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Megestrol User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Megace ES

Megestrol has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 133 reviews on Drugs.com. 66% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 18% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Megestrol

  • Ms ...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 8, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have experienced excessive uterine bleeding for about a year now! I am 56 years old and still perimenopausal. The bleeding and clotting became unbearable! I was told early on that it was normal and a part of transitioning to menopause. I finally sought help from a gynecologist because I refused to believe it was normal. I was prescribed megestrol acetate, 40 mg twice a day. It was like a miracle! The bleeding decreased immediately, and now two weeks later, I have not seen any blood at all for two consecutive days! Yes! I feel liberated! Heavy bleeding controls your life, and I haven't felt this way since before the issue started! So I'm thinking, after reading others experiences, maybe the dosage was too low! Ask your doctor if it is possible to increase the dosage to twice a day instead of once. I love this drug and am so thankful to my doctor for prescribing it! Hope things get better for those of you who are still suffering!"

10 / 10
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97 Report
  • HKa...
  • April 8, 2021

For Endometrial Cancer "I was on Megace for uterine cancer. I was diagnosed early with stage one uterine cancer when I was 34. I hadn’t had children yet and was hoping to conceive still. My doctor said we could try this medication before doing a hysterectomy since my cancer was a low grade. I was also in the middle of a weight loss journey so the side effect of weight gain freaked me out. I was on Megestrol for 6 months and beat uterine cancer with this drug. Additionally, with a strong mental attitude, I was able to work out and lose weight on this medication and did not let myself overeat. I’m almost 36 now and currently pregnant with a baby girl. I was desperate for stories like mine, but couldn’t find any when I went through all of this. If you’re in a situation like me, don’t give up hope. You’ve got this!!"

10 / 10
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84 Report
  • My ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 29, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Was on a straight period for 3 months, not just a regular period either. I went through about 10-14 pads a day, and I had to double them so over 20 pads a day, heavy clots. I was white as a ghost, constantly sleeping. So I finally went to the hospital and they admitted me instantly. I had 3 blood transfusions within the first 24 hours being there, my level was a 3! I started the megace the next day and my period stopped that night. Well, I just had a D&C done 4 days ago and I just started bleeding and cramping so bad. This medicine is amazing and I highly recommend it. But now I have to go back to the hospital tomorrow morning because my Dr is afraid of me losing too much blood, and I am having a partial hysterectomy (soon). The megace actually made me lose 10 lbs within the first couple of weeks! Also, it's been 2 months I've been on the medication twice a day. I'll update after my hospital visit tomorrow."

10 / 10
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82 Report
  • Ame...
  • August 25, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I began using this medicine after having very heavy bleeding for 2 months straight. My periods were pretty regular until then. I was in tears when I went to see my doctor. He gave me this pill, and it stopped the bleeding within 1 day. It was great. I took it for about 5 days. It has now been 4 weeks, and I have not seen a sign of its return. I did not have any severe side effects on it, except that I was a little emotionally edgy for about 3 days or so. I just kept to myself and made no important decisions for the week. Hope this helps."

8 / 10
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137 Report
  • Lov...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 6, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was prescribed megestrol 40 mg, 2 pills a day, after having a very heavy period for 3 months straight with tennis ball-sized clots and horrific pelvic pain. I’m now on day two, and the bleeding is almost non-existent! I'm down to just some very light spotting. I will take the tummy ache, headache, and gassy feeling over bleeding to the point of soaking through an ultra tampon and overnight pad in 30 minutes. My hysterectomy will be my long-term fix, but we had to stop the bleeding before the surgery. Can’t wait for October to permanently end periods once and for all."

10 / 10
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71 Report

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  • Pde...
  • December 14, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm going through perimenopause. I had a period for 11 months straight. I ended up in the ER hemorrhaging. I was given 10 units of blood. I was passing blood clots the size of basketballs. I thought I had cancer. They gave me a D&C preparing for an emergency hysterectomy. The D&C stopped it. Praise God. They sent me home with megestrol. It worked for a few weeks until my prescription ran out. My doctor put me back on it, and I continued spotting. Nothing ever heavy. She kept changing my prescription: 3 weeks on, one week off, 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off. I was getting frustrated it wasn't working. It wasn't causing any bad side effects. No weight gain. I felt great. At one point, I bled a regular period for 72 days straight. My doctor was going to switch my medicine. Something told me to continue to stay on megestrol. Finally, after being on the pill for 4 months, it finally worked, and I'm 3 cycles of a normal period. So don't give up if it doesn't work right away."

7 / 10
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55 Report
  • Too...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 11, 2012

For Unintentional Weight Loss (Underweight) "Been very thin all my life (high metabolism). I'm 40 & 5'5 weighing at 92 lbs. I was too thin and wanting to gain weight. A friend suggested Megace. I took 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. I gained 7 lbs in the first week. After 3 weeks I am up to 117 lbs where I wanted to be. I feel and look much healthier. Con was my appetite was insatiable. I only wanted to eat ALL DAY. I always had food with me if I went out. I ended up with a food baby (that's what I call it) belly. I looked pregnant. That went away when I stopped taking it. It did stop my periods but when I'd stop taking it the periods would always return. It did make me very thirsty all the time as well. Other than that I love it! Take 1 tsp every other 2-3 days now to maintain the weight."

10 / 10
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98 Report
  • Anonymous
  • August 22, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had a heavy period all month of August. I couldn’t take it anymore and went to the doctor yesterday. She prescribed megestrol, and I took it standing in the pharmacy, it instantly stopped my flow, and I am so thankful for this med."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • Jul...
  • April 22, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have large fibroids and had such heavy bleeding that I had to have a blood transfusion. I have been taking Megestrol for 7 months and it has reduced my period to just spotting for a few days. A Godsend, since my iron and blood levels have gone up to normal. I cut the dose in half to 200 mg/day and it still works. Unfortunately, I have experienced weight gain, depression, fleeting pains in my body, worsened vision, joint stiffness, and more susceptibility to Candida. On the higher dose (400mg/day), I had some spontaneous bruising and ankle swelling. I am having a hysterectomy soon and will stop using this but thankfully the benefits outweighed the risks for me--at least short term."

8 / 10
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72 Report
  • Bon...
  • March 4, 2009

Megace (megestrol) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Megace for the past three months. I have just finished it and have had no side effects at all except a little rash under my left breast line, but that could also be the dry electrical heating. Otherwise, I haven't had any breakthrough bleeding, weight gain, or anything else. I am going back to my doctor on March 20th, 2009, in two weeks, and we will see what she says. I guess I went to her because of severe lower back aches, frequent bleeding, and a lot of abdominal pain. I had no problems at all on Megace."

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  • KDa...
  • November 7, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Feb 2017, I started having abnormal uterine bleeding. Huge clots, bright red blood. After 10 days of increased bleeding, I saw my OB. I was put on megestrol and told I needed a biopsy to clear out cancer. It was highly suggested that I get a uterine ablation. I did months later, which did not work. I had to continue on the megestrol. It did sometimes stop the bleeding in the very beginning, but then from time to time I would get some very light bleeding. This summer, I decided to stop taking the Rx to see what would happen. For about 2.5 months, no bleeding and no pills! I was so excited and thought it was all behind me, and then one day the blood showed up again. I tried not to panic and waited 2 days before resuming the pills. It's Nov 2019, and I am still having bleeding issues. It seems the megestrol does not completely work anymore. I still bleed sometimes light and sometimes a little more. It's so frustrating to deal with this."

8 / 10
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36 Report
  • ann...
  • October 16, 2018

For Unintentional Weight Loss (Underweight) "I'm a 65-year-old female. For about a year, I've been losing weight, no appetite, a couple of bites and I'm full. I never get hungry. I went a week ago to my primary care doctor. I weighed 88 lbs. My doctor wrote me a prescription for megestrol acetate. It's been a week, I weighed myself after one week, and I went from 88 lbs to 94 pounds. My appetite is better. Wish I could have heard of this medicine sooner. My goal is 120.00. Thank God for my doc."

10 / 10
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41 Report
  • K E...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 25, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on 40 mgs Megace a day for the last 3 months for endometrial hyperplasia. I'm 61 years old. I'm not seeing any difference in bleeding. I had a constant period since I started, and they are very heavy sometimes. I'm trying to tough it out until my next biopsy, but don't have high hopes. I've been more depressed since I've been on it too. I wish I could have the positive experience others have shared."

1 / 10
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29 Report
  • Ali...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 22, 2020

For Unintentional Weight Loss (Underweight) "The M.D. at my former job put me on this medication because I’ve always been super thin, unable to get over 110 for some reason. I also have PCOS and experience horrible periods. However, I started this medicine on 03/06/2020, and so far, it has given me a serious appetite, and I can see a change in my weight to my face, stomach, thighs, and my butt. I’m not exactly sure how much weight, as I don’t have a scale at home yet, but I can certainly tell a difference. I also have not gotten my period, which I was due for right after starting this medicine. No negative side effects yet, I absolutely am happy with the results so far! Will keep my weight posted."

10 / 10
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33 Report
  • Sou...
  • January 26, 2012

Megace (megestrol) for Cachexia "I've been down 3 surgeries in 11 months. Lost 60 lbs and could not eat. I have been on Megace for 10 days and I have gained 17 lbs. Unreal! I have eaten $200 in groceries and have no plans to stop. Megace has, beyond a doubt, saved my life. Side effects are little to none: dry mouth, more frequent urination, incredible appetite! I am in it for the weight gain. Today I feel so good and strong, I caught myself running home from the store."

9 / 10
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67 Report
  • Jay...
  • April 24, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had heavy bleeding for several years, but within the last 3 years, I ended up in the hospital twice, in which I had to get several blood transfusions. I have only 1 fibroid, the size of a dime. I've had a DNC and ablation surgeries. I was prescribed megestrol in January after leaving the hospital. I was told to take 2 pills a day instead of 4. In February, when my menstrual came on, it has not gone off since, even though it is light. So I was told to take 4 a day, no change. I am getting tired of wearing pads every day. The side effects are some mood swings, every night, about 3 times, I wake up drenched in sweat. I've gained over 20 lbs. I really do not want a hysterectomy, but it seems I have no choice."

1 / 10
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49 Report
  • Tar...
  • December 8, 2009

Megace (megestrol) for Endometrial Cancer "I have been taking Megace, in conjunction with Xeloda, for the past year to help treat my Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. Since my tumor is estrogen feeding, this medication takes the estrogen out of my system. Tumors have considerably shrunk since I've been on this medication."

10 / 10
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74 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 11, 2012

Megace ES (megestrol) for Unintentional Weight Loss (Underweight) "I had an elderly aunt who lost her appetite and was down to 82 pounds. The doctor told her that if she loses any more weight, she will need to be hospitalized. After 3 months, she is now up to 100 lbs."

9 / 10
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63 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 8, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This medication has taken me on a roller coaster ride. I am oversensitive, moody, hypersensitive. I can't sleep and I have gained 8 lbs in 30 days. It does control the bleeding, but it is not worth putting up with the side effects."

2 / 10
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58 Report
  • Jey...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 16, 2017

For Unintentional Weight Loss (Underweight) "I have been skinny all my life, but due to some medical issues, I lost some more weight and ended up at 95 lbs (5'4). During my hospital stay, a nutritionist told me about Megace and said I can try it and see if it helps me. After I got out of the hospital, I went to pick up the medication and started it right away. I started by the end of November 2017 and gained over 27 lbs so far. I can't be happier. No side effects at all besides not getting my period. I definitely recommend Megace."

10 / 10
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41 Report
  • Sto...
  • April 1, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was prescribed this because of heavy bleeding with my period because of a fibroid. At first, I was amazed because as soon as my period started, I took them, and it stopped within a few hours or a day. Then I started bleeding again after two weeks. I took it again. Two weeks later, spotting again. Now my period was heavy, but it was predictable before Megace. The only time I was ever late was when I was pregnant. But now, it's all over the place, when I don't take the Megace at the start of bleeding, it will be nonstop. I've had a light period for the past two weeks! Doesn't work anymore and causes weight gain. I hate it."

1 / 10
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38 Report
  • A...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 10, 2015

Megace (megestrol) for Endometrial Hyperplasia "This was by far the most horrible medication I've been on in my life. It did end the endometrial precancerous condition, but at great cost to my body and mind. The doctors also don't tell you it is a steroid. My side effects included: joint pain everywhere - steroids eat away the joints over time, high blood pressure - I didn't have it before this medication, and I do now, edema everywhere - including hands and face, hypoglycemia - had to drink orange juice and eat small meals to keep it under control, nightmares and bad dreams - I never seemed to be able to get a deep sleep, fatigue, unable to truly experience joy or emotion except anger, emotionally brittle - had to lie down whenever I got upset (and more than this will allow me to type)."

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  • Jey...
  • February 3, 2017

For Anorexia "I have been taking Megace now since the end of November 2016 and gained 34 lbs so far. Never in my life did I think I would be able to gain that much. I look and feel so much healthier. Megace gives me an appetite all day. I'm able to eat my whole plate in restaurants now and eat tons of snacks throughout the day... If you want or need to gain weight, then Megace is the best."

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38 Report
  • bgh...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 11, 2016

Megace ES (megestrol) for Unintentional Weight Loss (Underweight) "I took this drug for 6 months due to weight loss - no appetite - down to 75 pounds. My old insurance covered - then when new insurance was started in Jan 2014, no coverage available. This was WONDERFUL!!! For the first time in my life, I was hungry, enjoyed food, and was always looking forward to my next meal. I would purchase if I could afford because this was the BEST thing that could happen to me - someone who has NO appetite!! No side effects for me."

10 / 10
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38 Report
  • sur...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 15, 2017

For Endometrial Cancer "320 mg total of Megace daily taken in 4 doses. No side effects after the first few days. Want to avoid major surgery - hysterectomy. My tip is to eat before you take it so you are not hungry. Eat clean food - mostly alkaline plant-based. No sugar or caffeine. I feel great! Saying a prayer that each of you (and me!) can avoid major surgery and keep our female organs!"

10 / 10
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36 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.