Progynova

Progynova is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that contains only oestrogen. It is available as a tablet or a skin patch that you replace weekly. Progynova tablets help ease symptoms of perimenopause, which is the early stage of menopause when periods become irregular. Progynova patches are intended for women who are postmenopausal, meaning they haven't had a period for more than a year.

Women go through menopause because their levels of oestrogen and progesterone – hormones produced by the ovaries – go down naturally as they get older.What is Menopause?’ ‘National Institute on Aging. This can cause symptoms like hot flushes, low mood, anxiety, and vaginal pain or dryness. Progynova balances the level of oestrogen in your body to help lessen the symptoms of menopause.

Progynova is ideal for women who have undergone a hysterectomy, which means their uterus has been removed. This is because Progynova tablets and patches are oestrogen-only HRT treatments, with the active ingredient estradiol (the tablets contain estradiol valerate, and the patches have estradiol hemihydrate). Using oestrogens on their own for an extended period can raise the risk of developing conditions like endometrial cancer, which affects the lining of the womb.

If you haven't had a hysterectomy, you can take Progynova, but it must be paired with a progesterone treatment to lower the increased risk of endometrial cancer. However, in most cases, if you haven't had a hysterectomy, we typically provide combined HRT treatments that already include progesterone.

We provide Progynova tablets in 1mg and 2mg strengths, along with Progynova TS patches in 50mcg and 100mcg. While larger doses like Progynova 6mg and 8mg tablets exist, we do not supply them.

If you've been prescribed Progynova tablets, you'll need to take one each day. If you're using the patches, they only need to be changed weekly.

Like all medications, HRT treatments such as Progynova can come with some risk of side effects. The most serious potential side effects include a higher risk of breast, endometrial, or ovarian cancer; blood clots in the legs or lungs; heart disease; or a stroke. If you still have a uterus, taking a combined HRT that includes progesterone can help lower the increased risk of endometrial cancer. Some women who began HRT after the age of 65 have reported experiencing memory loss.

It's quite normal to experience spotting and breakthrough bleeding when you first start taking Progynova. This usually decreases with ongoing use. However, if it doesn't, you should get in touch with your doctor. Other possible side effects include tender, sore, or swollen breasts; indigestion or stomach pain; and skin rashes or changes in skin colour.

You can see the complete list in your information leaflet.

Many people think that HRTs like Progynova lead to weight gain, but evidence shows this isn't true.

Progynova won't stop your periods, but if you're in perimenopause, your periods might become more irregular until they eventually cease. While on Progynova, you might notice bleeding at unexpected times, though this should decrease with continued use.

There are several alternatives to Progynova, depending on your individual circumstances and needs. Cyclo-Progynova is a combined HRT treatment that contains a progesterone hormone called norgestrel, and it's suitable for women who haven't had a hysterectomy. It helps alleviate menopause symptoms while also lowering the heightened risk of endometrial cancer associated with increased oestrogen levels.

In addition to Progynova, we have other HRT options to meet your needs. For oestrogen-only treatments, you might consider Elleste Solo or Zumenon. If you're looking for combined HRT, Elleste Duet or Femoston are available.

Progynova is used to boost oestrogen levels in individuals undergoing IVF treatment. Higher oestrogen levels help the uterine lining thicken, similar to what happens during natural ovulation, getting it ready for an embryo.

We don't provide this treatment for that reason – we only prescribe Progynova for women who require HRT. If you're undergoing IVF and want to look into treatment options, have a chat with your family planning nurse or your GP.

Yes, estradiol, which is the active ingredient in Progynova, requires a prescription from a doctor. During our consultation, our clinicians will check that Progynova is safe for you before prescribing it.

Progynova is not suitable for women who are pregnant. It's also important to know that Progynova is not a contraceptive. If it's been less than 12 months since your last period, it won't stop you from becoming pregnant.

Your clinician will guide you on how much alcohol is safe to consume while on HRT. Excessive drinking can affect the treatment.