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Provera is a tablet that can safely delay your period for a short time. It contains a man‑made hormone called medroxyprogesterone, which is similar to the natural progesterone your body produces after ovulation. When you start taking Provera a few days before your period is due, it tells your womb lining to stay in place rather than shed. This keeps your period from arriving until you decide to stop taking the tablets. It’s a helpful option for women who can’t take the more commonly used period‑delay pill, norethisterone.
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Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a synthetic progestogen available as 5mg and 10mg tablets. Originally used to treat a range of gynaecological conditions, Provera is also prescribed off-label in the UK for period delay — offering an alternative to norethisterone for women who may not tolerate norethisterone or who require a different dosing schedule. Provera works by mimicking the effects of natural progesterone, preventing the hormonal drop that triggers menstruation. It must be taken 5–10 days before your period is expected and continued until you want your period to begin. A clinician must assess your suitability before Provera can be prescribed.
| Active ingredient | Medroxyprogesterone acetate |
| Available strengths | 5mg, 10mg |
| Form | Film-coated tablets |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer |
| Typical use | Period delay (off-label) |
| Usual dose for period delay | 10mg daily, starting 5–10 days before period expected |
| Duration of use | Taken continuously; stop to allow period to start |
| Prescription required | Yes |
Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestogen that mimics the effects of natural progesterone. Your menstrual period is triggered by a natural fall in progesterone levels at the end of your cycle, which causes the womb lining to shed. By keeping progesterone levels elevated, Provera prevents this hormonal drop and delays menstruation for as long as you continue taking the tablets.
Provera is used off-label for period delay in the UK. It works in the same way as norethisterone, but uses a different progestogen, making it a useful alternative for women who cannot tolerate norethisterone or who need a different dosing schedule.
Once you stop taking Provera, your progesterone levels fall, signalling your body to begin menstruation. Your period should typically start within 2–3 days of stopping the tablets.
Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Your period is triggered each month by a natural fall in progesterone levels, which causes the lining of the womb to shed. Provera prevents this drop by keeping progesterone levels elevated, delaying your period for as long as you take the tablets. When you stop, hormone levels fall and your period typically begins within 2–3 days.
Both Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) and norethisterone are progestogens that delay periods by maintaining elevated progesterone levels. Norethisterone is the only medicine licensed specifically for period delay in the UK. Provera is prescribed off-label for this purpose and may be preferred by some women who do not tolerate norethisterone or who have previously used it without success. Your prescriber will advise which is more suitable for you.
For period delay, Provera 10mg is typically taken once daily. You should start taking it 5–10 days before your period is expected to begin and continue every day until you are ready for your period to start. Once you stop, your period should arrive within 2–3 days.
No. Provera at the doses used for period delay does not reliably prevent pregnancy. You must continue to use your usual contraceptive method whilst taking Provera. If you are unsure about contraception, speak to a clinician.
Common side effects include breast tenderness, headache, nausea, bloating, mood changes, and spotting or breakthrough bleeding. These usually resolve after stopping the medication. Seek medical advice immediately if you experience symptoms of a blood clot, such as chest pain, breathlessness, or calf pain and swelling.
Provera is not suitable for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have a history of blood clots, severe liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or hormone-sensitive cancers. Always complete the online consultation so our prescribers can assess your individual suitability.
Your first period after stopping Provera may be slightly heavier than usual, as the uterine lining has had more time to build up. This is normal. Your cycle should return to its usual pattern after that first period.
If you are on the combined pill, you may be able to delay your period by running two packs back-to-back without a break — Provera would not normally be needed. If you are on the mini pill, speak to a prescriber as the approach differs. Always disclose your current medications during the consultation.
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