Dydrogesterone is a hormonal medication. It has a similar action to the female hormone known as progesterone. It is used for the treatment of menstrual conditions such as unusual menstrual bleeding or pain, irregular periods, and premenstrual syndrome (physical and emotional changes experienced by some women a few days before menstruation). Dydrogesterone is also used to treat endometriosis (growth of tissue outside the womb), female infertility, threatened abortions (vaginal bleeding that occurs in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy), or habitual abortion (three or more consecutive pregnancy losses). This medicine is used as a component in hormone replacement therapy (a treatment to relieve symptoms of menopause).
Dydrogesterone works by imitating the activities of the natural hormone progesterone, which in turn helps to treat conditions caused due to hormonal imbalance in the body.
Dydrogesterone can be taken with or without food. Take the medication at the same time every day for ease of remembering. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor. Follow the instructions given by your doctor about the dose and duration of the treatment.
Dydrogesterone is not recommended if you are allergic to it. It should be avoided if you have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, serious liver conditions, or a progesterone-dependent tumour (a type of cancer that is dependent on progesterone for growth and/or survival). Inform your doctor if you have porphyria (abnormalities in the production of an oxygen-carrying chemical known as haeme, due to the accumulation of porphyrins in the body), depression, or other medical conditions.
Dydrogesterone should be taken during pregnancy only upon your doctor’s advise. It is not recommended for use while breastfeeding due to the lack of safety information. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age.
