When your body doesn’t make enough dydrogesterone, a synthetic form of progesterone used to support pregnancy and regulate menstrual cycles. Also known as Duphaston, it’s one of the most targeted hormonal therapies for women dealing with irregular periods, recurrent miscarriages, or endometriosis. Unlike natural progesterone, dydrogesterone is designed to be absorbed well by the body without causing drowsiness or liver stress—making it a go-to for long-term use.
It works by mimicking the action of progesterone, a key female hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and maintains early gestation. If your body doesn’t produce enough, the lining of the uterus can become unstable, leading to spotting, missed periods, or early pregnancy loss. Dydrogesterone steps in to stabilize that lining, giving embryos a better chance to implant and grow. It’s often paired with estrogen in hormone replacement therapy, but unlike some other progestins, it doesn’t interfere with good cholesterol or increase blood clot risk.
People using dydrogesterone often ask how it compares to other treatments. It’s not the same as natural progesterone, the hormone your ovaries make after ovulation, but it’s more reliable in pill form and doesn’t need injections. Compared to medroxyprogesterone or norethisterone, it’s less likely to cause mood swings or acne. For those with endometriosis, a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility, dydrogesterone helps shrink abnormal tissue without the harsh side effects of stronger drugs.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re trying to conceive, your doctor might prescribe it during the second half of your cycle. If you’re managing menopause symptoms or have a history of miscarriage, the dose and timing change. What works for one person won’t work for another—especially if you’re also taking thyroid meds or have liver issues. That’s why understanding how it interacts with other drugs matters. For example, just like soy can block levothyroxine, some antibiotics or seizure meds can reduce dydrogesterone’s effectiveness.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a practical guide built from real questions women and doctors ask. You’ll see how dydrogesterone fits into broader hormonal balance, what alternatives exist, how it compares to other treatments like progesterone creams or IUDs, and what lifestyle factors can help or hurt its success. Whether you’re newly prescribed, struggling with side effects, or just trying to understand why your doctor recommended it, these posts cut through the noise and give you straight answers.
