Dydrogesterone During Early Pregnancy – Uses and Side Effects

Dydrogesterone is commonly prescribed during early pregnancy. To know more about dydrogesterone you need to understand a little about progesterone. Pregnancy is a result of various hormonal changes in the female body. The levels of different hormones help in regulating and sustaining the pregnancy. One such pregnancy-friendly hormone is Progesterone which is produced naturally in our body in the latter half of the menstrual cycle.  Any deficiency in the progesterone or its function can affect the pregnancy.

So to create a favorable environment in the womb and to manage the deficiency of progesterone, synthetic derivatives like dydrogesterone are suggested to take over the place of progesterone. In this article let’s learn more about Dydrogesterone, its benefits, why it is prescribed during pregnancy, and its safety.

What is Dydrogesterone?

Dydrogesterone (Brand name Duphaston, dydrogest, etc.) is an oral medicine that is similar to the progesterone hormone. Both have similar effects on our bodies. Dydrogesterone is prepared outside as a medicine and Progesterone is produced by our own body itself. (1)

Is It Safe to Take Dydrogestrone During Early Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, you need progesterone for healthy implantation of the embryo and to maintain the environment in the womb to sustain the pregnancy. Dydrogesterone is given from outside when your body does not produce enough Progesterone to maintain your pregnancy.

Dydrogesterone, which is a synthetic form of progesterone, has a similar structure and function to progesterone. Most of the studies confirm women who have been administered Dydrogesterone in case of threatened pregnancy or miscarriage have successful outcomes for sustaining pregnancy having no other cause for miscarriage.

How Does Dydrogesterone Work?

Dydrogesterone is a synthetic progestogen which acts by mimicking the progesterone hormone. Due to their similar structures, our body also accepts Dydrogesterone in place of Progesterone and does the same work as the natural hormone. (2). Dydrogestrone like progesterone works by –

1. Preparing the lining of your uterus for pregnancy. The thickness of the uterine lining is very important for the proper implantation of the Embryo (3).
2. By regulating the capacity of the uterine muscles to contract. Early contraction of uterine muscles can lead to bleeding.
3. Helping in immune responses of the uterus towards the fetus. This is to protect the fetus from the body’s immune responses.

All these functions help the body to sustain pregnancy and fetal growth.

[Read: L-Arginine During Pregnancy- Is It Safe?]

Uses of Dydrogesterone During Pregnancy

Dydrogesterone is helpful for women suffering from irregular periods and also for women who are trying to conceive. The main benefits of Dydrogesterone include –

1. It can significantly improve the pregnancy outcome in women having a threatened pregnancy or history of miscarriage.(4)
2. There may be a sudden drop in the levels of progesterone or deficiency of progesterone in the second half of the menstrual cycle which may not favor the pregnancy. Taking Dydrogesterone during the second half of the cycle can encourage the environment in the womb for pregnancy.
3. Women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or IUI  on administration of dydrogesterone have higher rates of clinical pregnancy and sustaining pregnancy.(5)
4. Dydrogesterone is an oral medicine that has more compliance among patients than vaginal progesterone which is given for the same reasons. (4a)
5. Dydrogesterone can also help in the regulation of the period cycle in case of irregular periods and its associated symptoms.

Dydrogesterone is often prescribed in 10mg, 20mg, or 30 mg doses till the 12th week of pregnancy.​​ The medicine should always be used under the supervision of doctors only,

[Read: Sodium Citrate During Pregnancy – Is It Safe to Take?]

Common Side Effects Of Dydrogesterone

Generally, Dydrogesterone is well tolerated in a few women.

But there are certain common side effects which are (6)

1. Frequent headaches and migraines
2. Nausea and Vomiting
3. Weight gain
4. Breast tenderness
5. Menstrual disorders like absent or painful periods or excessive bleeding.
6. Generalized  abdominal discomfort

A few uncommon side effects are

1. Allergic skin reactions like rashes, blisters, peeling
2. Swelling of the face,throat, and breathing difficulties may be seen who are allergic to dydrogesterone.

Please consult the doctor in case of severe adverse reactions, or the side effects persist

Women undergoing any assisted reproductive technology such as IVF or IUI are given dydrogesterone to support the implantation of embryos and cover the deficit of progesterone. Dydrogesterone should only be taken under the medical supervision of your doctor. The dose and dosage of the medicine will be decided by the doctor which is appropriate to you. Headaches, breast tenderness, and stomach discomfort are common side effects. Please consult the doctor if any side effects and unusual vaginal bleeding are observed.

 

FAQ’s

1. For How Many Days Does Dydrogesterone Take?

For threatened miscarriage, your doctor may suggest taking dydrogesterone till the 12th week of your pregnancy. However, for irregular menstruation, it is advised to start from the 5th day of menstruation to the 25th day of the cycle.

2. Is Progesterone And Dydrogesterone The Same?

Dydrogesterone is the synthetic form of progesterone and has similar forms and actions on our body, whereas progesterone is naturally produced in our body.

3. Is Dydrogesterone Good To Prevent A Miscarriage?

Yes, Dydrogesterone is beneficial in maintaining pregnancy and reducing the threat of miscarriage in women without a history of recurrent abortion.

References

1. Mirza, F. G., Patki, A., & Pexman-Fieth, C. (2016). Dydrogesterone use in early pregnancy. Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology, 32(2), 97–106. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26800266/
2. Mirza, F. G., Patki, A., & Pexman-Fieth, C. (2016). Dydrogesterone use in early pregnancy. Gynecological Endocrinology, 32(2), 97–106. https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2015.1121982 – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/09513590.2015.1121982
3. Jeschke, L.; Santamaria, C.G.; Meyer, N.; Zenclussen, A.C.; Bartley, J.; Schumacher, A. Early-Pregnancy Dydrogesterone Supplementation Mimicking Luteal-Phase Support in ART Patients Did Not Provoke Major Reproductive Disorders in Pregnant Mice and Their Progeny. – https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/10/5403
4. Mirza, F. G., Patki, A., & Pexman-Fieth, C. (2016). Dydrogesterone use in early pregnancy. Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology, 32(2), 97–106. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26800266/#
5. Kumar M, Devi A, Sharma M, Kaur P, Mandal UK. Review on perfume and present status of its associated allergens. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021; 20: 391–399 – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/showCitFormats?doi=10.1111%2Fjocd.13507
6. ScienceDirect,Dydrogesterone – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/dydrogesterone

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