Provera vs Aygestin: side-by-side comparison
Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) and Aygestin (Norethindrone) both belong to the Women's Sexual Health class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Provera | Aygestin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Medroxyprogesterone | Norethindrone |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | Various generics |
| Class | Women's Sexual Health | Women's Sexual Health |
| Strengths | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg | 5mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Provera and Aygestin both belong to the Women's Sexual Health class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Medroxyprogesterone vs Norethindrone — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Medroxyprogesterone vs Norethindrone), strengths (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg vs 5mg), forms (tablet vs tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Provera: Medroxyprogesterone acetate binds progesterone receptors and produces strong progestational effects: thickening cervical mucus, inhibiting ovulation, thinning the endometrium and reducing endometrial proliferation in HRT… Aygestin: Norethindrone binds to progesterone receptors and exerts progestational effects: thickening cervical mucus, suppressing the LH surge, thinning the endometrium and reducing endometrial implant activity in endometriosis.
When Provera is preferred
Provera is approved for amenorrhoea, abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, and prevention of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen.
When Aygestin is preferred
Aygestin is approved for endometriosis-associated pain, abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, and secondary amenorrhoea.
Frequently asked questions
Is Provera or Aygestin better? ▾
There is no single answer. Provera and Aygestin both belong to the Women's Sexual Health class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Provera to Aygestin? ▾
Switching within the Women's Sexual Health class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Provera and Aygestin have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Women's Sexual Health class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Provera comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.