Estrogens and Progestins (Ovarian Hormone Therapy) (Systemic)
Category- Estrogen-progestin - 17 beta-Estradiol and norgestimate tablets; Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone tablets; Estradiol and norethindrone tablets
- Ovarian hormone therapy agent - 17 beta-Estradiol
and norgestimate tablets; Ethinyl estradiol
and norethindrone tablets; Estradiol and
norethindrone tablets
- Osteoporosis
prophylactic - 17 beta-Estradiol and norgestimate
tablets; Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone
tablets
DescriptionEstrogens (ES-troe-jenz)
and progestins (pro-GEST-ins)
are female hormones.
They are produced by the body and are necessary for the normal sexual development
of the female and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle during the childbearing
years.
The ovaries begin to produce less estrogen after menopause (the change
of life). This medicine is prescribed to make up for the lower amount of estrogen.
Estrogens help relieve signs of menopause, such as hot flashes and unusual
sweating, chills, faintness, or dizziness. Progestins help to regulate the
effects of estrogens.
Estrogens are prescribed for several reasons:
-
to provide additional hormone when the body does not produce enough
of its own, such as during menopause. They can also help to relieve a genital
skin condition called vaginal or vulvar atrophy.
-
to help prevent weakening of bones (osteoporosis) in women past menopause.
Estrogens may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
There is no
medical evidence to support the
belief that the use of estrogens will keep the patient feeling young, keep
the skin soft, or delay the appearance of wrinkles. Nor has it been proven
that the use of estrogens during menopause will relieve emotional and nervous
symptoms, unless these symptoms are caused by other menopausal symptoms, such
as hot flashes or hot flushes.
Estrogens and progestins are available only with your doctor's prescription,
in the following dosage forms:
Oral
-
17 beta-estradiol and norgestimate
-
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone
-
Estradiol and norethindrone
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
- femhrt 2
- Ortho-Prefest 1
- Activella 3
Other commonly used names are:
-
Ethinylestradiol [Ethinyl estradiol]
-
Ethinyloestradiol [Ethinyl estradiol]
-
Norethindrone [Norethisterone]
|
Note:
|
For quick reference, the following estrogens and progestins are numbered
to match the corresponding brand names. |
| This information applies to the following medicines: |
| 1. |
17 beta-estradiol and norgestimate (seh-ven-TEEN BAY-tuh es-tra-DYE-ole and nor-JES-ti-mate) |
| 2. |
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole and nor-eth-IN-drone) |
| 3. |
Estradiol and norethindrone (es-tra-DYE-oleand nor-eth-IN-drone) |
|
