Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Oral)

The oral form of medroxyprogesterone acetate is a tablet women take once a day in order to prevent pregnancy. This medication blocks ovulation so that women don’t release eggs each month. It also makes the cervical wall thicker so that it’s harder for sperm to enter the body and fertilize eggs. This medication can also be used to correct hormonal imbalances following menopause.

Side Effects/Warnings

Smoking while on this medication can be fatal. Women who smoke–especially those who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day–are at high risk of a stroke while on birth control pills. Women over the age of 35 also have an elevated risk of stroke if they take this medication.

This medication also puts women at higher risk of breast cancer and of senile dementia and memory loss, especially if taken after menopause.