What happens after taking Duphaston?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

In up to 20% of all pregnancies, complications like threatened miscarriage can occur [1.11.1]. For conditions linked to progesterone deficiency, a medication called Duphaston is often prescribed. So, what happens after taking Duphaston? The effects depend entirely on why it was prescribed.

Quick Summary

After taking Duphaston, its active ingredient, dydrogesterone, mimics natural progesterone. This helps regulate the menstrual cycle, support early pregnancy, or manage hormonal imbalances, with effects varying by condition.

Key Points

Primary Action: Duphaston (dydrogesterone) is a synthetic hormone that mimics natural progesterone to prepare the uterine lining and support the menstrual cycle or pregnancy [1.3.3].
For Menstrual Regulation: After a course is completed, the drop in hormone levels induces a withdrawal bleed, which mimics a period, typically within a week [1.9.1, 1.9.4].
For Pregnancy Support: It helps maintain a stable uterine environment for the embryo, often used through the first trimester to prevent miscarriage due to progesterone deficiency [1.5.3, 1.5.5].
Ovulation: Unlike many other progestins, Duphaston generally does not prevent ovulation at standard therapeutic doses [1.11.1].
Side Effects: Common side effects include headache, nausea, and breast tenderness. Serious side effects are rare but require medical attention [1.2.2, 1.6.3].
Stopping the Medication: When used for cycle regulation, stopping triggers a period. When used for pregnancy, it is tapered off under a doctor's guidance [1.4.1, 1.5.3].
Medical Supervision is Essential: Duphaston is a prescription medication, and its use, dosage, and duration must be determined by a healthcare provider [1.5.2].

What is Duphaston and How Does It Work?

Duphaston is a brand name for the medication dydrogesterone, a synthetic progestin designed to mimic the effects of the natural hormone progesterone [1.3.3, 1.3.5]. Progesterone plays a critical role in the female reproductive system, primarily by preparing the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) for a potential pregnancy and helping to maintain that pregnancy [1.2.1].

Dydrogesterone is highly selective, meaning it binds almost exclusively to progesterone receptors [1.11.1]. This targeted action allows it to regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy without typically causing the unwanted androgenic (masculinizing) side effects associated with some other synthetic progestins [1.3.3]. Unlike some other hormonal treatments, Duphaston does not usually inhibit ovulation at standard doses, which is a significant benefit for those trying to conceive [1.11.1].

Immediate Effects: Hours and Days After Taking Duphaston

Once ingested, Duphaston is readily absorbed, with its active components reaching peak levels in the blood within 0.5 to 2.5 hours [1.11.1]. Its primary action is to signal the uterine lining to change from a proliferative (building) phase to a secretory (preparing for implantation) phase [1.2.1, 1.11.1]. The noticeable effects depend on the reason for its use.

Scenario 1: Taking Duphaston for Menstrual Cycle Regulation

Duphaston is commonly prescribed for a variety of menstrual disorders, including irregular periods, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), endometriosis, and secondary amenorrhea (the absence of periods) [1.11.1].

The Process: Typically, a course of Duphaston is taken for a set number of days during the second half of the menstrual cycle, for example, from day 11 to day 25 [1.4.1]. This supplementation of progesterone helps stabilize and mature the uterine lining.
What Happens After Stopping: When the course of Duphaston is finished, the sudden drop in the progesterone-like hormone signals the body to shed the uterine lining [1.4.5]. This results in a "withdrawal bleed," which typically occurs within a few days to a week after taking the last pill [1.9.1, 1.9.4]. This induced bleeding mimics a natural period and helps restore a regular cycle [1.4.1].

Scenario 2: Taking Duphaston for Pregnancy Support

Due to progesterone's vital role in maintaining a healthy uterine environment for a developing embryo, Duphaston is used to support pregnancy in certain situations [1.5.1]. It's prescribed for luteal insufficiency (where the body doesn't produce enough progesterone after ovulation), and to help prevent threatened or recurrent miscarriages linked to progesterone deficiency [1.5.4, 1.5.5].

The Process: In these cases, Duphaston helps maintain the thickness and stability of the uterine lining, ensuring the embryo has a nourishing environment to implant and grow [1.5.5]. It also helps relax uterine muscles to prevent contractions [1.3.4].
What Happens During Treatment: The medication provides the necessary hormonal support until the placenta has developed enough to take over its own progesterone production, which usually occurs around the end of the first trimester [1.5.3]. Treatment is often continued until the 12th week of pregnancy or longer, based on a doctor's assessment [1.5.3, 1.6.4].

Potential Side Effects and What to Watch For

While generally well-tolerated, Duphaston can cause side effects. It is crucial to take this medication only as prescribed and to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider [1.5.2].

Common Side Effects:

Headache or migraine [1.6.3]
Nausea [1.2.2]
Breast pain or tenderness [1.2.2, 1.6.3]
Abdominal pain [1.2.2]
Dizziness or drowsiness [1.6.3, 1.6.4]
Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods [1.5.5]

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

Severe allergic reactions (swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing) [1.11.2]
Liver problems (indicated by jaundice, or yellowing of the skin/eyes) [1.5.1]
Changes in mood or depression [1.2.2]

Duphaston vs. Other Progestogens: A Comparison

Duphaston is one of several types of progestogens used in medicine. Its unique structure gives it a different profile compared to others like natural micronized progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA).


Feature	Dydrogesterone (Duphaston)	Natural Micronized Progesterone	Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA)
Source	Synthetic (retroprogesterone) [1.3.5]	Bio-identical to human progesterone [1.7.3]	Synthetic [1.7.1]
Administration	Oral [1.11.1]	Oral, Vaginal [1.11.4]	Oral, Injectable
Effect on Ovulation	Typically does not inhibit ovulation [1.11.1]	Can suppress ovulation at higher doses	Inhibits ovulation
Side Effect Profile	Low androgenic effects; non-sedative [1.11.1]	Can cause drowsiness/sedation [1.11.1]	May have negative effects on lipids; associated with higher health risks in some studies [1.7.1, 1.7.3]

Conclusion

What happens after taking Duphaston is a targeted hormonal response that depends entirely on the clinical reason for its use. Whether it is to orchestrate a timely menstrual period through withdrawal bleeding, to provide critical support for maintaining an early pregnancy, or to manage symptoms of endometriosis, Duphaston works by supplementing the body's progesterone levels. Its unique properties make it an effective option for many women, but like any medication, it must be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can tailor the treatment to individual needs and monitor for any adverse effects.

For more information, you can refer to resources like the Mayo Clinic's information on progesterone.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are not pregnant, you can typically expect a withdrawal bleed, or period, to start within a few days to a week after taking your last Duphaston tablet [1.9.1, 1.9.4].

No, Duphaston is not typically used to delay periods [1.11.4]. When taken for cycle regulation and then stopped, it actually induces a period. Continuing to take it without a break might prevent a period from starting, but this should only be done under medical advice.

The signs depend on the reason for use. For menstrual regulation, the primary sign is the occurrence of a withdrawal bleed after completing the course [1.4.1]. For pregnancy support, there may not be noticeable signs other than the absence of bleeding and the continuation of the pregnancy.

Yes. A key feature of Duphaston is that it does not typically inhibit ovulation, so it is possible to become pregnant while using it, especially when it's prescribed to correct a luteal phase defect to help with infertility [1.11.1, 1.11.2].

If you forget a dose and it is less than 12 hours late, you should take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 12 hours late, you should skip the missed tablet and continue with your normal schedule. Missing a dose may cause irregular bleeding or spotting [1.5.5, 1.11.3].

Weight gain is listed as a possible side effect of Duphaston, although it may not affect everyone [1.2.2, 1.8.2]. If you are concerned about weight changes, you should discuss it with your doctor.

You should not take Duphaston if you have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, severe liver disease, a known allergy to dydrogesterone, or certain types of progesterone-dependent tumors [1.2.2, 1.8.2]. It is crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor.