Duphaston: What It Is, How It Works, and What Alternatives Exist

When your body doesn’t make enough progesterone, things can go off track—irregular periods, trouble getting pregnant, or even miscarriages. That’s where Duphaston, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone used to support pregnancy and regulate menstrual cycles. Also known as dydrogesterone, it’s a go-to option for women dealing with hormonal imbalances, especially in early pregnancy or luteal phase defects. Unlike natural progesterone, Duphaston is designed to be taken orally and doesn’t convert into other hormones, which means fewer side effects for most people.

Duphaston doesn’t work alone. It’s often paired with estrogen therapies in IVF cycles or used by women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who aren’t ovulating regularly. It’s also prescribed after a miscarriage to help the uterus reset. But it’s not the only option. Other progesterone treatments like micronized progesterone (Prometrium), vaginal suppositories, or even natural alternatives like chasteberry are used depending on the situation. Some women respond better to vaginal forms, others need the steady release of oral pills. The key is matching the delivery and dose to your body’s needs, not just following a standard protocol.

People often confuse Duphaston with birth control pills, but it’s not a contraceptive. It doesn’t stop ovulation—it supports what’s already happening. That’s why it’s used in fertility treatments, not to prevent pregnancy. It also doesn’t cause the same mood swings or weight gain as some other hormones, which is why many doctors prefer it. Still, it’s not risk-free. Some users report headaches, breast tenderness, or spotting. If you’re on other medications—like anticonvulsants or certain antibiotics—they can make Duphaston less effective. Always check with your doctor before mixing it with anything else.

The posts below cover real-world situations where Duphaston comes up: how it interacts with other hormones, what to do if it doesn’t work, and what alternatives actually help when progesterone therapy isn’t enough. You’ll find comparisons with natural remedies, insights on timing during cycles, and stories from people who switched from Duphaston to other treatments. Whether you’re trying to conceive, managing a miscarriage, or just trying to get your period back on track, this collection gives you the facts without the fluff.