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Provera and Cramps: What Users Say

Cramps: mentioned by 75 users (23.7%)

Based on user experiences from 316 Provera reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

bleeding 34.2%
cramps 23.7%
blood clots 11.7%
headaches 7.6%
spotting 6.3%
pain 5.4%
nausea 4.7%
heavy periods 4.4%
tiredness 3.8%
bloating 3.2%

Reviews for Provera

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Jos...
  • January 23, 2020

For Amenorrhea "A drug I can rely on! I always get my period within 5 days of stopping Provera 10mg x 5 days. This time, it came on the morning of day 4. But get your diapers ready! It is extremely bloody! I am thankful for it kickstarting my cycle in hopes of a positive Frozen Embryo Transfer! I don't mind the heavy bleed and cramping. When you have infertility and amenorrhea, a period can be a blessing, it can mean new hope for the coming cycle (I am a glass half full type person!)"

10 / 10
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354 Report
  • Mis...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 28, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this med several times, I am 48 years old going through menopause and have had abnormal bleeding off and on for 2 years. From what I understand, 10 days on this med is not going to make you stop bleeding. What it does is 'clean' you out first before it thins the lining enough to stop the bleeding. When I take it, I bleed worse for a couple weeks, clots come out and then it stops and stays stopped so all the ladies taking it for 10 days give it more time, please. The cramps are bad during the 'cleaning' phase also but trust me it will get better."

10 / 10
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374 Report
  • Con...
  • June 22, 2019

For Amenorrhea "I have PCOS and my doctor prescribed me with Provera for 14 days, 10mg per day, and was told by my doctor that it will help me regulate my period. I remember taking it on May 17, and I was on it until May 31. I was told that I was going to get my period after 3 days. I didn’t get it after that, but I had light spotting a couple of days after. I called my doctor, she said I should get it very soon. Finally, it came on June 9th, it was still very light. Days passed, and it started to get heavier. It’s June 21 now, and I’m still bleeding. I have called my doctor to check with her if this is serious as I had never bled this much before, of course, it was very alarming. She told me that I had to wait until it subsides and have an ultrasound. I am also experiencing mood changes, breakouts, cramps, breast tenderness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. The side effects are not so bad, but my main concern is the long period. Did anyone else have the same experience?"

8 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Ove...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 31, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been currently taking Provera 10mg for about 28 days now. At first it stopped the bleeding altogether for the first week. Then I started to spot again and bleed. Now the bleeding is getting progressively heavier and the clots are getting larger, like they are huge. This is a nightmare. I'm having to empty my 25ml menstrual cup every hour or two. Hoping to get a hold of my OB by Monday. I'm feeling very weak and I have lots of cramping."

2 / 10
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177 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 26, 2019

For Amenorrhea "I took Provera for 10 days at a dose of 10mg a day, prescribed by my fertility doctor with intentions to induce my period. My period was always regular up until recently. The side effects while on this drug were some pretty bad mood swings, mild cramps on and off, and breast soreness. A week after the dose ended and I still hadn’t gotten my period. Lo and behold, it arrived this morning. Thanks to this drug, we can now continue our fertility journey. Have patience - it can really work. Now I’ve got a heavy period with horrid cramps - but it’s worth it!"

9 / 10
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134 Report

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  • Bel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 7, 2021

For Amenorrhea "So let's talk about Provera. I was put on this for not having a period for 10 months. Just remember that during the time you don't have a period in most cases, your body is still producing that lining. I took it for a week (10mg a day) and got my period 3 days later. It is by far the worst period I've ever had. This is worse than any period I've had, even the ones I had directly after giving birth. I've bled through pads and tampons multiple times, and I'm only on day 4! I'm feeling nauseous, dizzy, and weak, normal daily functions are hard at this point. I also feel very angry and withdrawn to the point of where I just want to be by myself and sleep. Oh, not to mention the huge clots I've been passing. If this were considered a 'normal period,' I would have gone to the hospital by now. The cramps are horrendous also. I will say if you are trying to get your period, it does the job, just be prepared for one nightmarish period."

3 / 10
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100 Report
  • Try...
  • May 30, 2014

For Amenorrhea "Didn't have a period for 1.5 years - was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and hypothyroidism. As hubby and I have been trying to conceive, not having any periods has been difficult to judge any ovulation. Was put on Provera to induce a period before the doctor prescribes any ovulation medicines. Took Provera for 10 days, didn't have any side effects. But after I stopped, I felt nauseous, breasts were very sensitive, was over emotional/very irritable, and a bit dizzy at times. Had light spotting on day 3 and 4 after stopping Provera, then period starting on day 5. Day 5 and 6 were light-medium, but then afterwards was extremely heavy for 2-3 days with really bad cramping."

8 / 10
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149 Report
  • Mrs...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 26, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had been having spotting for 3 months, so I went to my doctor for a transvaginal ultrasound, where they found I had a large polyp. Fast forward a couple of weeks, I had a hysteroscopy and had the polyp removed. I was prescribed 10 mg Provera for 14 days in order to kick start my cycle back into normal rhythm. My period arrived 3 days after I stopped taking them, and I am still bleeding 10 days later. The bleeding has been the heaviest I’ve ever had, with huge clots. I was changing my sanitary product every 30 mins, so I phoned my GP, who prescribed Tranexamic acid to help slow the bleeding. I am on day 10, still bleeding and with horrific cramping. When will this ever stop???"

5 / 10
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62 Report
  • Ove...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 14, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started bleeding July 15, and it’s now Sep 14. I went to my doctor, they did an ultrasound, they said everything looked fine, blood work came back fine, and that sometimes it’s just the way it is, not knowing why I’m bleeding so much! Anyways, I threw a fit with the doctor, told her bleeding during intercourse and so much is not normal! She tried to tell me it was the positions we were doing, and I said no, I just want to know why. So she prescribed Provera 10 mgs, 1 tablet a day for 10 days. I am now on day 6, and the bleeding went from a little to so heavy I am changing my pads every hour! My cramps are unbearable, and there are so many blood clots! I just emailed my doctor to see what she says, fingers crossed that she can help give me answers!"

2 / 10
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62 Report
  • Jmo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 28, 2020

For Amenorrhea "I have PCOS and haven’t had regular (if any at all) periods for 2 years since coming off the contraceptive pill. Doctor prescribed me Provera for 10 days, and 2 days after finishing this 10-day course, I got my period. During the 10 days, I had a little breast tenderness, cramping, and moodiness, but very mild."

9 / 10
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52 Report
  • Tan...
  • July 7, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’m a 27-year-old woman. I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 25, but always had irregular periods. Last May, I had a tube removed because it ruptured due to ectopic pregnancy. Around April, I missed my period, and it did not come for a month and a half. Then I started spotting for weeks. I finally went to the doctor, and they prescribed a birth control pill, 2 a day for 2 weeks, which did not work and caused the bleeding to get heavier after I finished the pills. It also caused me to have lower back pain, tender breasts, and diarrhea every day. Now I’m on Provera 10 for 10 days. Currently, on day 3, the cramps are horrible, and the bleeding is super heavy, and I still have all the same symptoms, plus a headache similar to a hangover. I am so tired of bleeding and being told it’s normal. I feel so depressed and hopeless. I’m going to stick with it though, because it’s my only hope atm."

2 / 10
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51 Report
  • Sun...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 22, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My doctor put me on 10 mg Provera for two weeks due to menorrhagia. I had been bleeding heavily for two weeks when I started with the medication. Provera slowed my vaginal bleeding down to a medium flow, sometimes even a light flow, but it never stopped the bleeding. On the 14th day and last day of Provera, I started getting bad cramps that lasted for two and a half days. A day after I stopped with Provera, it was like someone turned on a faucet. Blood is gushing out of me. It’s like when you sit down and urinate, only it’s blood gushing out of my uterus. It was really scary until I came on here and saw that extremely heavy bleeding seemed to be normal when you first stop with Provera. Luckily, I’ve been off work the last two days and stayed in bed or on the toilet. The third day of being off Provera is tomorrow, which is also when I’m back at work. Hoping the bleeding will have slowed down a little bit by then."

5 / 10
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54 Report
  • sie...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 11, 2018

For Amenorrhea "So I was prescribed Provera because I haven’t had my period in over a year, and I had to take it for 5 days. I’m not sure of the dose, I think 5 or 10. I started on the 24th of July and stopped on the 28th. During the 5 days, I was getting like PMS and light cramping. After I stopped, it took me 6 days to finally get my period, and it was heavy. Like SUPER heavy. My periods are usually heavy, so it didn’t really faze me, and so were my cramps, but it’s horrible when you haven't had a period in a while, you kind of forget the pain. So I’m almost on day 9 of my period, and the flow is still going strong. I’m worried it won’t ever stop. My cramps are so bad it radiates to my back and down my legs, and it is constant all day, I don’t know what to do. My emotions are all over the place as well, I get in an uncontrollable rage and extremely sad throughout the day. Hopefully, it stops."

4 / 10
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45 Report
  • sie...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 11, 2018

For Amenorrhea "So I was prescribed Provera because I haven’t had my period in over a year, and I had to take it for 5 days. I’m not sure of the dose, I think 5 or 10. I started on the 24th of July and stopped on the 28th. During the 5 days, I was getting like PMS and light cramping. After I stopped, it took me 6 days to finally get my period, and it was heavy. Like SUPER heavy. My periods are usually heavy, so it didn’t really faze me, and so were my cramps, but it’s horrible when you haven't had a period in a while, you kind of forget the pain. So I’m almost on day 9 of my period, and the flow is still going strong. I’m worried it won’t ever stop. My cramps are so bad it radiates to my back and down my legs, and it is constant all day, I don’t know what to do. My emotions are all over the place as well, I get in an uncontrollable rage and extremely sad throughout the day. Hopefully, it stops."

4 / 10
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45 Report
  • Mk1...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 27, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 43, and the doctor says I am perimenopausal. My progesterone is not high enough. I did not have my period since November. My doctor prescribed me Provera. I have taken it for 5 days and started my period on the second day after taking the last pill. I started bleeding like a normal flow on Tuesday. I had minor cramping. Since Tuesday, cramping was getting worse and worse. And today, on Friday, I could not go to work as I am passing large blood clots. I have to change super pads every hour. I can't wait for this nightmare to stop. How long can this heavy part last? The last 24 hours were awfully heavy, losing too much blood. Should I go to the emergency room? Or should I wait? My doctor said to wait it out. But I am crying and feeling miserable."

3 / 10
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55 Report
  • cca...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 9, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Provera 10 mg for about a month. I was initially diagnosed with uterine polyps and had a DNC done to remove the polyps, and my OBGYN prescribed Provera to stop the bleeding. It stopped for maybe 5 days but then started again and was way heavier with more clotting and cramping. My OBGYN, in turn, prescribed mefenamic acid in combination with the Provera, and it still hasn't stopped the bleeding. I've been bleeding heavily for almost 10 days now. I've started to see a slowing in the amount of blood, but it's not stopping altogether. It has been about 3 months of bleeding. Next step for me is a hysterectomy. I'm 34 years old and do not want to do that. I'm hoping this will work. It hasn't so far, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

3 / 10
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24 Report
  • Luv...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 28, 2021

For Amenorrhea "I am 35 years old. No children, never been pregnant. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2014. I started taking this drug to jumpstart my period as it had been almost 4 months without it. My doctor recommended I start birth control to try to regulate my period. I started this on April 15th. By April 22nd, I started to get pains on my upper right side, almost cramping like near my rib cage. It’s been a week with these on-and-off again pains. I finished the medication on the 24th and started bleeding Tuesday. The pain still comes and goes. I am a little nervous as to what this could be. Does anyone have this kind of experience with this drug?"

8 / 10
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27 Report
  • Koo...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 16, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm a 31-year-old diagnosed with PCOS. I've been having irregular periods since the age of 15. They put me on birth control, which regulated them. Now, older, they are worried about my blood pressure and blood clots. The longest I've gone without a period is a year and a half. The last 3 months, I've had spotting every day. The doctor put me on Provera, 10 pills every 3 months. I got my period on the 4th day of taking the pills and am now dealing with debilitating cramps, heavy bleeding, and clotting bigger than quarter size. I bleed through a tampon and pad every hour. Had to leave work early today because I bled through my pants in a matter of 30 minutes. It's been like this for 3 days and is unbearable. When will it end?"

2 / 10
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48 Report
  • Mum...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 28, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "At first, I went in to get treatment for uterine bleeding, which I’ve had for over 3 weeks. I was prescribed Provera 10 mg once a day for 10 days (which stopped the bleeding instantly). Soon after, during my 5th day of taking the pill, I started to cramp with slight bleeding. By the 3rd day into my “menstrual cycle,” I started to bleed heavily. Now, I’m on my 7th day, and there’s no sign of slowing down. The doctor told me it typically will last 2 weeks, and if I’m still bleeding heavily, I’ll need to see her. The doctor also said if I’m not changing no more than 2 pads per hour, it’s normal. I’m kinda irritated and scared."

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • hey...
  • May 1, 2016

For Amenorrhea "During the ten days on Provera, I was emotional, my boobs hurt severely, my face broke out like crazy, and I had horrible fatigue. Two days after the 10 days of taking Provera, I have the worst period I have ever had in my entire life. Having to change my pad/tampon every single hour was disgusting, I couldn't even enjoy a shower because even afterward I still bled nonstop. Each day that passes, the heavier my period gets. Today is my 6th day, and 4, 5, & 6 were heavy as hell, but 5 & 6 had excruciating cramps. And too many blood clots! :( I do not recommend this pill at all."

1 / 10
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48 Report
  • Dan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 11, 2020

For Amenorrhea "I've never had a period. I'm 32 years old. My husband and I want to try to conceive a baby naturally. The doctor put me on Provera to kick start my ovaries because they are half the size of a normal size ovary for my age. It has been 5 days, two 10 mg pills a day. So far, nothing. I'm starting on another 5 days today. So far, 2 bad dreams and one panic attack. Nipples sore and cramping below navel, but nothing serious."

5 / 10
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31 Report
  • dee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 26, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Been on this medication for nearly a week now. I am bleeding terribly, really bad cramping. I am 42 now, and I have had irregular periods for 3 years, but now it's a nightmare. It just feels like you are the only person going through this, it drags you down. Ladies, any idea how long these pills take to kick in to bring the bleeding to an end?"

3 / 10
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34 Report
  • Den...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 24, 2020

For Amenorrhea "Stopped seeing my periods for 5 months after using Oralcon contraceptives. I then went to a gynecologist, and they said I have one 4 cm fibroid. Then on the 6th month, I had my period, but it was super heavy. When I woke up in the morning, I couldn't walk, and when I sat on the bathroom seat, clots just fell out... like so many clots. Went to a doctor, I was given Provera to take for 10 days, and then after, I saw my periods. Today is my third day, and they are not heavy, hopefully, they stay like this. I have minor period cramps, but not so bad."

8 / 10
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28 Report
  • Jbi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 14, 2021

For Amenorrhea "I’ve started taking Provera for having missed a period for a couple of months and trying to conceive. I’ve had irregular periods in the past on and off because the doctor told me I’m “somewhat polycystic.” I’ve taken the 10 mg for 10 days. While taking it, I felt moody, had acne breakouts, breast tenderness, and mild nausea. I started spotting on about day 4 after taking it. I’m now on day 6 and have SEVERE cramping to the point it hurts to breathe. I remember taking this in the past, and it made me have the worst period ever. I know the lining needs to shed, and when it does, it’s going to be sooooo heavy. Guess the pill does the trick, but just have to be ready for the pain :("

6 / 10
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20 Report
  • Zee...
  • March 7, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My cycle has been on for over 3 months, so I went to the doctor. She prescribed Provera. The first day after starting the medication, I cramped (I'm not a cramper). The cramps stopped, but the bleeding never did. About two weeks on the pill, I started bleeding really heavily and passing too many clots, then I came to research. I wouldn't recommend this drug to anyone."

1 / 10
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40 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.