Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Dydrogesterone

Dydrogesterone: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is dydrogesterone?

Dydrogesterone is a synthetic progesterone that acts directly on the uterus and maintains a completely secretory endometrial lining of the uterus. It helps in the healthy growth and shedding of the uterus lining cells by acting directly on the progesterone receptors.

The drug is active orally and absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The drug does not have any androgenic, estrogenic, corticoid, or anabolic effects. The body excretes dydrogesterone as pregnanediol.

What are the uses of dydrogesterone?

The drug’s primary use is to treat irregularities in menstrual cycles, including the duration, pain, and occurrence. It is also used to treat natural abortion and repeated miscarriages due to progesterone deficiency by making the womb more receptive for the egg implantation.

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What are the side effects of dydrogesterone?

A potential risk of dydrogesterone intake is Hypospadias. This condition is congenital, where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis. However, there is no substantial evidence to support this claim.

Excess consumption of this drug may cause bleeding in-between your periods; take your physician’s advice if this happens. Other minor side effects are abdominal pain, vomiting, breast pain, dizziness, itching, and rashes.

What is Dydrogesterone

Uses of Dydrogesterone

Side effects of Dydrogesterone

References

Wang L, Guan HY, Xia HX, Chen XY, Zhang W. Dydrogesterone treatment for menstrual-cycle regularization in abnormal uterine bleeding – ovulation dysfunction patients. World Journal of Clinical Cases. 2020 Aug;8(15):3259-3266. DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i15.3259.
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00396

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dydrogesterone

So far, the drug is considered safe. There have not been any reports of serious side effects or toxicity while taking the therapeutic dose of this drug. The use of the drug below the age of 18 is not advisable since the drug's safety at this age is not scientifically proven.

No, it does not delay periods. The drug helps to correct the irregularities of menstruation in patients having a deficiency of progesterone. Also, it does not have any effect on ovulation.

Dydrogesterone acts directly on the progesterone receptors of the endometrial lining and facilitates the implantation of the egg in the womb in progesterone-deficient patients.

There are currently no comprehensive clinical reports regarding the time required for the medicine to act and its duration of action.

There are various synthetic formulations of progesterone other than dydrogesterone, which you can take orally or as micronized vaginal capsules.
However, the dydrogesterone has a better safety profile due to the anti-androgenic and anti corticoid effects. Unlike the other formulations, it does not increase the serum high-density lipid or triglyceride level. It also does not increase the body temperature.

The medicine is used during pregnancy only if your doctor indicates or prescribes its use. It is safe to use during pregnancy. If you miss a dose, you can take it as soon as possible or go for the next dose. It is not advisable to take a double dose of the drug.

If you ingest dydrogesterone during the nursing phase, know that your breast milk will secrete a small amount of the drug. However, there is inconclusive evidence about its safety profile for the child.

Get a medical opinion regarding dydrogesterone use during breastfeeding.

The dosage of dydrogesterone varies based on its therapeutic purpose.
In the case of irregular or painful menstruation, the doctor may advise you to take 10 mg twice daily, starting from the 5th day to the 25th day of your cycle. If you suffer from habitual abortion, the physician may recommend taking 10 mg once daily till the 12th week of pregnancy.

Although a few research articles cite weight gain as a side effect of the drug, there is not much conclusive evidence.

Dizziness is among the reported side effects of this drug. Hence, you must exercise caution while driving after taking dydrogesterone.

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