Hello! Menopause is one of the biggest changes that a woman goes through as she ages. During this time, you may be experiencing a lot of discomfort due to things like hot flashes and night sweats. So today, we are going to talk about a hormone therapy that doctors recommend to control these symptoms.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, it is a combination of two hormones. That is, estrogen and progestin . The medicine your doctor prescribed contains `Norethindrone Acetate` (this is a type of progestin) and `Ethinyl Estradiol` (this is a type of estrogen).
With menopause, your body's natural production of the hormone estrogen decreases. This medication works by restoring the hormone's levels back to normal. This can help to control many of the symptoms associated with menopause, especially hot flashes .
In addition, there are several other benefits:
- Osteoporosis prevention: After menopause, bones become thinner and more susceptible to fractures. This medicine helps reduce that risk.
- Protecting the lining of the uterus: Taking estrogen alone can cause the lining of the uterus to thicken unnecessarily, increasing the risk of uterine cancer. The progestin hormone is added to this to prevent this.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
This is very important. If you have any of the conditions below, you should definitely tell your doctor before starting this medication.
| Disease or risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Cancerous conditions | If you have or have had breast, cervical, uterine, or endometrial cancer. |
| Blood-related problems | If you have had a blood vessel disease, a blood clot, a stroke, or a recent heart attack. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels. |
| Liver or kidney disease | If you have any liver or kidney disease. |
| Other medical conditions | Diabetes, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Gallbladder Disease, Migraine, Depression, Lupus (SLE), Porphyria. |
| Lifestyle and allergies | If you smoke, have unusual vaginal bleeding, or are allergic to hormones or other medications or foods. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a nursing mother. |
How should I use the medicine?
This tablet should be taken at the same time each day with a glass of water. Take only the prescribed dose, exactly as your doctor has told you. You can take it with or without food. Always read the patient package insert that comes with your medicine.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next pill, skip the missed pill and take the next pill at the scheduled time. Never take two pills at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can interact with this hormone therapy, so you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
| Do not take this medicine together. | |
|---|---|
| Aromatase inhibitors (eg, anastrozole, letrozole) | Hepatitis C treatments such as dasabuvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir |
| Other things that can react | |
|---|---|
| Grapefruit juice | Blood thinners such as Warfarin |
| Antiepileptic drugs such as Phenobarbital and Carbamazepine | Medications for diabetes |
| Some medications taken for HIV or AIDS | Herbal products such as St. John's Wort |
| Antifungals such as Itraconazole | Antibiotics for tuberculosis, such as Rifampin |
| Thyroid hormones | Steroids such as Prednisone |
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular medical checkups: See your doctor at least once every 6 months to check on your condition. Get regular breast and pelvic exams. Also talk to your doctor about the need for a mammogram.
- Body swelling: This medicine can cause water retention in the body, causing swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles. It can also increase blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Smoking: If you are a smoker, especially if you are over 35, your risk of blood clots and stroke is higher. Talk to your doctor about this and get the necessary advice.
- Pregnancy: If you suspect you are pregnant, stop taking the medication immediately and inform your doctor.
- Surgery: If you are planning to have any surgery, ask your doctor if you need to stop taking this medication beforehand.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Leg pain, swelling, warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Stroke symptoms | Sudden numbness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Changes in the breasts | New lumps, redness, pain, and discharge from the nipple. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Other | New or worsening migraines, vaginal bleeding after menopause. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Breast pain or tightness | General headache |
| Swelling of hands, feet, ankles | Dry eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses. |
Take-Home Message
- Before starting this hormone therapy, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Take the medicine at the same time every day, according to the prescribed dosage. If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at the same time.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as leg swelling, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or difficulty speaking.
- If you are a smoker, you are at greater risk while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
- It is very important to have medical checkups and mammograms at the scheduled time.
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