Menopause, the time when your monthly period stops, is a natural part of every woman's life. But it can be a difficult time for some. Sudden sweating, hot flashes (also known as 'hot flashes'), sleeplessness, and irritability can all interfere with your daily life. One treatment that doctors recommend to manage these symptoms is hormone therapy. Today, we're going to talk about a drug called Estradiol and Progesterone, which are used for such treatment.
Simply put, what is this medicine called Estradiol and Progesterone?
This is actually a combination of two hormones. That is, estrogen and progestin . During menopause, our body's production of these hormones naturally decreases. Just like the water level in a water tank drops. This decrease in hormones is the cause of many of the discomforts mentioned earlier, such as hot flashes and sweating.
So what this medicine does is to bring the decreased hormone levels in the body back to a certain level. This helps a lot in controlling the symptoms associated with menopause, especially hot flashes . This is a medicine that should be used only on the recommendation of a doctor.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
This is very important. Before you start taking this medicine, you should discuss your complete health history with your doctor. This medicine may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. If you have any of the following medical conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Medical condition/information | Description |
|---|---|
| Cancer history | If you have or currently have breast, cervical, uterine, or other related cancer. |
| Heart and blood vessel problems | Heart attack, stroke, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. |
| Other medical conditions | Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, gallbladder disease, endometriosis, fibroids, migraine, depression, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Porphyria, Protein C or S deficiency. |
| Other points | Unexplained vaginal bleeding, hysterectomy, smoking, trying to conceive, being pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to estrogen, progestin hormones, other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is very easy to use, but it needs to be done very neatly.
- Drink with water: Swallow this capsule with a glass of water.
- Take with food: Taking this medicine with a meal can reduce stomach upset.
- Take it at the same time every day: The most important thing is to take this medicine at the same time every day . This helps to keep your hormone levels consistent. You can set a reminder on your phone.
- Do not stop: Continue using this until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop suddenly.
- Read the patient package insert: When you are given medication, read the patient package insert carefully. It contains important information.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else. It can be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
Yes, it can happen. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
You should tell your doctor about all the medications you take, not just the ones prescribed by your doctor, but also vitamins, herbal products (like St. John's Wort) you buy from the pharmacy. Some medications can interact with this hormone therapy.
In particular, be sure to tell us if you are taking the following medications:
- Aromatase inhibitors (a type of cancer medication)
- Anticonvulsant medications (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. Erythromycin, Rifampin)
- Antifungals (e.g. Ketoconazole)
- Medicines for HIV or Hepatitis
- Warfarin (a blood thinner)
- Medicines for diabetes
- Grapefruit juice can also affect the effectiveness of this medication.
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take .
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular medical checkups: It is essential to have regular checkups as prescribed by your doctor while taking this medication. It is important to have a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and, if necessary, a mammogram.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking while taking this medicine greatly increases your risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke . So if you smoke, it is very important to try to quit for your own safety.
- Surgery: If you are having surgery, tell the surgeon in advance that you are taking this medicine.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of these.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Blood Clot | Leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath. |
| Breast changes | New lumps, redness, pain, and discharge from the nipple. |
| Liver problems | Pain in the right upper abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine. |
| Other serious symptoms | Excessive vaginal bleeding, sudden increase in blood pressure, vision changes, swelling of the limbs. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Headache | Breast pain or tightness |
| Stomach pain | Nausea |
Take-Home Message
- This is a hormone therapy used to manage the symptoms of menopause. It is not suitable for everyone, so it should only be taken under medical advice.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of your risk of blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, and some cancers. This risk is especially high if you smoke.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling in a leg, or severe headache, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not miss the scheduled examinations (breast and pelvic exams) as prescribed by the doctor.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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