Provera and Headaches: What Users Say

• 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?"

• Tab...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 21, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was 47, and one day my normal period wouldn’t stop for 3 months. It then got really heavy. After two doctors' ultrasounds and blood work, my doctor put me on Provera 10mg once a day every day. After a month, I stopped bleeding altogether. I did this for 6 months and had no problems. Then I stopped taking them and expected problems, but went 8 months without a period. I thought finally menopause had arrived. I’m 49, almost 50 now, and guess what showed up today. I’m calling today to get another prescription. The only issue I had was really bad headaches."

• Rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was bleeding heavily for a month with extremely large blood clots that made it difficult and stressful to even leave the house. It was seriously affecting my quality of life and emotional well-being. My doctor prescribed Provera 10mg twice a day for ten days. After the second dose, the blood clots had completely disappeared. By the third dose, no bleeding at all. This medicine was like a miracle for me. I am happy to have my life back. I noticed I am having a headache, but it's not that bad. I'll take a headache any day over the suffering I endured with that excessive bleeding/clotting."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was bleeding for 7 weeks lightly, and then all of a sudden it came, and I was passing large clots and a lot of blood. My doctor put me on Provera 10mg twice a day. I had a horrible headache and felt tired, but my period did stop, which is great."

• And...
• January 29, 2021

For Amenorrhea "I took Provera because I have irregular periods, and I was told it would help induce my periods. I took 10 mg for 10 days. I had a mild headache the first two days, then my body got used to it. I had my period a day after my 10th pill, and it was regular, nothing abnormal. I would recommend it."

• Sas...
• March 25, 2009

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 47 and this is my second time on Provera. The only side effects I have noticed are intense night sweats. I am hotter than usual. The day after my first dose, I was nauseous and had a headache like a hangover. It has happened a few other times during the 10 days. I do think that I can live with 10 days a month of Provera because I was bleeding a lot. I was stuck at home. At least now, even if I don't feel good, I can still leave home."

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 46 and live in the UK. I've just been put on this Provera medication today. I have had numerous blood tests and have been told that I am on my way to menopause, kick-started after having my left ovary removed due to a cyst in 2015. I have been lucky in the sense that periods weren't too bad for me growing up, but over the last couple of years, they have been very irregular. Lately, though, I have had quite heavy flooding and am awaiting an appointment to have a hysteroscopy. My last period finished on Christmas Eve, and since then I have had spotting every day, sometimes a lot. Hot flushes, headaches, and erratic sleeping patterns. I am taking prescribed iron tablets and vitamin D, as I feel exhausted. So, today the doctor put me on Provera, 2 tablets a day. I am hoping that they will help."

• con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2023

For Endometrial Hyperplasia, Prophylaxis "I am a 64-year-old woman who is 15 years post-menopausal. A polyp was removed from my cervix. I had an ultrasound of the uterus with a biopsy. The biopsy came back okay, and the lining of the uterus measurement was 15. Ultrasound showed probably a polyp. I had a hysteroscopy with D&C and the removal of a polyp. The gynecologist would like to do a hysterectomy. Since my test results came back as simple hyperplasia, my insurance questioned that suggestion. I was put on Provera 10 mg for the protocol of 90 days. I repeated the ultrasound and biopsy. Ten days after taking Provera, I started spotting light bleeding. A week later, I had a heavy period with large clots. My doctor prescribed Lysteda for 5 days, blood work, then back on Provera. No thank you. I am exhausted! I am struggling with my concentration, worrying about being able to change my pads before leakage, and feeling tired and weak, with headaches and chills. I won't take Provera or Lysteda. I am done with my uterus and had all this trouble. I don't want any more drugs. Hysterectomy time!"

• dee...
• November 13, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 58 years old and haven't had a period in 8 years. Two years ago, I started spotting for a few months. The OBGYN did a uterine biopsy and found negative results. At the end of Sept/2019, I started bleeding, not spotting. They did another biopsy to find negative results again. I really put my foot down for them to do a hysterectomy, otherwise, I don't think they would have suggested it. From what I read, this should stop the bleeding. Prayerfully, it will. The OBGYN put me on Provera: 2 pills twice a day for 7 days, then down to one pill twice a day. My bleeding slowed down a bit, but never completely stopped. I'm scheduled to have a D&C and hysterectomy in two days to see what's going on. They have definitely seen a polyp but want to put a camera up there to see if there's anything else. The Provera gives me a headache and seems to make me bleed more than I was. But I can't be sure."

• GYP...
• June 20, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 62 and have had spotty bleeding for the last 12 years, after menopause had definitely set in. Recently, the bleeding has intensified with cramps and small clots. Obviously, something is wrong, but I need to get the bleeding under control first. The doctor prescribed Provera 10 mg once daily for 10 days. It seemed to stop the bleeding if I took it to the exact hour every day, but if I missed a dose by a couple of hours, then bleeding again. So, I doubled the dose and started taking 1 tablet every 12-18 hours, which helped, mostly. The cramps have lessened but not disappeared. And I've had a dull headache for a week, with some relief as time goes on. How long am I going to have to take this drug so I can stop wearing a pad? Yuck."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2015

For Amenorrhea "I hate this medicine. Took for 10 days and did get my period the last day. 1st day was light, but since then it's been cramps that I can barely move and heavy, heavy bleeding. On day 6 and in the last 24 hours, I've leaked 3 times. Once was in a 1-hour period from the last leak. It causes your period, but be warned, it can be horrible. Was told to expect heavy, but this is ridiculous right now. On top of everything, I'm 27 and having hot flashes from side effects, massive headaches while taking the meds, and PMS, which I never have."

• Amy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "OMG! I was freaking out because after the 10 days of Provera 10 mg I took, I thought I would be okay, but after 2 days of taking the 10-day treatment, my period is like running water. Even when I was in my heavy days, I would never wake up to a stained bed, and this morning it was soaking. I don't have many clots, and the ones I have are small, but my period lasts for 7 days, and today is my 6th day and still going heavy. I hope it goes away by the 7th day. For sure, I'm going to stop taking any vitamins and any pills I take that could probably make my period even more heavy, just until this period goes away. Oh, it has many side effects, mine were pimples, headache, sleepiness, spotting, and shortness of breath. I really hope after this period my next ones are light, after all, it's like a period cleanser."

• Mic...
• August 7, 2015

For Amenorrhea "I'm 41 and was prescribed Provera because on August 23 of this month it will be 3 months since I haven't had my period! I have been reading about it like crazy! My test results came back normal! Can someone tell me that after the 10th day on the pill I will get my period! I have severe headaches and bloating!"

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2020

For Endometrial Hyperplasia, Prophylaxis "This drug Provera is a nightmare. I have a pacemaker, and it made my heart beat so fast, plus the chills to the point your teeth are chattering, the bloating, nausea, and sick headache. I told all this to my gyno, to which I got told just keep taking them. Medication should not make you sicker. I have stopped taking them and feel much better. I have tried three goes with them, the same thing happens. Now I'm getting a second opinion and to see if there's a natural way to go."

• Bas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2022

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was prescribed 10 mg of Provera daily beginning on December 16th to control a nine-month continuous menstrual bleed. It is now January 5th, and there are no signs of this nightmare ending. This drug has left me with side effects of anxiety, depression, exhaustion, heart palpitations, headaches, and of course still bleeding with clots the size of my fist! Doctors don’t return calls, and appointments aren’t available until over a month away! I’ve suffered far too long, and I’m about to give up. My quality of life is pretty low right now. I have an appointment with a new OB-GYN, so I’m hoping for answers and an end to this mess. Maybe I’ll be in bad enough shape for an emergency hysterectomy while I’m there. My career is about to end due to the inability to leave home without bleeding all over the place! I’m 49 years old, and I feel like I’ve wasted a year trapped in my home from this. This medication has been as useless."

• Dau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am here for my mom. She had been bleeding for 14 days before her OB recommended this drug. It stopped her bleeding right away, but the side effects on my mom are extreme. It's been more than 10 days since she started taking this drug, and ever since then, she's so weak she couldn't even stand. Her back is in pain, she's having trouble breathing and sleeping, drowsiness, headache, and she even lost her appetite. My mom couldn't write a review because she's currently admitted to the hospital. If this drug is good for you, then great, but my mom's experience is a nightmare."

• Anonymous
• August 7, 2010

For Amenorrhea "The drug works for what it is supposed to do, but I had all kinds of side effects. I had hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, and some dizziness. I am taking Provera along with Clomid in hopes of having a baby. This is my second round, and it seems worse than the first one."

• Ann...
• August 6, 2015

For Amenorrhea "I'm 18 years old, and ever since I've had my first period, it's been irregular. I've even been up to 6 months without it. It's my first time with Provera. I got my period two days after 10 days of taking the pill. The only side effects that I have had are that I've sort of had hair loss and frequent headaches. Other than that, I've always had PMS."

• Rox...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This drug is horrible. I have PCOS, and I was spotting with some medium bleeding since May. When October came and my spotting didn't stop, my OBGYN suggested Provera (10 mg/twice a day), and at first, it stopped it for like a day. Then I started bleeding profusely, soaking through heavy-duty pads every hour, couldn't work, horrible cramps that left me in a fetal position, and I have even lost my appetite. I have headaches, and the bleeding is so bad that it wakes me up throughout the night, and I have blood clots galore every time I use the bathroom. It is a nightmare that I wish I will wake up from. I am going on my third straight week of this, and it's miserable. If anything, Provera has made my symptoms worse."

• Fed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2022

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had a lightish period a few days before Xmas, which was a surprise as I hadn't had periods for nearly 20 years. I was on depo injections, which stopped them. Last year, I changed to the rod, same, no periods. Since Boxing Day, non-stop flooding, tried two or three different meds and at the end of February was given Provera (godsend). Within two weeks, it eventually stopped. Still had the cramping, but it has just started to subside. I would rate this med, however, I've been told to take 1 x 10mg three times a day. I have been getting lingering headaches and some constipation. I'm wondering now, my bleeding stopped, should my dosage be lowered? The hospital wants me to stay on them till June. It was such a huge relief when the bleeding stopped. Couldn't walk far, so tired all the time, became anemic, cramping and backache so painful. Provera ended this eventually."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My doctor put me on Provera 10 mg. I’ve been suffering with bleeding and clots. A blood test also showed I have low iron and am anemic. I have constipation too. After taking Provera for about 3 months, still bleeding irregularly. Legs feel heavy, looks like I swallowed a damn soccer ball. Got terrible cramps, feel exhausted, get terrible headaches. Feels like my body is giving up on me. So sick and tired of being sick and tired. Just want my life back, my energetic healthy self."

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2021

For Amenorrhea "I went on Provera because my period did not come for 3 months. I was given a 10 mg 10-day supply. I am 24 years old, 5'1", with no health issues aside from being overweight and allergic rhinitis. I don't take any medication except vitamin supplements for women that are sold in grocery stores. I take Tylenol occasionally for a headache or muscle strain. I say all of this so you can judge for yourself. While on this medication, I experienced headaches, extreme uncontrollable anxiety, high blood pressure, hot flashes, and insomnia. I had to stop on the 6th day because my blood pressure was high, I'm talking 140s over 90s and it's NEVER that high. I exercise every day for hours, but it remained elevated. That combined with the uncontrollable anxiousness was overwhelming. I stopped the pills and since I just did it, I don't know if they worked. I contacted my OBGYN about it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took Provera for 7 days for abnormal uterine bleeding. It only made the bleeding worse with more clots and gave me the worst headaches ever."