estradiol hemihydrate + progesterone at a glance
Medicine class
Continuous combined hormone replacement therapy
Licensed role
Relief of postmenopausal oestrogen-deficiency symptoms in women with an intact womb
Form
A fixed-combination soft capsule taken by mouth with food
Contraception
It does not prevent pregnancy
What is estradiol hemihydrate + progesterone used for?
Its licensed use is:
Continuous combined HRT for oestrogen-deficiency symptoms in postmenopausal women with an intact womb whose last natural period was at least 12 months previously.
How does estradiol hemihydrate + progesterone work?
Estradiol replaces some oestrogen lost after menopause, helping reduce symptoms such as hot flushes. Progesterone opposes oestrogen's effect on the womb lining, reducing the risk of endometrial overgrowth associated with oestrogen alone.
estradiol hemihydrate + progesterone preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg + 100 mg
How to take estradiol hemihydrate + progesterone
Swallow the soft capsule by mouth with food, following the prescription label. Do not stop or alter treatment without discussing it with the prescriber. Tell the surgical team before an operation because treatment may need interruption when prolonged immobility is expected.
Keep the capsules in their blister and outer carton to protect them from light.
The capsule contains Allura Red, which can cause allergic reactions.
estradiol hemihydrate + progesterone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea, abdominal discomfort or indigestion
- Pelvic or back pain
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Tiredness
- Acne or hair loss
- Weight increase
Get urgent medical advice
- Painful swelling or redness in one leg, sudden chest pain or breathlessness
- Facial droop, weakness, speech difficulty or other stroke symptoms
- Swelling of the face, tongue or throat, especially with breathing difficulty
- Jaundice or a new migraine-like headache
- New breast lumps or changes, or persistent, newly starting or heavier vaginal bleeding
estradiol hemihydrate + progesterone in pregnancy
This product is intended only for postmenopausal women and is not indicated during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop taking it and contact the prescriber. HRT is not contraception.
estradiol hemihydrate + progesterone while breastfeeding
This product is not indicated while breastfeeding. Oestrogen HRT is not usually prescribed during breastfeeding unless a specialist recommends it, because evidence is limited.
estradiol hemihydrate + progesterone interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about prescription, non-prescription and herbal products. Important examples include:
Enzyme-inducing antiseizure medicines, including carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital
May increase hormone breakdown, reducing effectiveness and altering vaginal bleeding.
Rifampicin or rifabutin
May reduce hormone exposure and cause reduced effect or irregular bleeding.
Some HIV medicines, including nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir and nelfinavir
May alter hormone metabolism and reduce treatment effect.
Common questions about estradiol hemihydrate + progesterone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this a combined HRT?
Yes. It combines an oestrogen with a progestogen in one soft capsule for continuous combined HRT.
Why does it contain progesterone?
Progesterone opposes oestrogen-driven growth of the womb lining, reducing the excess risk of endometrial overgrowth associated with oestrogen alone.
Is it a contraceptive?
No. Pregnancy can still occur around menopause, so contraception may still be needed depending on age and time since the last period.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.