When your body doesn’t make enough Duphaston, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone used to regulate menstrual cycles and support pregnancy. Also known as dydrogesterone, it’s not a birth control pill—but it plays a key role in keeping your hormones in balance. Many women take it after failed IVF cycles, for irregular periods, or to prevent miscarriage. Unlike natural progesterone, Duphaston is designed to mimic the body’s own hormone without the side effects that come from plant-based or injected versions.
Duphaston works by supporting the lining of the uterus, making it thicker and more stable so a fertilized egg can implant and grow. It’s often paired with estrogen in hormone replacement therapy or used alone when estrogen levels are normal but progesterone is low. You won’t find it in over-the-counter supplements—it’s a prescription drug for a reason. Doctors use it for conditions like luteal phase defect, endometriosis, and recurrent pregnancy loss. But it’s not magic. If your ovaries aren’t releasing eggs, or if your thyroid is off, Duphaston won’t fix that. It only fills the gap where your body’s natural progesterone falls short.
Related to Duphaston are other hormonal treatments like progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone critical for menstrual regularity and pregnancy maintenance, which your body makes after ovulation. Then there’s hormonal balance, the delicate equilibrium between estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones that affects mood, sleep, and fertility. When one drops, others get thrown off. That’s why Duphaston is often part of a bigger picture—it doesn’t work in isolation. If you’re taking it, you might also need to check your thyroid, manage stress, or adjust your diet. Some women find that soy or alcohol messes with how well Duphaston works, just like how soy affects levothyroxine. And while it’s not a cure-all, it’s one of the most targeted tools doctors have for progesterone deficiency.
People often ask if Duphaston causes weight gain, mood swings, or breast tenderness. The answer? Sometimes. But those side effects are usually mild and temporary. What’s more important is whether it’s helping you get pregnant or keep your cycles regular. If you’ve been told your luteal phase is too short, or you’ve had two or more early miscarriages, Duphaston might be the missing piece. But it’s not the only option—natural progesterone creams, vaginal suppositories, or even lifestyle changes can sometimes do the job. The key is knowing why you need it in the first place.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how Duphaston fits into broader hormonal health—from its role in fertility to how it interacts with other meds, diet, and stress. These aren’t generic articles. They’re practical, tested insights from people who’ve been through it. Whether you’re trying to conceive, managing PMS, or just trying to understand why your doctor prescribed this pill, you’ll find answers here.
