From the Research
Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is typically prescribed at doses of 150 mg/month for the management of abnormal uterine bleeding associated with fibroids, and it has been shown to reduce fibroid volume by 33% and uterine volume by 48% after 6 months of treatment. This regimen can help control heavy bleeding by stabilizing the endometrial lining. The use of Provera for the treatment of uterine fibroids is supported by a pilot study published in 2004 1, which demonstrated significant improvement in bleeding patterns and reduction in fibroid volume. However, it's essential to note that while Provera can manage symptoms, it is not curative for fibroids. Other treatment options like GnRH agonists, tranexamic acid, or surgical interventions may be more effective depending on the severity of symptoms and fibroid characteristics.
Some key points to consider when using Provera for the treatment of uterine fibroids include:
- The potential for significant improvement in bleeding patterns, with 30% of patients becoming amenorrhoeic and 70% noticing improvement in their bleeding pattern after 6 months of treatment 1
- The reduction in fibroid volume, with a mean reduction of 33% after 6 months of treatment 1
- The potential for side effects, such as mood changes, breast tenderness, bloating, and headaches
- The importance of a thorough evaluation by a gynecologist to determine the most appropriate treatment approach, considering the severity of symptoms, fibroid characteristics, and patient preferences.
It's also important to consider the results of other studies, such as the 2017 Cochrane review 2, which compared the effectiveness of different medical therapies for the treatment of uterine fibroids, including GnRH agonists and selective progesterone receptor modulators. However, the 2004 pilot study 1 provides the most direct evidence for the use of Provera in the treatment of uterine fibroids, and its results should be prioritized when making treatment decisions.