HealthAugust 15, 2026
medroxyprogesterone
meh-DROK-see-proh-JOS-tuh-rohn
Definition
A synthetic progestin hormone used in hormonal contraceptives, such as the Depo-Provera injection, to prevent pregnancy.
Etymology
The word is a chemical name formed from 'medroxy' (referring to the hydroxy group and methyl group modifications), 'progest' (derived from progestin), and 'erone' (a common suffix for steroid hormones).
In the news
The article identifies medroxyprogesterone as the active ingredient in the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera, which is currently the subject of lawsuits regarding a potential link to meningioma brain tumors.
I fear contraceptive jab I took for 10yrs gave me devastating brain tumour
Read the full article ↗The Irish Sun