ATC code: G03AC06, G03DA02, G03FA12, G03FB06, L02AB02
Medroxyprogesterone is mainly used by women and thus analyses on sex or gender differences have not been considered relevant. Approved indication for men are lacking except in some cases of male-to-female transsexuals
The registered indications for medroxyprogesterone are anticonception, treatment of secondary amenorrhea, excessive uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, endometriosis-associated pain, and as postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, all only in women [1-2]. Medroxyprogesterone can also be used for treatment of inoperable, recurrent, and metastatic endometrial cancer [1-2] or renal cell cancer [2]. The latter diagnosis may also be valid in men, as is the off license use for treatment of hypoventilation due to obesity (Picwickian-syndrome) [2].
Medroxyprogesterone is also used off license in paraphilia (atypical or extreme compulsive sexual behaviors) in men [2-3]. In combination with transdermal testosterone, medroxyprogesterone has been used in clinical trials as an anticonception for men [4]. It has also been tried as treatment of hot flashes in men treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues for prostate cancer [5]. In male-to-female transsexuals, medroxyprogesterone can be used to inhibit androgenes, although it’s less effective than cyproterone acetate [6].
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding pharmacokinetics and dosing of medroxyprogesterone have been found.
The effect of medroxyprogesterone is to act as an anti-androgene. Thus, the effect differs in men and women. However, comparative studies have not been found.
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding adverse effects of medroxyprogesterone have been found besides what reflects is action as a sex hormone.
Regarding teratogenic aspects, please consult Janusmed Drugs and Birth Defects (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).
Updated: 2020-08-28
Date of litterature search: 2017-03-21
Reviewed by: Mia von Euler
Approved by: Karin Schenck-Gustafsson