estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Continuous combined systemic HRT containing an oestrogen and a progestogen.
Licensed population
Postmenopausal women with an intact uterus whose last natural period was more than three years ago.
Bone protection
Licensed for osteoporosis prevention in postmenopausal women at high fracture risk when other approved options are unsuitable.
Contraception
It does not prevent pregnancy.
Form
An oral tablet supplied in a calendar-marked blister.
What is estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate used for?
This product is licensed for:
Relief of oestrogen-deficiency symptoms after menopause in women with an intact uterus, more than three years after their last natural period.
Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of future fractures when other approved osteoporosis medicines are not tolerated or are contraindicated.
How does estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate work?
Estradiol valerate is converted to estradiol, replacing some oestrogen lost after menopause and supporting symptom relief and bone maintenance. Medroxyprogesterone acetate acts on the womb lining and substantially reduces the excess risk of endometrial overgrowth associated with oestrogen alone.
estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg + 2.5 mg, 1 mg + 5 mg, 2 mg + 5 mg
How to take estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink and use the calendar markings on the blister to track tablets. Do not change or stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
The formulation contains lactose; people with relevant sugar-intolerance disorders should check with their prescriber.
Tell the surgical team that you use oral HRT before planned surgery or prolonged immobilisation.
estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps or wind
- Fluid retention or weight change
- Low mood, nervousness or reduced energy
- Vaginal discharge
- Increased sweating
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a blood clot, including a painful swollen leg, sudden chest pain or breathlessness
- Possible stroke symptoms
- Severe allergic swelling affecting the face, tongue, throat, breathing or swallowing
- Jaundice or deterioration in liver function
- A new migraine-type headache or marked rise in blood pressure
- A new breast lump or persistent, heavy or late-onset vaginal bleeding requiring assessment
estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate in pregnancy
This treatment is intended only for postmenopausal women and is not contraception. If pregnancy occurs, stop it and contact the prescriber; inadvertent early exposure is not, by itself, evidence that harm has occurred.
estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate while breastfeeding
The combined product is not indicated while breastfeeding. Oestrogen-containing HRT is not usually prescribed during breastfeeding unless a specialist recommends it; discuss alternatives with the prescriber.
estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate interactions
Ask a pharmacist or prescriber to check all medicines and herbal products. Important examples include:
Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital or other enzyme-inducing antiseizure medicines
They may reduce hormone exposure, decreasing effect and changing the bleeding pattern.
Rifampicin or rifabutin
They can increase hormone metabolism, reducing effect and causing irregular bleeding.
St John’s wort
It may reduce the effect of both hormones and alter vaginal bleeding.
Common questions about estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is estradiol valerate + medroxyprogesterone acetate used for?
It is combined HRT for postmenopausal oestrogen-deficiency symptoms in women with a uterus. It also has a restricted licensed role in osteoporosis prevention when other approved options are unsuitable.
Why does it contain two hormones?
Estradiol replaces oestrogen, while medroxyprogesterone acetate protects the womb lining from the proliferative effect of systemic oestrogen.
Is it a contraceptive?
No. Pregnancy can still occur around menopause, so contraception may remain necessary 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.