure.
What is Provera used for?
Provera treats women who have stopped menstruating due to complications unrelated to pregnancy, abnormal uterus bleeding, or certain types of cancer, including breast and kidney cancers. It is also commonly used in combination with an estrogen-containing medication to ease the symptoms of menopause.
Is Prometrium the same as Medroxyprogesterone?
No, Prometrium is not the same as Medroxyprogesterone. Despite the fact that they both are synthetic forms of hormonal Progesterone, they differ in their composition, dosage, and their effectiveness with other medications.
Which Progesterone is safest?
Micronized Progesterone, found in Prometrium, is generally considered safer as it resembles more than Progesterone made by the human body. However, the response may vary depending on the individual. Seek medical expert advice while taking any medication.
Does Prometrium stop periods?
Prometrium is not primarily intended to stop periods but can change how period happens. It is used in Hormone Replacement Therapy to lower the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. It may result in a few days of withdrawal bleeding, similar to periods.
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