Estradiol pivalate/progesterone

Estradiol pivalate/progesterone is a combination medication that contains estradiol pivalate, a form of estrogen, and progesterone, a form of progestogen. This medication is used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women who are experiencing symptoms of menopause.

Pharmacology

Estradiol pivalate is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female hormone, estradiol. It is an estrogen ester, which means it is a prodrug of estradiol. Once in the body, it is converted into estradiol. Estradiol is responsible for the development and maintenance of female secondary sexual characteristics and has many other important functions in the body.

Progesterone is a naturally occurring progestogen hormone. It is essential for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and plays a crucial role in pregnancy. In this medication, progesterone is used to counteract the effects of estrogen on the endometrium (lining of the uterus), which can lead to endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.

Clinical Use

Estradiol pivalate/progesterone is used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness and atrophy. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Side Effects

Like all medications, estradiol pivalate/progesterone can cause side effects. Common side effects include breast tenderness, headache, mood changes, bloating, and nausea. More serious side effects can include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and breast or endometrial cancer.

See Also

• Estradiol
• Progesterone
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis