What Is Estradiol Norethindrone Acetate?

Estradiol norethindrone acetate is a combination of estrogen and progesterone that is used for some menopausal disorders like osteoporosis or vaginal or vulvar dryness and pain. It comes in oral tablets and can also be given via a transdermal skin patch. Along with the many other hormonal replacement therapies, this drug was once used regularly but is now prescribed only for brief periods in low doses due to the associated risk of very serious medical conditions. Additionally, estradiol norethindrone acetate shouldn’t be given to people with certain health issues and may interact with a variety of medications. This drug also has mild and serious side effects that should be noted.

Some of the recent studies on medications like estradiol norethindrone acetate show that they cause an elevated risk for breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. It’s been known for a longer period that they may also increase risk of stroke and heart attack. These hazards occur at rates that are statistically significant and use of the medication must be carefully weighed.

Due to the potential negative effects of taking estradiol norethindrone acetate, the drug is never advised for women with a history of cancer, heart disease or blood clotting disorders. Liver problems or depression tend to contraindicate this medication’s use, too. Pregnant women should never use this medicine, since it may cause fetal damage. Moreover, estradiol norethindrone appears to increase the chances of developing dementia if women older than 65 use it.

There are numerous medications that interact negatively with estradiol norethindrone acetate. These include many commonly used antibiotics and anticoagulants. Drug interactions don’t necessarily mean that the estrogen/progesterone medication can’t be used, but women taking it may need to be more carefully followed by their physicians. To avoid serious negative reactions, women should give their doctors a list of all drugs they use.

Additionally, estradiol norethindrone acetate may have a variety of mild side effects. These include tenderness of the breasts, stomach upset, changes to weight, and bloating. Some women experience spotting or have mild headaches, back pain, or hair loss. Transdermal patches may also cause mild skin irritation.

More serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Serious allergy, jaundice, or severe changes in mood occasionally occur. Patients should pay attention to signs of blood clots in the legs like leg pain, numbness, and significant swelling, and they need to be alert to symptoms of a stroke, such as slurring words, difficulty moving one half of the body, or loss of consciousness. Any lumps or unusual dimpling in the breasts or fluid leaking from them should be reported immediately as potentially indicative of cancer.