What are the side effects of Duphaston?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome), and my doctor prescribed Duphaston to help regulate my menstrual cycle. On the fourth day of taking Duphaston, I am experiencing brown discharge without any menstrual flow.

Should I continue taking the medication until the tenth day, or is it advisable to discontinue it?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Thank you for sharing your insights.

Your situation is clearer considering your history with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), now known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), and the use of Duphaston (dydrogesterone, a progesterone that regulates the menstrual cycle). Let us analyze it further:

Brown discharge while on Duphaston:

Experiencing brown discharge is typically a sign of old blood and can be a common side effect of Duphaston, particularly during the initial days of treatment. This often indicates that your body is adjusting to hormonal changes, and the uterus is starting to shed its lining, although not enough to trigger a full menstrual flow just yet. It is important to note that this does not necessarily signify the onset of your period; it may simply be light spotting.

Should you continue Duphaston?

Absolutely, you should continue taking Duphaston as directed for the complete 10-day period unless your healthcare provider has advised otherwise. Here’s the rationale:

Duphaston functions by imitating natural progesterone, and discontinuing it prematurely could further disrupt your menstrual cycle.

Completing the 10-day regimen, your body should naturally expel the uterine lining within two to seven days post-treatment, resulting in a proper menstrual period.

Key considerations:

If the brown discharge escalates to heavier bleeding, it likely indicates the start of your period, which is still acceptable, and you should continue with Duphaston until day ten. However, if you experience severe pain or if the discharge has an unpleasant odor (which could indicate an infection), it is advisable to consult your doctor sooner.

Additionally, if you wish to provide your height and weight, I can assist in determining whether these factors may be affecting your PCOS, PMOS, or hormonal response.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.