Medroxyprogesterone what is it used for
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Uses of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA)
Hormone-Related Cancer Treatment
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in Oncology
MPA is widely used in the treatment of hormone-related cancers. It acts as an endocrine therapy, particularly in cancers that are sensitive to hormonal changes, such as certain types of breast cancer. MPA's effectiveness in this context is largely due to its ability to bind to progesterone receptors, thereby influencing the growth and proliferation of cancer cells1 3 10.
Supportive Therapy in Cancer Cachexia
Management of Anorexia/Cachexia Syndrome (ACS)
MPA is also employed as supportive therapy in managing anorexia/cachexia syndrome (ACS) in cancer patients. ACS is characterized by severe weight loss, reduced appetite, and metabolic changes. MPA helps alleviate these symptoms by reducing the production of cytokines and serotonin, which are involved in the pathogenesis of ACS. This leads to improvements in appetite and body weight, although the weight gain is primarily due to increased body fat rather than muscle mass1 3 4.
Treatment of Inappropriate Sexual Behavior in Dementia
Behavioral Management in Dementia Patients
MPA has been used to control sexually inappropriate behavior in patients with dementia. This application is less common but has shown success in reducing such behaviors, thereby easing the burden on caregivers. The hormone's ability to modulate sexual behavior makes it a viable option for managing these challenging symptoms in dementia patients2.
Contraception and Hormone Replacement Therapy
Contraceptive Use and Hormone Therapy
MPA is a key component in various contraceptive methods, including injectable forms like Depo-Provera. It is also used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms. However, its effects on the central nervous system and potential side effects, such as increased aggression and anxiety, have been noted in studies involving female macaques5.
Prevention of Premature Luteinizing Hormone Surges
Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) in IVF
In the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF), MPA is used to prevent premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surges during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). This helps in synchronizing the maturation of follicles, thereby improving the outcomes of IVF cycles. Studies have shown that MPA is effective in maintaining LH suppression and does not adversely affect pregnancy outcomes6.
Impact on Immune System and HIV-1
Immune Suppression and HIV-1
MPA has been observed to suppress both innate and adaptive immune responses, which can have implications for HIV-1 transmission and acquisition. It reduces the production of key cytokines and chemokines, potentially lowering the body's resistance to infections. This immunosuppressive effect is particularly concerning in regions with high HIV-1 prevalence7.
Neuroprotective and Cognitive Effects
Effects on Brain Health
The neuroprotective efficacy of MPA compared to natural progesterone has been questioned. While progesterone has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, MPA does not have the same effect. Additionally, MPA has been associated with impairments in memory and alterations in the GABAergic system in aged, surgically menopausal rats, suggesting potential negative impacts on brain health and cognitive function8 9.
Conclusion
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a versatile hormone used in various medical contexts, from treating hormone-related cancers and managing cachexia in cancer patients to controlling inappropriate sexual behavior in dementia and serving as a contraceptive. However, its effects on the immune system and brain health warrant careful consideration, especially in long-term use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Medroxyprogesterone acetate reduces the in vitro production of cytokines and serotonin involved in anorexia/cachexia and emesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of cancer patients.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate reduces the production of cytokines and serotonin involved in anorexia/cachexia and emesis in cancer patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
In Vitro Study
Highly CitedThe use of medroxyprogesterone acetate for the treatment of sexually inappropriate behaviour in patients with dementia.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) effectively controls sexually inappropriate behavior in men with dementia, providing a potential treatment option for this issue.
Case ReportMedroxyprogesterone acetate in the management of cancer cachexia
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) improves anorexia, body weight, and quality-of-life in cancer patients, but weight gain is due to increased body fat, not fat-free mass.
Literature ReviewMedroxyprogesterone acetate reduces the production of cytokines and serotonin involved in anorexia/cachexia and emesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of cancer patients.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate reduces the production of cytokines and serotonin involved in anorexia/cachexia and emesis in cancer patients, potentially improving their appetite and nausea.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate antagonizes the effects of estrogen treatment on social and sexual behavior in female macaques.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) effectively antagonizes estrogen's effects on female sexual behavior and aggression, potentially causing negative side effects.
RCT
Animal StudyMedroxyprogesterone acetate is an effective oral alternative for preventing premature luteinizing hormone surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate effectively prevents premature luteinizing hormone surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization, without affecting clinical pregnancy rates or embryo cryopreservation.
Highly CitedHormonal contraception and HIV-1 infection: medroxyprogesterone acetate suppresses innate and adaptive immune mechanisms.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) suppresses both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, reducing host resistance to invading pathogens and potentially increasing HIV-1 infection.
In Vitro Study
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe differences in neuroprotective efficacy of progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate correlate with their effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.
Progesterone has neuroprotective effects, while medroxyprogesterone acetate does not, suggesting that the choice of progestin in hormone therapy may influence the success of treating menopause and reducing postmenopausal diseases.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedMedroxyprogesterone acetate impairs memory and alters the GABAergic system in aged surgically menopausal rats
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) impairs memory and alters the GABAergic system in aged surgically menopausal rats, indicating negative effects for brain health and function.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly CitedAnti-proliferative transcriptional effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells are predominantly mediated by the progesterone receptor
Medroxyprogesterone acetate predominantly acts through the progesterone receptor in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells, with potential implications for PR-targeting therapeutic strategies.
In Vitro Study