What is novogest 10mg used for?: A Comprehensive Guide to Dydrogesterone

October 6, 2025 •

5 min read

Novogest 10mg contains dydrogesterone, a synthetic progestogen that mimics the body's natural progesterone to treat a range of gynaecological conditions. This medication is prescribed to address issues stemming from a lack of this crucial hormone, playing a vital role in regulating the female reproductive system.

Quick Summary

Novogest 10mg, containing dydrogesterone, is a progestogen used to treat hormonal deficiencies causing menstrual disorders, female infertility, and endometriosis by regulating the uterine lining.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: Novogest 10mg contains dydrogesterone, a synthetic progestogen that mimics the effects of natural progesterone.
Primary Uses: It is used to treat female infertility, endometriosis, menstrual disorders (painful, irregular, or heavy periods), PMS, and in Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Miscarriage Prevention: Under medical guidance, Novogest 10mg is prescribed to prevent miscarriage in women with a history of progesterone deficiency.
Not a Contraceptive: Novogest 10mg is not a birth control method and does not prevent pregnancy; a separate contraceptive should be used if needed.
Mode of Action: It works by regulating the growth and shedding of the uterine lining, supporting a healthy environment for embryo implantation and balancing hormonal cycles.
Common Side Effects: Possible side effects include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and breakthrough vaginal bleeding.
Medical Supervision: Novogest 10mg should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor, especially for those with liver disease, depression, or a history of migraines.

What is Novogest 10mg?

Novogest 10mg is a medication containing the active ingredient dydrogesterone. Dydrogesterone is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring female hormone progesterone. It is classified as a progestogen, and its primary function is to correct hormonal imbalances that affect the female reproductive system. Unlike some other synthetic progestogens, dydrogesterone is known for being well-tolerated and for having a specific action on the uterus lining, making it effective for a number of women's health conditions. The medicine is available as an oral tablet and must be taken under a doctor’s supervision.

How Novogest 10mg Works

Dydrogesterone works by acting on the progesterone receptors in the uterus, imitating the actions of natural progesterone. Progesterone is essential for the healthy growth and shedding of the endometrium, the lining of the womb.

Its key functions include:

Regulating the menstrual cycle: It helps to balance the effects of estrogen, ensuring that the uterine lining develops and sheds in a regular, predictable manner. This is crucial for managing irregular or heavy periods.
Supporting pregnancy: By thickening the uterine lining, dydrogesterone creates a supportive environment for a fertilised egg to implant. It also helps to prevent uterine contractions that could lead to a miscarriage in cases of threatened or habitual abortion.
Inhibiting tissue growth: In conditions like endometriosis, dydrogesterone prevents the overgrowth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, which helps to alleviate associated symptoms like pain.
Alleviating PMS symptoms: By balancing hormonal fluctuations, it can help manage the physical and emotional symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.

Medical Uses of Novogest 10mg

The specific conditions for which a doctor may prescribe Novogest 10mg include a variety of gynaecological and hormonal issues.

Endometriosis

In endometriosis, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in other parts of the body, causing significant pain and discomfort. By acting on progesterone receptors, dydrogesterone prevents the proliferation of this tissue, reducing inflammation and pain. The typical regimen involves taking the tablets for a set number of days within the menstrual cycle to manage symptoms.

Female Infertility

For women experiencing infertility due to insufficient progesterone levels, Novogest 10mg can be an important part of treatment. It helps to prepare the uterine lining for the successful implantation of an embryo, increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy. It is often prescribed from a specific day in the menstrual cycle until the early stages of pregnancy to provide the necessary hormonal support.

Preventing Miscarriage

For individuals with a history of recurrent miscarriages or a threatened miscarriage linked to progesterone deficiency, Novogest 10mg is used to provide hormonal support. It helps to stabilise the uterine lining and supports the embryo's development, thereby reducing the risk of a spontaneous abortion. Treatment is typically continued until the end of the first trimester.

Menstrual Disorders

Novogest 10mg is highly effective in managing a range of menstrual disorders:

Dysmenorrhoea: Painful periods can be relieved as the medication helps regulate the cycle and reduce uterine cramps.
Irregular Periods (Amenorrhoea): By re-establishing a proper balance between estrogen and progesterone, the medication can help re-initiate or regulate periods that have become irregular or have stopped completely.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: It can be used to stop unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding by ensuring the uterine lining sheds normally.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

For those suffering from PMS, Novogest 10mg can help alleviate symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness by addressing the underlying hormonal fluctuations.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

In postmenopausal women undergoing HRT, Novogest 10mg is often combined with estrogen therapy. This combination helps to protect the uterus from the overgrowth of the uterine lining that can be caused by unopposed estrogen, thereby reducing the risk of uterine cancer.

Comparison of Progestogens

When considering hormonal therapies, it is helpful to understand how different progestogens compare. Novogest 10mg (dydrogesterone) has a distinct profile compared to others like norethisterone.


Feature	Novogest 10mg (Dydrogesterone)	Norethisterone	Natural Progesterone
Chemical Type	Synthetic Progestogen	Synthetic Progestogen	Bio-identical Progestogen
Oral Bioavailability	Well-absorbed, orally active	Orally active, often micronized for better absorption	Poor oral bioavailability, often requires different delivery methods (vaginal, injectable)
Contraceptive Effect	Does not inhibit ovulation at therapeutic levels, so it is not a contraceptive.	Can inhibit ovulation and is used in oral contraceptives.	Can inhibit ovulation depending on dose and timing.
Androgenic Side Effects	Non-androgenic; low risk of androgen-related side effects like acne or hirsutism.	Possesses weak androgenic activity, with potential for related side effects at higher doses.	No androgenic effects.
Key Uses	Menstrual disorders, endometriosis, infertility, miscarriage prevention, HRT.	Menstrual disorders, endometriosis, contraception, HRT.	Fertility support, HRT, and menstrual cycle regulation.

Side Effects and Precautions

Like all medications, Novogest 10mg can cause side effects. Common ones include:

Headache or migraines
Nausea
Breast tenderness or pain
Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
Bloating

Serious, but less common, side effects include severe headaches, changes in vision, or deep vein thrombosis. You should consult your doctor immediately if you experience these.

Precautions to be aware of:

Medical History: Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, depression, migraines, or diabetes. These conditions may require monitoring during treatment.
Allergies: Do not take if you have a known allergy to dydrogesterone or any other ingredients.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While Novogest 10mg can be used in early pregnancy under a doctor's guidance, it is important to discuss its use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Not a Contraceptive: Novogest 10mg is not a birth control pill and will not prevent pregnancy. A non-hormonal contraceptive method should be used if needed.
Interactions: Discuss all other medications and supplements you are taking with your doctor, as some can interfere with Novogest 10mg.

Conclusion

Novogest 10mg, with its active ingredient dydrogesterone, is a versatile and specific progestogen used to treat various gynaecological issues, including infertility, endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and PMS. Its ability to regulate the uterine lining and mimic natural progesterone makes it a valuable tool for maintaining hormonal balance and supporting early pregnancy. However, it is essential to use this medication only under a doctor's supervision due to its specific uses and potential side effects. Understanding its mechanism and uses can help patients make informed decisions in consultation with their healthcare provider. Remember that Novogest is not a contraceptive, and other birth control measures should be used if pregnancy is not desired.

For more detailed information on dydrogesterone, visit DrugBank.

Frequently Asked Questions

The time it takes for Novogest 10mg to show effects varies depending on the condition being treated. For menstrual disorders, a patient may see changes within one or two cycles. For infertility or endometriosis, it may take longer, as treatment duration depends on individual response.

No, Novogest 10mg is not a contraceptive. Its therapeutic doses do not interfere with or inhibit ovulation. If you need to prevent pregnancy, you must use a separate, non-hormonal method of contraception.

Novogest 10mg contains dydrogesterone, which is a synthetic or man-made version of progesterone. It mimics the actions of natural progesterone in the body and is used when the body's own production is insufficient.

If you miss a dose by less than 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Common side effects include headaches, nausea, breast pain or tenderness, bloating, and irregular vaginal spotting or bleeding. These are often temporary as your body adjusts to the medication.

Novogest 10mg can be used during early pregnancy to help prevent miscarriage in cases of progesterone deficiency, but only under a doctor’s guidance and evaluation. It is crucial to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

You should not take Novogest 10mg if you have a known allergy to dydrogesterone, have a tumor worsened by progestins, or have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Patients with a history of liver disease, depression, or migraines should use it with caution.