Hydroxyprogesterone

Hydroxyprogesterone is a synthetic progestin, a type of medication that mimics the effects of the natural hormone progesterone. It is primarily used in medicine to treat or prevent certain gynecological conditions. One of its main applications is in the treatment of amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation. It can also be used to manage abnormal uterine bleeding that is not caused by structural abnormalities of the uterus.

Furthermore, hydroxyprogesterone has been used in the prevention of preterm birth. In some cases, it is administered to pregnant women who have a history of spontaneous preterm birth to reduce the risk of their baby being born too early. The exact mechanism by which it achieves this is not fully understood but is thought to involve its effects on the uterine muscle and cervix.

The administration of hydroxyprogesterone is typically through intramuscular injection. Like all medications, it can have side effects, which may include changes in menstrual cycles, breast tenderness, and mood changes. It is important for hydroxyprogesterone to be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. Its use is contraindicated in certain conditions, such as known or suspected pregnancy (except when used for preterm birth prevention), active thromboembolic disorders, and known hypersensitivity to the drug.