Menopause is commonly referred to as "the change of life", as it marks the point in your life when menstruation ceases. During menopause, the levels of estrogen in your body drop, often causing a number of unpleasant symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances and mood swings. In addition, decreases in estrogen contribute to the development of osteoporosis, a condition where your bones become porous and brittle. In some cases, doctors prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and decrease the risk of osteoporosis. In the United Kingdom and New Zealand, Progynova or estradiol is a commonly used HRT drug. Despite its effectiveness, Progynova is not for everyone as it presents several risks for side effects and complications in some patients.
Reproductive System Side Effects
Women who take Progynova often experience side effects of the reproductive system. According to RxList, the most common of these effects is the abnormal growth of endometrial cells on other reproductive organs, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Progynova frequently affects breast tissue as well, causing pain and tenderness in approximately 11 to 13 percent of users. Other possible side effects include thickening of vaginal discharge, menstrual spotting and an increased incidence of yeast infections and other vaginal infections.
Other Side Effects
RxList reports that approximately 20 percent of Progynova users report headaches, making this the most common side effect of the drug. Gastrointestinal side effects that occur in 4 to 7 percent of women include bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, constipation, heartburn and diarrhea. Some patients develop itchy skin rashes or chloasma, the appearance of dark spots on the skin while taking Progynova. Women also report neurological and psychological side effects, including depression, anxiety and dizziness.
Drug Interactions
There are some medications which produce unwanted side effects when used in conjunction with Progynova. For example, corticosteroid drugs, azole antifungals and macrolide antiobiotics often cause an increase in side effects when taken with the drug. When combined with anti-convulsive hydantoin medications, Progynova increases your risk of seizures. Barbiturates, St. John's Wort and some antibiotics like rifampicin often cause an increase in menstrual spotting in patients taking the drug.
Risks
In addition to minor side effects and the risk of interactions, Progynova has the potential to cause serious medical complications. Like other HRT medications, the drug increases your risk of developing breast cancer. Progynova also contributes to the formation of blood clots in some women and contributes to incidences of stroke. The drug also causes increases in blood pressure in some cases. Other possible risks of Progynova include damage to the gallbladder and impaired liver function.
Considerations
Because of the risks associated with Progynova use, your doctor may not prescribe the drug for you if you have a history of cancer or stroke, gall bladder or liver disease, or are at risk for stroke or cardiovascular disease. Your risk of experiencing blood clots or stroke while taking Progynova increase if you are a smoker. Though it is rare to be fertile during or after menopause, if you become pregnant while taking Progynova you will need to discontinue using the drug as it increases the risk for miscarriage.
Tags: side effects, side effects, taking Progynova, while taking, while taking Progynova
