Noncontraceptive benefits and therapeutic uses of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate.

This paper reviews the noncontraceptive benefits and therapeutic uses of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Relevant articles were reviewed using a computerized Medline search of the literature from 1966 to 1995. Good evidence shows that DMPA use is associated with reduced iron-deficiency anemia, protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, protection from endometrial cancer and improved hematologic parameters among users with sickle cell disease. More studies are needed to fully assess DMPA's impact on other disorders.