Medroxyprogesterone

Medroxyprogesterone, or MP is a progestin (synthetic progestogen). MP is not used medically, as it is over two orders of magnitude less potent than medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA); a derivative of MP (PMID: 16784762). MP may be formed via the metabolism of MPA. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is used to treat conditions such as absent or irregular menstrual periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding. Synthetic progestogens are widely used to simulate the effects of progesterone; a natural female sex hormone. Progesterone is essential for endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and the successful establishment of pregnancy. A low progesterone concentration or an insufficient response to progesterone can cause infertility and pregnancy loss (PMID: 20104424). In addition to progestagenic activity, MP is also a weak antiandrogen in vitro (PMID: 29990947). Medroxyprogesterone is only found in individuals that have used or taken MPA.

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