Generic Dydrogesterone

Introduction

Dydrogesterone is a synthetic progestogen prescribed primarily for disorders that involve inadequate progesterone activity. In the United Kingdom it is used to support the luteal phase, treat menstrual disorders, manage infertility‑related progesterone deficiency, and as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for post‑menopausal women. The active compound, Dydrogesterone, belongs to the Women’s Health and Hormones medication groups. It is also employed off‑label for certain early pregnancy complications where progesterone support is indicated.

What is Dydrogesterone?

Dydrogesterone is a stereochemically modified analogue of natural progesterone designed to retain progestogenic activity while reducing androgenic and glucocorticoid effects. It was first synthesized in the 195s by the pharmaceutical company Abbott Laboratories, and the original brand name is Duphaston.

Dydrogesterone is the generic version of Duphaston, containing the same active compound Dydrogesterone. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option.

The medication is supplied as oral tablets, typically 10 mg or 20 mg strengths, and is classified as a progestogen (synthetic progesterone).

How Dydrogesterone Works

Dydrogesterone binds selectively to progesterone receptors in the uterus, breast, and brain. Activation of these receptors produces several downstream effects:

• Endometrial transformation – It converts the proliferative endometrium into a secretory state, preparing the lining for possible implantation.
• Inhibition of ovulation – By providing negative feedback to the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑ovarian axis, it suppresses luteinising hormone (LH) surges, preventing premature ovulation.
• Stabilisation of the uterine environment – It reduces myometrial contractility, which can be beneficial in early pregnancy loss.

Pharmacokinetically, Dydrogesterone is rapidly absorbed (peak plasma concentration within 2–4 hours) and undergoes hepatic metabolism to an active metabolite, 20‑hydroxydydrogesterone, which contributes to its therapeutic effect. The elimination half‑life is approximately 14–17 hours, supporting once‑daily dosing in most regimens.

Conditions Treated with Dydrogesterone

• Luteal‑phase support in assisted reproduction – Women undergoing in‑vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intra‑uterine insemination (IUI) often receive Dydrogesterone to enhance endometrial receptivity.
• Recurrent miscarriage or threatened abortion – In cases where progesterone deficiency is implicated, supplementation can reduce the risk of pregnancy loss.
• Irregular menstrual cycles and amenorrhoea – Dydrogesterone restores regular shedding of the endometrium, correcting oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea linked to anovulation.
• Endometriosis‑related pain – By opposing estrogen‑driven proliferation, it can alleviate dysmenorrhoea and pelvic discomfort.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – Combined with estrogen, it provides the progestogenic component needed to prevent endometrial hyperplasia in post‑menopausal women.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – Symptom control is achieved through stabilising the hormonal fluctuations of the luteal phase.

In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) acknowledges progestogens, including Dydrogesterone, as a therapeutic option for these indications, especially when other treatments have failed or are contraindicated.

Who is Dydrogesterone For?

• Women with proven progesterone deficiency – This includes those with luteal‑phase insufficiency diagnosed after assisted conception cycles, or women with documented low serum progesterone in the luteal phase.
• Patients experiencing recurrent early pregnancy loss – When investigations suggest a hormonal aetiology, Dydrogesterone is recommended as part of a comprehensive management plan.
• Women with irregular or absent periods due to anovulation – Those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothalamic amenorrhoea may benefit from cyclical progestogen therapy.
• Post‑menopausal women on estrogen‑only HRT – Adding Dydrogesterone protects the endometrium without the androgenic side‑effects of older synthetic progestins.

Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to Dydrogesterone, active thromboembolic disease, severe liver impairment, and undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Pregnant women should only use it under specialist guidance, as the risk–benefit ratio must be assessed individually.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset
• Headache or dizziness
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Mood changes (e.g., irritability)

Rare

• Acne or oily skin
• Weight gain unrelated to fluid retention
• Menstrual spotting between cycles

Serious

• Venous thromboembolism (VTE) – rare but reported, particularly in women with additional risk factors (e.g., smoking, immobilisation)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – manifested as rash, swelling, or respiratory difficulty
• Hepatic dysfunction – indicated by jaundice, dark urine, or elevated liver enzymes

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) – Progestogens may potentiate anticoagulant effects; INR monitoring is advised.
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin) – Enzyme induction can lower Dydrogesterone plasma levels, reducing efficacy.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) – May increase exposure; dose adjustment may be required.
• Hormonal contraceptives – Concurrent use can alter bleeding patterns; clinical supervision is recommended.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter supplements, to their healthcare provider before initiating therapy.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing – For luteal‑phase support, 10 mg twice daily (total 20 mg) from the day of ovulation or embryo transfer until the pregnancy test. For HRT, 10 mg once daily is common. Dosage may vary according to the specific indication and physician recommendation.
• Missed dose – If a dose is forgotten and it is within 12 hours of the scheduled time, take it as soon as remembered. If more than 12 hours have elapsed, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule; do not double‑dose.
• Overdose – Acute overdose is unlikely to be life‑threatening. Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Seek medical attention promptly; treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
• Food and alcohol – Dydrogesterone can be taken with or without food. Alcohol does not directly affect absorption but excessive intake may increase the risk of liver strain.
• Comorbidities – Patients with diabetes, hypertension, or a history of thrombosis should be monitored closely, as progestogens can modestly influence coagulation and metabolic parameters.

Buying Dydrogesterone from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients in the United Kingdom can obtain Dydrogesterone safely through our online pharmacy. Our service offers several advantages:

• Affordable pricing – We source the generic directly from licensed manufacturers, keeping costs close to the manufacturer’s price and substantially lower than many UK high‑street pharmacies.
• Verified quality – Every batch is supplied by accredited overseas pharmacies that meet European Medicines Agency (EMA) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Independent laboratory testing confirms identity, potency, and purity.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet packaging is dispatched via express courier (typically 5–7 days) or regular airmail (approximately 2–3 weeks), with tracking available for all orders.
• Online‑only accessibility – For patients who face geographical barriers, limited stock in local pharmacies, or who prefer privacy, our pharmacy broker model connects you with reputable overseas suppliers while complying with UK import regulations.

Our platform operates as a pharmacy broker service, collaborating with licensed international pharmacies. This structure enables a discreet, privacy‑respecting service that delivers high‑quality medication directly to your doorstep.

FAQ

• Is Dydrogesterone available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes, the medication is marketed under the brand name Duphaston and also as a generic containing the same active compound, Dydrogesterone. Generic versions are typically less expensive while providing identical therapeutic effects.

• Does Dydrogesterone require refrigeration?
  No, Dydrogesterone tablets are stable at room temperature. They should be stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, ideally between 15 °C and 30 °C.

• What do the tablets look like and how are they marked?
  Generic Dydrogesterone tablets are usually white, round, and debossed with the dosage strength (e.g., “10 mg” or “20 mg”). Brand‑name Duphaston tablets may have a slightly different imprint, but the colour and shape are comparable.

• Can I travel internationally with Dydrogesterone tablets?
  Yes, you may carry a personal supply for personal use. Keep the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription (if applicable) and declare it at customs if required by the destination country.

• Are there any known differences in formulation between EU and Asian markets?
  The active ingredient remains Dydrogesterone, but inactive excipients such as lactose, magnesium stearate, or microcrystalline cellulose may vary. Patients with specific allergies should review the full ingredient list provided by the supplier.

• What are the UK regulations regarding personal import of Dydrogesterone?
  The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) permits individuals to import a three‑month supply of a medication for personal use, provided it is not a controlled drug and is sourced from a reputable supplier.

• Does Dydrogesterone appear on standard drug‑testing panels?
  Routine workplace or sports drug tests do not screen for progestogens like Dydrogesterone. It is not listed on the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited substances list.

• How was Dydrogesterone originally developed?
  The compound was synthesised in the 195s as part of a programme to create orally active progestogens with fewer side effects than natural progesterone. Early clinical trials demonstrated its effectiveness in supporting the luteal phase, leading to commercial launch as Duphaston.

• What clinical evidence supports its use in recurrent miscarriage?
  Randomised controlled trials, including a 2018 Cochrane review, have shown that Dydrogesterone reduces the incidence of miscarriage in women with confirmed luteal‑phase deficiency compared with placebo. The evidence is considered moderate‑quality due to heterogeneity among study designs.

• Is there a difference in efficacy between Dydrogesterone and micronised progesterone?
  Direct head‑to‑head studies suggest comparable efficacy for luteal‑phase support, but Dydrogesterone may have a more favourable side‑effect profile (e.g., less breast tenderness) because of its selective receptor activity.

• Can Dydrogesterone be taken with herbal supplements such as Vitex (chaste tree)?
  Vitex may exert weak progestogenic activity. Combining it with Dydrogesterone could theoretically increase overall progesterone effect, potentially leading to excessive endometrial transformation. Patients should discuss any herbal supplement use with a healthcare professional.

• What should I do if I notice unusual vaginal bleeding while on Dydrogesterone?
  Unexpected bleeding warrants prompt medical evaluation to rule out underlying pathology such as endometrial hyperplasia, infection, or pregnancy complications. Do not discontinue the medication without professional advice.

Glossary

Progestogen

A class of hormones that mimic the actions of natural progesterone, influencing the menstrual cycle, pregnancy maintenance, and uterine lining development.

Luteal‑phase insufficiency

A condition where the post‑ovulatory phase produces insufficient progesterone, leading to an unfavourable environment for embryo implantation.

Half‑life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce by 50 %. For Dydrogesterone, this is approximately 14–17 hours, supporting once‑daily dosing.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

International quality standards that ensure medicines are consistently produced and controlled according to strict quality criteria.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Dydrogesterone is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Dydrogesterone for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.