Dydrogesterone
Dydrogesterone is a synthetic hormone similar to the naturally occurring female hormone progesterone. Dydrogesterone is used for Hormonal imbalance, Menstrual disorders and Support for early pregnancy.
Also called: Dydrogest (Philippines)
Pronunciation: (dye-droh-JESS-ter-one).
- Generic name
- Dydrogesterone
- Brand names
- Femoston, No FDA-approved brands, Gestin, Dydroboon, Duphaston, Dydrogesterone Sandoz
- Drug class
- Progestin (Synthetic Progesterone)
No Current Trade Product Verified Application Under Evaluation
Trade names by country: United States · India · Nepal
Australia: · Full directory
What Dydrogesterone is and how it works
Dydrogesterone is a synthetic hormone similar to the naturally occurring female hormone progesterone. It is primarily used to treat conditions caused by progesterone deficiency, such as irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods, endometriosis, infertility due to luteal insufficiency, and to support early pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. Dydrogesterone works by mimicking the effects of natural progesterone in the body, helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain the lining of the uterus. It is often prescribed as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in combination with estrogen to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. Key points for patients: Dydrogesterone is generally well-tolerated, but should be taken exactly as prescribed. It does not have androgenic or estrogenic effects, making it suitable for women sensitive to these hormones. Always inform your healthcare provider about any other medications or health conditions before starting dydrogesterone. (2)
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Dydrogesterone works
Dydrogesterone is a synthetic progestogen that selectively binds to progesterone receptors in the uterus, mimicking the effects of endogenous progesterone. It promotes the transformation of the endometrium from the proliferative to the secretory phase, supports implantation, and maintains early pregnancy. Unlike some other progestins, dydrogesterone lacks androgenic, estrogenic, or glucocorticoid activity, resulting in a favorable side effect profile. (2)
What is Dydrogesterone used for?
Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance (2)
Menstrual disorders
Menstrual disorders (2)
Support for early pregnancy
Support for early pregnancy (2)
Before taking Dydrogesterone
Do not take / not appropriate for
- hypersensitivity to dydrogesterone, active or recent thromboembolic disorders, severe hepatic impairment, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, and known or suspected hormone-dependent malignancies. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)Dydrogesterone dosage and how to take it
- General Instructions: Take dydrogesterone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken by mouth, with or without food, at the same time each day.. Adult Dosing: Typical dosing ranges from 5 mg to 40 mg daily, depending on the indication. For menstrual disorders, 10 mg is commonly given once or twice daily during the second half of the menstrual cycle. For hormone replacement therapy, 10-20 mg daily is used for 12-14 days per cycle.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established. Use in adolescents may be considered under specialist supervision for specific indications.. Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew.. When To Stop: If you develop a migraine-type headache with visual disturbance, or a sudden vision change, seek medical attention immediately. For any other concern about continuing treatment, do not stop taking dydrogesterone abruptly without consulting your doctor — your doctor will advise when and how to discontinue based on your condition.. Storage: Store at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or dizziness. There is no specific antidote. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention and provide supportive care as needed. (2)
Dydrogesterone side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Breast tenderness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Menstrual irregularities
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Depression
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Liver function abnormalities
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Signs of a possible blood clot: swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg; sudden breathlessness or chest pain; coughing up blood
(2)Migraine-type headache with visual disturbance, or a sudden change in vision
(2)Signs of liver problems: yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness, or right upper abdominal pain
(2)Unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding
(2)Serious warnings
May increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women with risk factors — serious
Symptoms: May increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women with risk factors. Use with caution in patients with a history of depression or mood disorders. Monitor liver function during prolonged use. Not recommended in women with undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. May interact with other hormonal therapies.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include hypersensitivity to dydrogesterone, active or recent thromboembolic disorders, severe hepatic impairment, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, and known or suspected hormone-dependent malignancies. Precautions: Use cautiously in patients with a history of depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or mild-to-moderate liver dysfunction. Monitor for signs of thromboembolism and liver dysfunction during therapy.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
UK product labeling (Nalvee 10 mg SmPC) specifies additional contraindications — serious
Symptoms: UK product labeling (Nalvee 10 mg SmPC) specifies additional contraindications: known or suspected progestogen-dependent tumours (e.g. meningioma), severe acute or chronic liver disease or disorders of bile-pigment metabolism, and previous or existing liver tumours. When combined with estrogen for hormone replacement therapy, venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk is increased roughly 1.3-3 fold, particularly in the first year of use, and combined estrogen-progestogen therapy is associated with increased breast cancer risk. If a migraine-type headache with visual disturbance, or a sudden change in vision, develops, seek medical attention immediately; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop treatment.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Dydrogesterone may interact with medications that induce hepatic enzymes (such as rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine), which can reduce its effectiveness. It may also interact with other hormonal agents, anticoagulants, and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (2) |
| CYP-enzyme-inducing antiretrovirals | Some antiretroviral drugs that induce CYP enzyme activity may increase the metabolism of dydrogesterone and its active metabolite (DHD), potentially reducing effectiveness, per UK product labeling. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related use of dydrogesterone varies by country and by product license — this is a genuine, clinically important distinction, not a simple yes/no answer. In several countries, dydrogesterone products (e.g. Duphaston) are licensed for luteal-phase support and threatened/recurrent miscarriage, and this use is common clinical practice internationally. However, the UK-licensed Nalvee 10 mg product is explicitly NOT authorised for use in pregnancy, even though post-marketing data covering over 10 million pregnancy exposures have not shown evidence of harm. Whether dydrogesterone is appropriate in pregnancy depends on the specific product license in your country and must be decided with your prescriber — do not assume a pregnancy use is authorised just because dydrogesterone as a substance is available. (2)
Breastfeeding
The UK-licensed product (Nalvee) advises avoiding use during breastfeeding, as excretion into breast milk and effects on the infant have not been established. Discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare provider before using dydrogesterone. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (2)
Renal Impairment
Hepatic impairment: contraindicated in severe acute or chronic liver disease, disorders of bile-pigment metabolism, and in patients with a previous or existing liver tumour; caution and monitoring advised in mild-to-moderate liver dysfunction. Renal impairment: no specific dose-adjustment guidance is given in the sources reviewed; this remains a genuine gap — use with clinician oversight. (2)
Hepatic Impairment
Hepatic impairment: contraindicated in severe acute or chronic liver disease, disorders of bile-pigment metabolism, and in patients with a previous or existing liver tumour; caution and monitoring advised in mild-to-moderate liver dysfunction. Renal impairment: no specific dose-adjustment guidance is given in the sources reviewed; this remains a genuine gap — use with clinician oversight. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
UK product labeling states this medicine does not require special storage conditions; store at normal room temperature. The clinician database additionally specifies below 30°C (86°F), away from moisture and heat, and out of reach of children — both are consistent.
Study the drug class: Sex hormones and hormonal contraceptives (practice MCQs)
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Hormonal imbalance / menstrual disorders / HRT progestogen supplementation
Dose summary: 10 mg to 20 mg taken orally once daily (general); UK SmPC gives indication-specific regimens: dysmenorrhoea 10 mg twice daily days 5-25; endometriosis 10 mg two-to-three times daily days 5-25 or continuously; irregular cycles 10 mg twice daily days 11-25; premenstrual syndrome 10 mg twice daily days 12-26; HRT 10 mg daily for 12-14 days per 28-day cycle, may increase to 20 mg.
Renal context: No renal-impairment dosing guidance is given in either source reviewed; this remains a genuine gap. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is dydrogesterone used for?
Dydrogesterone is used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, infertility due to luteal insufficiency, threatened or recurrent miscarriage, and as part of hormone replacement therapy.
How quickly does dydrogesterone work?
Dydrogesterone typically starts working within a few days to regulate menstrual cycles or support pregnancy, but the full effect may take several cycles depending on the condition being treated.
Can dydrogesterone be used during pregnancy?
It depends on the country and the specific product license. In several countries, dydrogesterone products are licensed for luteal-phase support and threatened or recurrent miscarriage, and this is common clinical practice. Other products (such as the UK-licensed Nalvee 10 mg) are explicitly not authorised for use in pregnancy, even though large-scale exposure data have not shown evidence of harm. Whether it is appropriate for you in pregnancy is a decision for your prescriber, based on the specific product available to you.
Is dydrogesterone safe for breastfeeding mothers?
There is limited data on the safety of dydrogesterone during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before use if you are breastfeeding.
What should I do if I experience unusual bleeding while taking dydrogesterone?
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding, as this may require further evaluation.
Can dydrogesterone cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect, but some women may experience fluid retention or mild weight changes. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Are there any foods or medicines I should avoid while taking dydrogesterone?
Avoid grapefruit juice and inform your doctor about all other medicines, especially anticonvulsants and herbal supplements, as they may interact with dydrogesterone.
What happens if I take too much Dydrogesterone?
Taking too much Dydrogesterone may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. While generally not life-threatening, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose. They can provide guidance and monitor your condition to ensure your safety.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Dydrogesterone?
It is generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Dydrogesterone. Alcohol can potentially exacerbate some side effects of progestins, such as dizziness or drowsiness. Additionally, alcohol can affect liver function, which may interfere with how your body processes the medication. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol and your medication.
Is Dydrogesterone safe during pregnancy?
Safety in pregnancy is not a single global answer for this medicine — it depends on which product and country license applies. Some dydrogesterone products are licensed in some countries specifically for threatened or recurrent miscarriage support, while other products (e.g. the UK-licensed Nalvee) are not authorised for pregnancy use at all, despite reassuring safety data from large numbers of pregnancy exposures. The decision to use it in pregnancy is made by a healthcare provider after careful consideration of the individual's medical history, current condition, and the specific product's license. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.
What is the mechanism of action of Dydrogesterone?
Dydrogesterone is a synthetic progestogen that selectively binds to progesterone receptors in the uterus, mimicking the effects of endogenous progesterone. It promotes the transformation of the endometrium from the proliferative to the secretory phase, supports implantation, and maintains early pregnancy. Unlike some other progestins, dydrogesterone lacks androgenic, estrogenic, or glucocorticoid activity, resulting in a favorable side effect profile. (2)
What is the generic name of Dydrogesterone?
The generic name is Dydrogesterone. It is sold under brand names including Femoston, No FDA-approved brands, Gestin, Dydroboon, Duphaston, Dydrogesterone Sandoz.
What class of drug is Dydrogesterone?
Dydrogesterone is classed as: Progestin (Synthetic Progesterone).
References
- Dydrogesterone — MedGuideGlobal medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global (internal clinician-authored record) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Nalvee 10 mg film-coated tablets — Summary of Product Characteristicselectronic Medicines Compendium (UK) · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Dydrogesterone names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Gynoresthistorical discontinued
India
Source-listed products; local stock and regulatory approval have not been confirmed. Check the exact ingredient, strength, and formulation with a pharmacist.
- Duphaston 10mg TabletTablet · 10mg · Abbott India Limitedpharmacy source recorded · checked 2026-09-24
- Dydroboon TabletTablet · 10mg · Mankind Pharma Ltdpharmacy source recorded · checked 2026-09-24
- Dydrolast 10mg TabletTablet · 10mg · Leeford Healthcare Ltdpharmacy source recorded · checked 2026-09-24
- Dydrogest 10 TabletTablet · 10mg · Zydus Healthcare Limitedpharmacy source recorded · checked 2026-09-24
- Dydrolady 10mg TabletTablet · 10mg · Cipla Ltdpharmacy source recorded · checked 2026-09-24
- Isofit 10mg TabletTablet · 10mg · Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltdpharmacy source recorded · checked 2026-09-24
- Drogyna TabletTablet · 10mg · Mankind Pharma Ltdpharmacy source recorded · checked 2026-09-24
- Dydrosure 10mg TabletTablet · 10mg · Alkem Laboratories Ltdpharmacy source recorded · checked 2026-09-24
- Dydrofemtablet · 10 mg · Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltdpharmacy source recorded
- Dydrohopetablet · 10 mg · Corona Remedies Pvt Ltdpharmacy source recorded
- Dydropregtablet · 10 mg · Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltdpharmacy source recorded
- Drolutetablet · 10 mg · Eris Life Sciences Pvt Ltdpharmacy source recorded
Nepal
Source-listed products; local stock and regulatory approval have not been confirmed. Check the exact ingredient, strength, and formulation with a pharmacist.
- DuphastonTablet · 10mg · Abbott India Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
View brands in additional countries.
Philippines
Dydrogest, Duphaston