estradiol hemihydrate + norethisterone acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Combined systemic HRT: an oestrogen plus a progestogen.
Available forms
Selected products include oral sequential tablets and continuous combined skin patches.
Why norethisterone is included
It reduces oestrogen-related overgrowth of the womb lining.
Contraception
HRT does not prevent pregnancy.
What is estradiol hemihydrate + norethisterone acetate used for?
Licensed uses differ between products.
Relief of menopausal oestrogen-deficiency symptoms, according to the product licence.
Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high fracture risk who cannot use other licensed osteoporosis treatments applies to selected Evorel Conti products, not every formulation.
How does estradiol hemihydrate + norethisterone acetate work?
Estradiol replaces falling oestrogen levels that contribute to menopausal symptoms and bone loss. Norethisterone acetate is converted to norethisterone, which opposes estradiol's effect on the womb lining and reduces endometrial overgrowth.
estradiol hemihydrate + norethisterone acetate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg + 0.5 mg, 2 mg + 1 mg
How to take estradiol hemihydrate + norethisterone acetate
Check the product leaflet because tablet and patch products are not interchangeable.
Swallow tablets whole with water.
Apply patches to clean, dry, intact skin below the waist, away from the breasts, irritated skin, creams and tight waistbands.
Rotate patch sites and avoid touching the adhesive surface.
Correctly attached patches can remain in place during bathing or showering.
Fold used patches adhesive-side inward, keep them away from children and do not flush them away.
estradiol hemihydrate + norethisterone acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Headache
- Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Mood changes
- Patch-site redness, itching or irritation
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a blood clot, including one-sided leg swelling or sudden chest pain and breathlessness
- Signs of stroke
- Severe allergic reaction or angioedema
- Jaundice or worsening liver function
- A new migraine-like headache or marked rise in blood pressure
- A breast lump or persistent, heavy or newly developing vaginal bleeding
estradiol hemihydrate + norethisterone acetate in pregnancy
These products are not indicated during pregnancy and are not contraceptives. If pregnancy occurs, stop treatment and contact the prescriber. Inadvertent exposure does not by itself establish fetal harm.
estradiol hemihydrate + norethisterone acetate while breastfeeding
Systemic combined HRT is not indicated during breastfeeding. Evidence is limited, so specialist advice is needed if treatment is being considered.
estradiol hemihydrate + norethisterone acetate interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products. Important examples include:
Carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital
May reduce hormone exposure, lessen symptom control and alter bleeding.
Rifampicin, rifabutin, efavirenz and nevirapine
May reduce treatment effect and change bleeding patterns.
Common questions about estradiol hemihydrate + norethisterone acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It is combined systemic HRT used mainly for menopausal oestrogen-deficiency symptoms. Osteoporosis prevention is licensed for a selected patch product in specific circumstances, not every formulation.
Why does it contain two hormones?
Estradiol treats oestrogen-deficiency symptoms. Norethisterone acetate protects the womb lining from prolonged stimulation by systemic oestrogen.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.