Case report, 2021
Can dydrogesterone help period pain, irregular cycles, PMS, and pregnancy loss, not just menopause?
This review of past evidence, together with an account of one woman's care, suggests dydrogesterone may help with these conditions, but it does not report new trial results of its own.
What they did
This was a review of existing evidence on dydrogesterone, a man-made hormone similar to the body's natural progesterone. It looked at its use for different conditions linked to periods and pregnancy, and included an account of one woman's care as she tried to become a mother.
What they found
At standard doses, dydrogesterone does not stop ovulation, does not act like estrogen or testosterone in the body, and does not cause metabolic side effects. Because of this, it is described as suitable for use at any age, from the teenage years to later life. The review states it is used for period pain, irregular cycles, PMS, and risk of pregnancy loss, as well as to support the womb lining during fertility treatment.
What it means for you
This supports the idea that dydrogesterone has a role beyond menopause care, including for PMS, but the conclusions come from a review of earlier evidence and one woman's case rather than a new controlled study, so it cannot prove on its own how well the treatment works.
About the study
- Original title
- Dydrogesterone indications beyond menopausal hormone therapy: an evidence review and woman's journey
- Authors
- Stute P
- Journal
- Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Case report
- What was tested
- Dydrogesterone, a progesterone-like hormone taken as a tablet.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2021.1908252
Topics
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