Are you also experiencing sudden hot flashes and sweating as you approach menopause , at the age of 45-50? Or are you constantly irritable and feeling hurt by small things? Are you fed up with vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse? These are common discomforts that many women experience with menopause. So today we are talking about a hormone treatment that doctors recommend for many of these discomforts.
What is Estradiol and Norgestimate?
Simply put, these are pills that contain two hormones naturally produced in the female body, estrogen and progestin . When menopause occurs, the levels of these hormones in our body decrease. So, what this medicine does is to restore the decreased amount of hormones to the body and control the discomfort caused by it.
This medicine is mainly used for the following:
- Hot flashes : This medicine helps reduce this very annoying discomfort that comes with menopause.
- Vaginal discomfort: Helps relieve vaginal dryness, itching , and pain during intercourse.
- Preventing Osteoporosis : Due to the decrease in hormones after menopause, bones can become thinner and more fragile. This medicine also helps prevent this condition.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is a very important part. Because these hormone pills are not suitable for everyone. They can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions. Therefore, before you start taking this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Breast, cervical, uterine cancer , or a history of cancer | Because some types of cancer are hormone-dependent, this medicine may affect their growth. |
| Blood clots in blood vessels or related diseases | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of blood clots. |
| Heart disease , recent heart attack or stroke | Special care should be taken when prescribing this medication to those with a history of heart disease. |
| Uncontrolled high blood pressure | This medicine may increase blood pressure. |
| Liver disease or gallbladder disease | These hormones are made by the liver. If there is a problem with the liver, it can be a problem. |
| Unexplained vaginal bleeding | The cause of the bleeding must first be investigated. |
| Other diseases like Diabetes , Endometriosis , Migraine | It is important to inform your doctor because these conditions can change depending on the effects of hormones. |
| Do you smoke? | The risk of blood clots and stroke increases significantly, especially if women over the age of 35 smoke. |
| Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant? Are you breastfeeding? | This medicine is not suitable at all in such cases. |
How should I use this medicine?
It's very simple. Take one tablet daily, exactly as your doctor has prescribed, with a glass of water at the same time each day . You can take it with or without food. Do not take more than the amount your doctor has told you to take.
What if you forget to take a pill?
Please don't worry about this. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to the time for your next pill (for example, within a few hours), skip the missed pill and take the next pill at the scheduled time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a forgotten pill.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
When using this medicine, it is very important to take these things into account for your safety and health.
- Regular medical check-ups: Be sure to see your doctor at least once every 6 months to check your condition. Your doctor will then examine your breasts and the areas around your vagina (pelvic exam). Also, talk to him about whether you should have a mammogram at the scheduled time.
- Avoid smoking: As we mentioned earlier, smoking while taking this medication, especially if you are over 35, greatly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. Therefore, it is best to avoid smoking completely.
- Swelling: Sometimes this medicine can cause water retention in the body, causing swelling in the hands, fingers, or ankles. If this happens or if you feel your blood pressure is high, tell your doctor.
- If you suspect you are pregnant: If you suspect you are pregnant for any reason, stop taking the medication immediately and inform your doctor.
- Before surgery: If you are planning to have any surgery, talk to your doctor beforehand and ask if you should stop taking this medication before the procedure.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are dangerous, some are normal. It's important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Leg pain, swelling, warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Numbness/weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache, change in vision. |
| Changes in the breasts | New lumps, redness, pain, and discharge from the nipple. |
| Symptoms of liver disease | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Abnormal vaginal discharge | Postmenopausal bleeding, excessive itching, and foul-smelling discharge. |
| Breast pain | Feeling a little breast tightness or pain. |
| Fullness of stomach / nausea | Stomach discomfort, feeling like vomiting. |
| Hair loss | Slight hair loss. |
Take-Home Message
- Estradiol and Norgestimate are hormone treatments used to treat menopausal symptoms and prevent bone loss.
- Before starting this medication, it is imperative that you tell your doctor your complete medical history (especially cancer, blood clots, and heart disease).
- Just like the doctor said, take the medicine at the same time every day. Never take more than the recommended dose.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to others.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as leg pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- Getting medical checkups every 6 months and avoiding smoking are very important for your safety.
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