What is the use of duphaston Tablet? A Comprehensive Medical Review

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Threatened miscarriage, defined as bleeding in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, occurs in about 20% of all pregnancies. So, what is the use of duphaston Tablet? It's a key medication used to address progesterone deficiencies that can lead to this and other gynecological issues.

Quick Summary

Duphaston is a prescription medication containing dydrogesterone, a synthetic progestogen. It treats conditions from progesterone deficiency, such as irregular periods, endometriosis, and infertility, and is used to support pregnancy.

Key Points

Primary Function: Duphaston (dydrogesterone) is a synthetic hormone that mimics natural progesterone to treat conditions caused by progesterone deficiency.
Key Uses: It is widely used for menstrual disorders, endometriosis, infertility, preventing miscarriage, and as a component of hormone replacement therapy.
Mechanism: It works by preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy, regulating its growth and shedding, and helping to maintain pregnancy in its early stages.
Administration: Duphaston is an oral tablet, which is considered a patient-friendly administration route compared to other forms of progesterone.
Ovulation Friendly: Unlike many other progestogens, dydrogesterone does not typically interfere with or inhibit ovulation, making it suitable for women trying to conceive.
Safety Profile: It is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness; medical supervision is essential.
Role in ART: It is effective for luteal phase support in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles like IVF to improve implantation and pregnancy rates.

Understanding Duphaston (Dydrogesterone)

Duphaston, which contains dydrogesterone, is a synthetic progestogen designed to mimic the effects of natural progesterone. Its structure allows for effective oral administration and good tolerance. It primarily targets progesterone receptors in the uterus, helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy. It is available as a 10 mg oral tablet and requires a prescription. Unlike some other progestogens, it typically does not inhibit ovulation at therapeutic doses.

How Does Duphaston Work?

Duphaston supplements or replaces natural progesterone, acting on the uterine lining to prepare it for potential pregnancy. This action helps in:

Regulating the Menstrual Cycle: Managing irregular, painful, or absent periods.
Supporting Pregnancy: Preparing the uterine lining for embryo implantation and helping maintain early pregnancy. It may reduce miscarriage risk in cases of progesterone deficiency.
Counteracting Estrogen: In Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), it protects the uterine lining from excessive growth caused by estrogen.

Primary Medical Uses of Duphaston

Duphaston is prescribed for several conditions related to progesterone deficiency:

Menstrual Disorders: Treating painful periods, irregular cycles, absent periods, and abnormal bleeding.
Endometriosis: Alleviating pain and reducing lesions without inhibiting ovulation.
Infertility and Pregnancy Support: Addressing infertility due to luteal insufficiency and preventing threatened or recurrent miscarriages. Studies indicate it can lower miscarriage rates.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Providing luteal phase support in IVF to enhance embryo implantation.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Helping to relieve both physical and emotional symptoms.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Used in postmenopausal women with a uterus to manage menopausal symptoms and protect the uterine lining when combined with estrogen.

Potential Side Effects and Important Precautions

While generally well-tolerated, Duphaston can cause side effects and should be used under medical supervision.

Common Side Effects:

Headache or migraine
Nausea
Breast pain or tenderness
Menstrual irregularities, like spotting
Dizziness

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

Severe allergic reactions
Liver problems
Depression or mood changes

Duphaston is not suitable for individuals with certain conditions, including undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or severe liver disease. Always inform your doctor about your medical history.

Comparison: Dydrogesterone vs. Micronized Progesterone

Both dydrogesterone and micronized progesterone treat similar conditions, but they differ in some aspects.


Feature	Duphaston (Dydrogesterone)	Natural Micronized Progesterone
Source & Structure	Synthetic retro-isomer	Identical to human progesterone
Administration Route	Oral only	Oral, vaginal, or injectable
Effect on Ovulation	Typically does not inhibit ovulation	Can inhibit ovulation depending on dose
Common Side Effects	Less associated with drowsiness	Can cause drowsiness
Patient Convenience	Considered more patient-friendly oral option	Vaginal/injectable routes may be less convenient

Studies for luteal phase support in IVF suggest oral dydrogesterone is as effective as vaginal micronized progesterone, with potential for higher patient satisfaction due to ease of use.

Conclusion

Duphaston (dydrogesterone) is a widely used synthetic progestogen for managing gynecological conditions caused by progesterone deficiency. Its key applications include regulating menstruation, treating endometriosis, supporting fertility treatments, and helping to prevent miscarriage. Its oral administration and non-interference with ovulation make it a valuable option in reproductive health. Medical guidance is crucial for safe and effective use.

For more information on progesterone's role in the body, you can visit the Society for Endocrinology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Duphaston 10mg, containing dydrogesterone, is used to treat a variety of conditions caused by a lack of progesterone. These include painful or irregular periods, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infertility, and to help prevent threatened or recurrent miscarriages.

Yes, Duphaston can be taken during pregnancy, but only under a doctor's prescription. It is often prescribed to support early pregnancy and prevent miscarriage, especially in cases of threatened abortion or for women with a history of recurrent miscarriages due to progesterone deficiency.

Weight gain is listed as a possible side effect of Duphaston. Hormonal therapies can sometimes cause fluid retention, which may lead to an increase in weight. If you are concerned about weight gain, discuss it with your doctor.

No, Duphaston is not a contraceptive. At typical therapeutic doses, it does not inhibit ovulation and therefore will not prevent pregnancy. It is often used to support the achievement and maintenance of pregnancy.

Duphaston is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, not typically to delay it. It helps ensure the proper shedding of the uterine lining. You should not take it for purposes other than what your doctor prescribed.

If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hours late, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Missing a dose may cause irregular bleeding or spotting.

The interaction with alcohol is generally unknown, and it is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption. Combining alcohol and Duphaston is strongly discouraged, particularly for pregnant women using the drug to prevent miscarriage.