Dydrogesterone
Molecule Description
Dydrogesterone is a progestogen (a synthetic form of progesterone hormone) used
to treat progesterone deficiency (irregular periods, etc.) and other symptoms due to increased activity of estrogen. It belongs to the ‘hormonal replacement therapy’ group of medicines.
Uses of Dydrogesterone
- To treat symptoms due to high levels of estrogen hormone due to estrogen supplements in conditions such as natural or induced menopause
- An increase in the levels of estrogen can cause thickness of lining of the uterus (endometriosis), vaginal bleeding, heavy breasts, weight gain, mood swings, etc. (a condition called ‘estrogen dominance’)...
Contraindications of Dydrogesterone
When should one not use Dydrogesterone
- Allergy to Dydrogesterone or any of its components
- Any progesterone related cancers (meningioma)
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Prevention of thickening of uterus lining (endometriosis)
Side effects of Dydrogesterone
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Migraines or headache, nausea (feeling sick)
- Menstrual disorders (absent, painful or irregular periods, excess bleeding), breast pain and tenderness (sensitive to touch)
- Depression, feeling dizzy, vomiting, liver problems (jaundice (yellow eyes), weakness, stomach pain, generalized discomfort), allergic skin reactions (rashes, itching, redness), weight gain
- Severe allergic reactions causing swelling of face or throat causing difficulty to breathe and swallow, with or without rashes, itching, skin blisters and peeling
Precautions and Warnings of Dydrogesterone
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Dydrogesterone during pregnancy?
A:
Dydrogesterone is commonly used during pregnancy. The risk is low, but this medicine should be used in pregnancy only if necessary. High doses can increase the risk.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Dydrogesterone while breastfeeding?
A:
Small amounts of Dydrogesterone are secreted in breast milk. Due to non-availability of any conclusive data, this medicine should be avoided by breastfeeding women.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Dydrogesterone?
A:
Dydrogesterone is not known to affect the ability to drive. But occasionally, side effects such as dizziness or sleepiness, often in the first few hours after taking the medicine may cause problems. Hence, caution is advised.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Dydrogesterone?
A:
Alcohol decreases progesterone levels, delays healing, and might interfere with treatment. Therefore, it is best advised to stay away from alcohol while using Dydrogesterone.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
You are suffering from depression, porphyria (an inherited blood cell disorder causing purple skin patches and nerve damage), and any liver problems, inform the doctor before starting the treatment or if diagnosed later....
Mode of Action of Dydrogesterone
How Does It Work?
Dydrogesterone is a synthetic form naturally occurring progesterone hormone. Its primary function is to act on the uterus, making it healthy and regularize menstrual cycles.
Interactions of Dydrogesterone
Interactions with other medicines
- Antiseizure medications (Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin)
- Medicines used to treat infections (Rifampicin, Rifabutin, Nevirapine, Efavirenz)
- Herbal medicines – to treat depression, anxiety (St. John’s wort valerian root, gingko biloba), sage root (blood purifier)
Interactions with food items
Dydrogesterone can be taken with or without food but it is preferred to take on an empty stomach.
Dietary Restrictions of Dydrogesterone
Low salt diet is preferable.
Dosage of Dydrogesterone
Overdose
Unintentional overdose may not be harmful. Overdose of Dydrogesterone will cause headache, breast pain, menstrual irregularities, sickness (nausea), weight gain, swelling, allergic reactions (rashes, itching, etc.) and depression. If you experience any such symptoms, seek medical attention....
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose if you remember too late, but do not take extra medicine or double dose to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is progesterone? What are its uses?
- Progesterone is a female hormone secreted mainly by the ovaries and placenta (the organ that nourishes the fetus in mother’s womb) and plays a role in regulating menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and development of unborn babies...
- The ovaries secrete progesterone after ovulation (release of eggs from the ovary), which is around 10-14 days before your next period. After releasing from the ovaries, this hormone mainly acts on the lining of the uterus and prepares it for pregnancy or making it capable for implantation of the fertilized egg...
- Low levels of progesterone cause irregular, painful and prolonged bleeding, due to poor maintenance of the lining of the uterus
- Progesterone hormone therapy (with Dydrogesterone) will control these symptoms
- Progesterone is also a part of birth control pills. Usually, low progesterone levels are an indication for the ovary to release the egg (or ovulation). Taking this hormone tablet will maintain required levels of progesterone, causing the ovary not to release the eggs, thus preventing fertilization...
Q: What else should I know before starting Dydrogesterone?
- Do not self-medicate with this medicine. It is safe to use Dydrogesterone under medical supervision
- This medicine is used only if the symptoms are affecting the quality of life (not just for the presence of symptoms)
- A complete personal and family history of the patient, breast examination is necessary before starting the treatment. Women should inform the doctor if they notice any breast changes
- Periodic check-ups at regular intervals are recommended. Any break-through bleeding or spotting should be promptly reported to the doctor
References
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