Question 1

What is the Meaning of DMPA?

Accepted Answer

DMPA, or Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, is a synthetic progestin, an injectable pharmaceutical agent mimicking natural progesterone. It is a highly effective contraceptive, providing a steady progestin level that influences reproductive cycle regulation to prevent pregnancy.

Question 2

What is the Context of DMPA?

Accepted Answer

Within the endocrine system, DMPA acts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, a key pathway for female reproduction. It alters normal feedback mechanisms, disrupting cyclical hormonal fluctuations vital for ovulation and endometrial development. This creates a hormonal state unfavorable for conception.

Question 3

What is the Significance of DMPA?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, DMPA is a significant long-acting reversible contraceptive, offering high efficacy and convenience. Its quarterly administration eliminates daily adherence, improving compliance and reducing failure rates. It also serves therapeutically for managing conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding or endometriosis-associated pain by inducing amenorrhea.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of DMPA?

Accepted Answer

DMPA's contraceptive action involves a multi-pronged physiological approach. It suppresses hypothalamic GnRH secretion, inhibiting pituitary FSH and LH release, thus preventing follicular development and ovulation. Additionally, it thickens cervical mucus, impeding sperm, and causes endometrial atrophy, making the lining unsuitable for implantation.

Question 5

What is the Application of DMPA?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, DMPA is administered as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection every twelve to thirteen weeks, providing sustained contraceptive protection. Beyond contraception, its therapeutic uses include managing dysfunctional uterine bleeding and endometriosis-associated pain, where its progestogenic effects regulate and reduce symptoms.

Question 6

What is the Metric of DMPA?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring DMPA's effects primarily involves assessing pregnancy absence and menstrual bleeding patterns. Routine blood tests for circulating DMPA levels are not standard. Clinical assessment includes regular follow-up to discuss side effects and confirm patient satisfaction. For long-term therapy, especially with risk factors, bone mineral density may be periodically assessed due to its impact on bone health.

Question 7

What is the Risk of DMPA?

Accepted Answer

DMPA carries potential risks, though generally well-tolerated. Common concerns include irregular bleeding, weight changes, and mood alterations. A significant risk is reversible bone mineral density decrease with prolonged use, requiring patient discussion on calcium, vitamin D, and exercise. Contraindications include active venous thromboembolism, severe liver disease, and known or suspected breast cancer, emphasizing thorough patient screening.

DMPA

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

How Do Different Contraceptive Hormone Types Affect Bone Mineral Density over Time?