Duphaston: What It Is, How It’s Used, and What You Need to Know

When you hear Duphaston, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone used to regulate menstrual cycles and support early pregnancy. Also known as dydrogesterone, it’s one of the most commonly prescribed hormones for women dealing with irregular periods, infertility, or recurrent miscarriages. Unlike natural progesterone, Duphaston is designed to mimic the body’s own hormone without triggering unwanted side effects like drowsiness or mood swings. It’s not a birth control pill—it doesn’t stop ovulation. Instead, it helps your body prepare for and maintain pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining and calming overactive hormones.

Duphaston works closely with estrogen. When estrogen builds up the lining of your uterus, Duphaston steps in to stabilize it. If there’s not enough progesterone—common in conditions like luteal phase defect or PCOS—the lining breaks down too soon, leading to early periods or difficulty holding onto a pregnancy. That’s where Duphaston comes in. Doctors often pair it with fertility treatments or use it alone to bring back regular cycles. It’s also used after IVF to support implantation, and sometimes to treat endometriosis or abnormal uterine bleeding. You won’t find it in the men’s health section of most pharmacies, but it’s a cornerstone of women’s hormonal care.

It’s not the only option. Provera (medroxyprogesterone) is another synthetic progesterone, but it’s older and more likely to cause bloating or mood changes. Micronized progesterone, made from plant sources, is closer to what your body makes naturally. But Duphaston has a cleaner profile—fewer side effects, lower risk of clotting, and better tolerance for long-term use. That’s why many doctors start here before trying other options. It’s also not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Dosing changes based on whether you’re trying to get pregnant, managing PMS, or treating a history of miscarriage. Some women take it for just 10 days a month. Others take it daily for months.

What you won’t find in most guides is how often Duphaston is used alongside other medications. It shows up in the same conversations as Clomid, letrozole, and even thyroid meds—because hormonal balance isn’t just about one hormone. If you’re on Duphaston and still struggling with symptoms, your doctor might check your thyroid, prolactin, or insulin levels. It’s rarely the whole story, but it’s often the missing piece.

There’s no magic here. Duphaston doesn’t fix infertility on its own. It doesn’t cure endometriosis. But when used right, it gives your body the hormonal support it’s missing. And that’s enough to make a real difference—for getting pregnant, for stopping unpredictable bleeding, for feeling like yourself again. Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how it compares to other treatments, what to watch for, and how to use it safely. These aren’t ads or theory. They’re practical, tested insights from people who’ve been there.