Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), also known as 17α-hydroxy-6α-methylprogesterone acetate, is a steroidal progestin, a synthetic variant of the steroid hormone progesterone.[2][3] It is used as a contraceptive, in hormone replacement therapy and for the treatment of endometriosis as well as several other indications.
MPA is a more potent derivative of its parent compound medroxyprogesterone (MP). While medroxyprogesterone is sometimes used as a synonym for medroxyprogesterone acetate,[3] what is almost always being referred to is MPA and not MP.[4] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medication needed in a basic health system.[5]