Progynova Tablets

What is Progynova?

Progynova is an oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy containing either 1mg or 2mg of estradiol, a form of the female hormone oestrogen.

Progynova estradiol tablets can be taken by postmenopausal women to increase their oestrogen levels. The hormonal treatment helps to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness and irritation, and night sweats.

Each pack of Progynova includes 3 blisters containing 28 tablets and it is taken every day without a break. Progynova is produced by the global pharmaceutical manufacturer Bayer.

Menopausal symptoms Progynova helps with

Progynova estradiol tablets are prescribed to postmenopausal women who are experiencing symptoms of menopause that interfere with the quality of their daily life.

Progynova tablets can help relieve the following symptoms of menopause:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Difficulty sleeping
• Vaginal dryness and irritation
• Reduced sex drive
• Headaches
• Low mood

Progynova 1 mg vs. Progynova 2 mg

You will either be prescribed Progynova 1 mg or Progynova 2 mg tablets by your doctor. These should be taken once a day at the same time each day with water.

How does Progynova work?

Progynova is an oestrogen replacement therapy. The tablets contain a substance called estradiol that replicates how the female sex hormone oestrogen works in the body. As women start to go through menopause their ovaries naturally stop producing as much oestrogen which causes some postmenopausal women to experience unpleasant symptoms.

Taking an oral HRT that contains estradiol such as Progynova can reduce menopausal symptoms by mimicking the hormone oestrogen as it is absorbed into the blood through the digestive tract and is picked up by receptors.

Progynova and alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Progynova may increase the risk to some women of experiencing unwanted side effects such as headaches or feeling sick. If you choose to drink alcohol while using any form of HRT you should do so in moderation.

If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for support.

Alternatives to Progynova

There are currently many varieties of hormone replacement therapy available on prescription including others containing oestrogen-only HRT or combined HRT containing both synthetic oestrogen and progesterone.

Progynova is an oestrogen-only HRT tablet that contains estradiol valerate. Equivalent HRT treatments include Elleste Solo tablets and Zumenon tablets.

Hormone replacement therapy is available in different formats such as HRT tablets and patches, creams and vaginal inserts. Some postmenopausal women will find certain methods more suitable for them than others. For more information about what HRT you can buy from The Independent Pharmacy visit our Menopause page.

If you are looking to start hormone replacement therapy or would like to change to a different treatment you should discuss your options with your doctor or specialist.

Sources

• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/estradiol.html#cautions
• https://patient.info/medicine/oestrogen-hrt-estradiol
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-clots/
• Progynova tablets Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1417/pil
• Progynova tablets Summary of product characteristics: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1415/smpc

Progynova dosage

Progynova tablets will be prescribed as either 1 mg or 2 mg tablets. These are to be taken orally only and you should take one tablet daily at around the same time. If you think the dose you have been prescribed is too high or too low you should discuss this with your doctor immediately.

• Swallow one tablet as prescribed every day for 28 days. When you finish a packet start a new 28 days packet the next day, do not have a break.
• Start each new packet on the top row, taking the tablet that correlates with the correct day of the week and follow the directions of the arrows.
• If you still have a womb or have a history of endometriosis you may also be prescribed a progesterone HRT alongside Progynova to take for the first 12-14 days of each month.

Please make sure that you read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before starting treatment with Progynova.

Starting Progynova

If you are switching from another HRT treatment:

Finish your current pack of HRT and take your first Progynova tablet the day after you take your last HRT tablet.

If you are taking HRT for the first time and still have regular periods:

Take your first Progynova tablet on day 1 of your period.

If you are taking HRT for the first time and have infrequent or no periods:

Take your first Progynova tablet at any time if you are sure you are not pregnant.

Progynova ingredients

Each Progynova tablet contains the active ingredient: estradiol valerate.

Each Progynova tablet contains the inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, povidone 25,000, magnesium stearate (E572), sucrose, povidone 700,000, macrogol 6,000, calcium carbonate (E170), titanium dioxide (E171), glycerol 85% (E422), montan glycol wax, ferric oxide pigment (E172).

Please make sure that you read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before starting treatment with Progynova.

Progynova side effects

Progynova tablets, like other hormone replacement therapy, can cause postmenopausal women to experience some unwanted side effects. Most of these side effects will improve within the first few months of use. If they do not improve within three months you should tell your doctor or pharmacist.

If you experience any severe side effects or allergic reactions while taking Progynova tablets you should seek medical advice from your doctor immediately or the nearest emergency department.

The most common side effects are:

• Breakthrough vaginal bleeding or spotting and painful periods
• Breast tenderness, breast pain, breast swelling, or enlargement or discharge
• Changes in vaginal discharge and thrush
• Uterine fibroids in the womb
• Indigestion, bloating or wind
• Feeling or being sick
• Gallbladder disease
• Various skin disorders such as eczema, itching, rashes or discolouration
• Acne or unusual hair loss or hair growth
• Headache, migraine or dizziness
• Mood changes - anxiety or depression
• Fatigue

Please make sure that you read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before starting treatment with Progynova hormone therapy.

Progynova warnings

Please make sure that you read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly, paying particular attention to the warning and precautions, before starting treatment with Progynova.

Using any form of HRT treatment, including Progynova tablets, puts you at a slightly increased risk of developing certain health conditions such as blood clots and deep vein thrombosis, breast cancer, or endometrial cancer. If you have any questions or concerns you should discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist.

Purchasing Progynova tablets online as a repeat prescription from The Independent Pharmacy relies upon you continuing to attend an annual check-up with your GP.

Progynova tablets are not recommended for everyone, especially if you have certain risk factors.

• You should not use this product if you have ever had or are at risk of oestrogen-sensitive cancer such as breast cancer or endometrial cancer, a blood clot, a blood clotting disorder or liver disease.
• Discuss with your GP before taking Progynova tablets if you have or ever have had uterine fibroids or endometriosis. Or if you have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, gallbladder disease, SLE, epilepsy, asthma, kidney problems, or suffer from migraines as hormone replacement therapy can make these conditions worse.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Progynova about risk factors if you are currently taking or have recently stopped taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicine including herbal remedies such as St John’s-Wort or drinking grapefruit juice.

Progynova tablets, breast cancer and endometrial cancer

Progynova, like other oestrogen-only HRT, can put you at an increased risk of excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Progynova is therefore only suitable for women who do not have a uterus or are prescribed a progesterone HRT alongside it to reduce the endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer risks.

Taking oestrogen-only HRT Progynova tablets may also put you at an increased risk of breast cancer. You must, therefore, continue to regularly check your breasts for any variations including lumps and dimples that might be early indicators of developing breast cancer.

If you notice any irregularities you should get these checked by a doctor as soon as possible to prevent the development of invasive breast cancer.

Progynova and blood clots

While using oral HRT you are up to three times more likely to develop blood clots in your veins (deep vein thrombosis). These can be dangerous if they travel to the lung causing a condition called pulmonary embolism.

Blood clots can also lead to heart attacks and strokes, which can be life-threatening. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot you must see a doctor straight away.

Progynova and coronary heart disease

Hormone replacement therapy is not recommended for women who have coronary heart disease. It can also cause a slightly increased risk of developing heart disease.

Is Progynova safe during pregnancy?

Progynova is not a contraceptive and should only be taken by women experiencing menopause. It should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as the active ingredient can be passed to the baby.

If you think you have become pregnant while using Progynova you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.