title: The use of medroxyprogesterone acetate for relief of climacteric symptoms.
abstract: Climacteric symptoms in the menopausal woman are perplexing to the physician. Recent literature concerning the relationship of estrogen to carcinogenesis has caused many women to discontinue this medication; thus, there is a need for an alternative therapy for the relief of these symptoms. The drug medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) was assessed in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 48 subjects. Only one of the placebo-treated patients claimed any relief from climacteric symptoms while only two of the patients who received the study drug noted little or no relief (P < 0.0001). Relief from climacteric symptoms began at 4 to 7 days after entry into the study and extended for 8 to 20 weeks. The only side effects were withdrawal bleeding and a slight, transient weight gain. Depo-Provera appears to be a reliable substitute for estrogen in the treatment of climacteric symptoms. Further investigations with this medication seem indicated.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008525:Medroxyprogesterone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D008525:Medroxyprogesterone