Estradiol/dydrogesterone

Estradiol/dydrogesterone is a combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that contains the hormones estradiol and dydrogesterone. This medication is used to alleviate symptoms of menopause in women, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Pharmacology

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone that regulates many processes in the body. It is responsible for the development and maintenance of female characteristics in the human body. Dydrogesterone is a type of progestogen, which is a synthetic hormone that has similar effects to the natural hormone progesterone.

Uses

Estradiol/dydrogesterone is used primarily for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. These may include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness or discomfort. It is also used in the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, estradiol/dydrogesterone can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some common side effects include headache, breast pain, irregular bleeding or spotting, abdominal cramps or bloating, nausea and vomiting, and hair loss.

Precautions

Before starting estradiol/dydrogesterone, it is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have a history of breast cancer, uterine cancer, heart disease, liver disease, or stroke.

See Also

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Menopause
• Estrogen
• Progesterone