Conjugated-estrogens + Norgestrel
Find more information about this combination medication at the webpages for conjugated estrogens
NA
.svg)
Drug Status
Government Approvals
UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
NA
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Summary
Conjugated estrogens and norgestrel are used to manage menopausal symptoms, which include hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Conjugated estrogens also help prevent osteoporosis, which is a condition where bones become weak and brittle. Norgestrel regulates menstrual cycles and prevents endometrial hyperplasia, which is the thickening of the uterine lining. Together, they provide a balanced hormone therapy approach for women experiencing menopause.
Conjugated estrogens, which are a mix of estrogen hormones, replenish estrogen levels to reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and improve bone density. Norgestrel, which is a type of progestin, regulates the menstrual cycle and prevents the overgrowth of the uterine lining. Together, they balance hormone levels, addressing both estrogen and progesterone needs, ensuring hormonal balance and reducing the risk of certain conditions.
Conjugated estrogens are typically taken in doses ranging from 0.3 mg to 1.25 mg daily, depending on symptom severity. Norgestrel is often included in combination pills at a dose of 0.15 mg. Both medicines are usually taken once daily, either with or without food, based on personal preference and tolerance. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for dosing to ensure optimal effectiveness and safety.
Common side effects of conjugated estrogens and norgestrel include nausea, headache, and breast tenderness. Conjugated estrogens may cause bloating and mood changes, while norgestrel can lead to changes in menstrual flow and weight gain. Both medicines share significant adverse effects, such as an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer. Monitoring for unusual symptoms and consulting a healthcare provider if severe side effects occur is important.
Conjugated estrogens and norgestrel increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers, like breast and uterine cancer. Conjugated estrogens are contraindicated in individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Norgestrel should be used cautiously in those with cardiovascular disease. Both are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Regular medical check-ups are crucial to monitor for adverse effects and discuss health history with a healthcare provider.
Indications and Purpose
How does combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel work?
Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of estrogen hormones, which are female sex hormones that help regulate various functions in the body. They work by replacing estrogen that the body no longer produces, especially after menopause, which is the time in a woman's life when her menstrual periods stop permanently. This helps to relieve symptoms like hot flashes and prevent bone loss. Norgestrel is a type of progestin, which is a synthetic form of progesterone, another female hormone. It works by preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from an ovary. It also thickens the vaginal fluid to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg and changes the lining of the uterus to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. Both conjugated estrogens and norgestrel are used in hormone replacement therapy and birth control. They help regulate menstrual cycles and manage symptoms of menopause.
How effective is combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel?
Conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of estrogen hormones, are used to treat symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. They work by replacing the estrogen that the body no longer makes after menopause. Norgestrel, which is a type of progestin, is often used in birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Both conjugated estrogens and norgestrel are used in hormone replacement therapy, which helps manage menopause symptoms and prevent osteoporosis, which is a condition where bones become weak and brittle. They share the common attribute of regulating hormones in the body. However, conjugated estrogens are unique in their ability to specifically address menopausal symptoms, while norgestrel is unique in its role in preventing pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel?
Conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of estrogen hormones used to treat symptoms of menopause, are typically taken in a daily dose of 0.3 mg to 1.25 mg. Norgestrel, which is a type of progestin used in birth control, is usually taken in a daily dose of 0.3 mg. Conjugated estrogens help relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, while Norgestrel helps prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Both medicines are hormones that regulate different functions in the body. They share the common attribute of being used in hormone replacement therapy, which is treatment to relieve symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances. However, they have unique roles: conjugated estrogens focus on menopause symptoms, while Norgestrel is primarily used for contraception.
How does one take combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel?
Conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of estrogen hormones, can be taken with or without food. However, taking them with food may help reduce stomach upset. There are no specific food restrictions, but it's important to follow your healthcare provider's advice. Norgestrel, which is a type of progestin hormone, can also be taken with or without food. Like conjugated estrogens, taking it with food might help if you experience stomach discomfort. There are no specific food restrictions for norgestrel either. Both medicines are used in hormone replacement therapy, which helps manage symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It's important to take them as prescribed by your doctor and report any unusual symptoms. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and follow their instructions closely.
For how long is combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel taken?
Conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of estrogen hormones, are typically used for hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. The duration of use can vary depending on the individual's needs and the doctor's recommendation, but it is often used for the shortest time necessary to manage symptoms. Norgestrel, which is a type of progestin hormone, is often used in combination with estrogen in birth control pills. The duration of use for Norgestrel can also vary, but it is generally used as long as contraception is desired. Both medications are used to manage hormone levels in the body, but they serve different primary purposes. Conjugated estrogens are mainly for managing menopausal symptoms, while Norgestrel is primarily for preventing pregnancy. Both should be used under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How long does it take for combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel to work?
The time it takes for a combination medicine to start working depends on the individual medicines involved. For example, if the combination includes ibuprofen, which is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug, it typically starts working within 20 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, if the combination includes acetaminophen, which is another pain reliever, it usually begins to work within 30 to 60 minutes. Both medicines are used to relieve pain and reduce fever, which means they share these common attributes. However, ibuprofen also reduces inflammation, which is swelling and redness, while acetaminophen does not. When combined, these medicines can provide a broader range of pain relief and fever reduction, potentially starting to work within 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific combination and individual response.
Warnings and Precautions
Are there harms and risks from taking combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel?
Conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of estrogen hormones, can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, and weight changes. Significant adverse effects may include an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and certain types of cancer, such as breast and uterine cancer. Norgestrel, which is a type of progestin hormone, can lead to side effects like changes in menstrual flow, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Serious adverse effects may include an increased risk of blood clots and liver problems. Both medications share common side effects like nausea and headache, and both can increase the risk of blood clots. However, conjugated estrogens are more associated with cancer risks, while norgestrel is more linked to menstrual changes. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to understand the risks and benefits of these medications.
Can I take combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel with other prescription drugs?
Conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of estrogen hormones, and Norgestrel, which is a type of progestin hormone, can both interact with other medications. For conjugated estrogens, interactions may occur with blood thinners, which are medications that prevent blood clots, and thyroid medications, which are used to treat thyroid disorders. These interactions can affect how well these drugs work or increase the risk of side effects. Norgestrel can interact with medications like certain antibiotics and anticonvulsants, which are used to treat seizures. These interactions can reduce the effectiveness of Norgestrel in preventing pregnancy. Both conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel can interact with medications that affect liver enzymes, which are proteins that help break down substances in the body. This can alter the levels of these hormones in the body, affecting their effectiveness and safety.
Can I take combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel if I am pregnant?
Conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of estrogen hormones, are generally not recommended during pregnancy. They can potentially harm the unborn baby and are usually avoided unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider for a particular reason. Norgestrel, which is a type of progestin hormone, is also not recommended during pregnancy. It can affect the development of the fetus and is typically avoided unless deemed necessary by a doctor. Both conjugated estrogens and norgestrel share the common attribute of being hormones that can influence pregnancy outcomes. They are both used in hormone replacement therapy and birth control, but their use during pregnancy is generally discouraged due to potential risks to the fetus. It is important for pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant to consult with their healthcare provider before using these medications.
Can I take combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel while breastfeeding?
Conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of estrogen hormones, are generally not recommended during breastfeeding. They can pass into breast milk and may affect milk production or have effects on the nursing infant. Norgestrel, which is a type of progestin hormone, is considered safer during breastfeeding. It has less impact on milk production and is less likely to affect the infant. Both substances are hormones used in birth control and hormone replacement therapy. They share the common attribute of being involved in regulating reproductive functions. However, their safety profiles during breastfeeding differ, with norgestrel being the preferred option due to its minimal impact on lactation. It's important for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare providers before using these medications to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
Who should avoid taking combination of Conjugated estrogens and Norgestrel?
Conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of estrogen hormones, and Norgestrel, which is a type of progestin hormone, are used together in hormone therapy. Both substances can increase the risk of blood clots, which are clumps of blood that can block blood vessels, and stroke, which is a condition where blood flow to the brain is interrupted. They should not be used by individuals with a history of blood clots, stroke, or certain cancers like breast cancer. Conjugated estrogens can cause an increased risk of endometrial cancer, which is cancer of the lining of the uterus, if used without a progestin. Norgestrel can help reduce this risk when used together with estrogens. Both medications should be used cautiously in people with liver disease, which affects how the body processes substances, and those with heart disease, which affects the heart's ability to function properly. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting these medications.
