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Review, 1991

What are progestogens used for, and what side effects do they have?

Progestogens are medications used to regulate menstrual bleeding, protect the uterine lining, provide contraception, and treat cancer. They can cause physical, psychological, and metabolic side effects including changes in blood fats that need to be considered.

Early or limited evidence This is a review; no specific study population. General discussion of people taking progestogens.

What they did

This is a review of progestogens, a class of medications that stimulate the progesterone receptor. The authors examined their various uses in gynecological and medical practice and their potential side effects.

What they found

Progestogens share the ability to stimulate the progesterone receptor but differ in many other aspects. Their uses include regulation of menstrual bleeding, protection of estrogen-primed endometrium, contraception, and anticancer therapy. However, progesterone physical and psychological side-effects and potentially adverse metabolic effects including lipoprotein changes must be considered.

What it means for you

Progestogens are useful medications with multiple applications in gynecological care, but they come with side effects that should be discussed with your doctor. Different progestogens have different properties, so your doctor can choose the best option for your situation. This is a review article, so it focuses on general guidance rather than new evidence.

About the study

Original title
Progestogens: an occasional review
Authors
Eden JA
Journal
Asia-Oceania journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Year
1991
Study design
Review
What was tested
Various progestogens (progesterone-like medications).

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