What are the effects and functions of An Gong Huang Ti Tong (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate)?
Medroxyprogesterone acetate, also known as medroxyprogesterone, is a progestin medication commonly available in tablet form. It generally serves to regulate menstrual cycles, treat functional uterine bleeding, provide contraception, prevent miscarriage, and alleviate menopausal symptoms. Detailed functions and effects are as follows:
1. Regulation of Menstrual Cycle: Medroxyprogesterone acetate helps regulate irregular menstrual cycles by supplementing deficient progesterone levels in the body, promoting normal development and shedding of the endometrium, thereby restoring regular menstruation. It is particularly effective for menstrual disorders caused by conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
2. Treatment of Functional Uterine Bleeding: This medication reduces endometrial thickness and controls abnormal uterine bleeding. It is suitable for conditions such as anovulatory functional uterine bleeding and menorrhagia. By stabilizing the endometrium, medroxyprogesterone acetate helps reduce both the amount and duration of bleeding.
3. Contraception: Medroxyprogesterone acetate can be used as part of oral contraceptive pills by inhibiting ovulation, altering cervical mucus properties, and affecting the endometrium to prevent fertilization and implantation. It can also be used alone as a long-acting injectable contraceptive, providing several months of contraceptive protection.
4. Prevention of Miscarriage: For pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage or luteal phase deficiency, medroxyprogesterone acetate provides additional progesterone support to help maintain pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage. By enhancing endometrial stability, it offers a better environment for embryonic development.
5. Relief of Menopausal Symptoms: Medroxyprogesterone acetate is often used in combination with estrogen to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, and mood swings. This combined therapy helps balance hormone levels and improve quality of life.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate should be used strictly according to a physician's instructions, as inappropriate use may lead to adverse reactions such as palpitations, dizziness, headache, edema, and psychiatric disturbances.