Progynova 2 mg (Estradiol Valerate)

What is Progynova used for?

Progynova 2 mg are a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to substitute for the lack of oestrogen production by the ovaries that happens during menopause or following surgical removal of the ovaries, to relieve moderate to severe symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy. Progynova is also are also used to help prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis) and reduce risk of fracture. Progynova is used to relieve the symptoms of advanced androgen-dependent carcinoma prostate cancer. Oestrogen stimulates the development of female s**ual characteristics, and Progynova is used as part of a transgender hormone therapy for male to female transs**uals.

How does Progynova work?

Progynova 2 mg contain oestradiol valerate, a synthetic form of naturally occurring oestradiol, which is the major and most active form of the female s** hormone oestrogen, and is biologically similar to the natural hormone. Each vial contains 2mg oestradiol valerate in a sterile oil solution, which is a long-acting estrogen preparation for intramuscular use by injection. Oestrogen is a st***d hormone produced by the ovaries that binds to specific receptors inside oestrogen-responsive cells and stimulates them to make proteins involved in producing secondary s**ual characteristics, such as breast development and in regulating the menstrual cycle. Oestrogen also has several other actions in various metabolic processes including maintaining bone mass and lipid (fat) metabolism.

What does Progynova contain?

Progynova 2 mg vials contain the active ingredient oestradiol valerate, a synthetic form of naturally occurring oestradiol, which is the major and most active form of the female s** hormone oestrogen and is responsible for the development of female s**ual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Each vial also contains a 2ml vehicle being Peanut oil (Arachis Oil)@Treating symptoms of menopause with Progynova

Progynova 2mg injections contain oestradiol valerate a long-acting estrogen, used to treat symptoms of menopause caused by a lack of endogenous oestrogen (produced by the ovaries), such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy.

Progynova Dosage and Administration

Progynova (Estradiol Valerate) comes as a liquid to inject into a muscle. Consult you physician or health care professional about frequency and correct dosage for your needs. It is usually injected by a physician. Tell your physician and pharmacist if you are allergic to estrogen injection, any other estrogen products, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in estrogen injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer`s patient information for a list of the ingredients in the brand of estrogen injection you plan to use.

Progynova for hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Progynova 2mg injections contain the active ingredient oestradiol valerate, a synthetic form of naturally occurring oestradiol, which is the major and most active form of the female s** hormone oestrogen and is responsible for the development of female s**ual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Progynova 2mg injections are used for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and substitute for the loss of oestrogen production by the ovaries that occurs during menopause or following surgical removal of the ovaries.

Progynova for transgender treatment

Progynova 2mg injections can be used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transs**uals, by providing a source of oestradiol, an active form of the female hormone oestrogen. Progynova 2mg injections stimulate the development of female secondary s**ual characteristics, such as breast development and also induce metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape.

Progynova for feminising hormone therapy

Progynova 2mg injections contain oestradiol valerate in a sterile oil solution, which is a long-acting estrogen preparation for intramuscular use by injection. Oestradiol valerate is a prodrug (or precursor) of natural human 27β-oestradiol, the most feminising form of the female hormone oestrogen, which provides a very effective means of feminisation when used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transs**uals. Progynova stimulates the development of female secondary s**ual characteristics, such as breast development and also induces metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape, while at the same time Progynova overrides the effects of testosterone. The more direct route of administration provided by injection may speed the physical change by creating a higher and more constant source of oestrogen.

What are the side effects of Progynova?

The most frequently reported side effects when taking Progynova 2mg injections are breast tenderness, breast pain, abdominal pain, nausea, oedema, and headache, skin rash and itching, insomnia and depression. More severe side effects include changes in liver function at higher doses and increased risk of dementia if initiated in women aged 65 or older.

what are the health risks of Progynova?

Long-term HRT with Progynova does have associated health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke and deep vein thrombosis. For women with an intact uterus adding a progestogen to an oestrogen replacement regimen like Progynova for at least 2 days per cycle is recommended to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

When should Progynova not be used?

You should not use Progynova if you:

• have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma or liver disease• have deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular accident associated with oestrogen use• abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant• are allergic to oestradiol valerate or any of the ingredients in Progynova tablets• are taking other medications that may interact with Progynova, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, barbiturates, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, antibiotics like penicillin,• A diabetic taking antidiabetics or insulin, without discussion with your doctor, as Progynova may affect your glucose tolerance

How should Progynova be injected?

Use a clean dry needle and syringe and inject the contents of one vial of Progynova (2ml) volume) deep into the upper, outer area of the gluteal muscle. The usual dose is one injection every 4 weeks, depending On what you are being treated for. How long you take Progynova injections should be as recommended by your doctor and may be for several months.

How long should you take Progynova?

You should take Progynova 2mg injections every few weeks or as recommended by your doctor for as long as your doctor recommends.

Missed dose of Progynova

If you miss a dose of Progynova take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose. [?how does this apply for infrequent injection?]

How should Progynova be stored?

Keep Progynova vials in their box until used. Store at room temperature below 25°C, keep away from direct sunlight and do not refrigerate.

Expert advice

• The drug can cause nausea, vomitting or breast tenderness.• Do not use estradiol patches over breast stop taking estradiol and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following when taking estradiol:• yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice).• rise in your blood pressure (symptoms may be headache, tiredness, dizziness).• new onset migraine-like headaches.• pregnancy.• signs of a blood clot, such as: painful swelling and redness of the legs, sudden chest pain, difficulty in breathing.
• Do not consider estradiol alone as a contraceptive. It must be used with progestogen to provide contraceptive benefits.

• Consult your doctor if you have unusual vaginal bleeding while taking this drug, Immediately consult your doctor if you notice unexplained swelling and pain in your limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, or changes in vision. This medicine should not be taken for a very long period.

• Consult your doctor from time to time to check if you still need it.

Frequently asked questions

Estradiol

Q Is estradiol and estrogen the same/ is estradiol the same as progesterone/ is estradiol a synthetic hormone/does estradiol valerate work/ what is evalon cream?

Estradiol is the most potent natural estrogen (or “estrogen”) produced by ovaries in female. It is different from another female hormone that is progesterone. It is not a conjugated estrogen and it not a synthetic hormone. Estradiol valerate and Evalon vaginal cream works same as estradiol.

Q Can I take estrogen for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is mainly a result of hormonal disturbance in which there are high levels of male hormones in the body. Oral contraceptive pills containing low dose estrogen and progestogen are commonly prescribed to reduce the levels of endogenous hormone, which helps regularize the menstrual cycle, reduce male hormone levels and decrease acne associated with PCOS. Always consult your doctor before using any medication.

Q What can I take for estrogen dominance?

A balanced diet, exercise, a healthy life style and less exposure to environmental pollutants is what works best to restore the normal hormone balance and reduce estrogen dominance. Your doctor may also start a progesterone therapy, compounds that promote bile secretion, lipotropic formulas (excrete extra estrogen from body), substance which deactivate toxic substances and excess hormones to remove extra estrogen from your body.

Q What can I take for estrogen deficiency?

For estrogen deficiency, treatment is based on the underlying cause. Your doctor may choose from a variety of medications depending upon your condition for e.g. young or old with menopause, estrogen deficiency or high progesterone levels, etc. You may be given bio-identical estradiol or estriol or counterbalance with natural progesterone in the form of micronized capsules, etc.

Q Can I take estrogen forever?

The length of necessity of hormone therapy varies from person to person and the condition for which it is being treated for.

Q Can I take estradiol or estrogen without progesterone/ with food/ with Synthroid (levothyroxine)/ with Mirena (levonorgestrel)/ with Estroven (multivitamins)/ with melatonin/ paracetamol?

In some cases, a progesterone therapy may be given simultaneously to reduce the risk associated with estrogen therapy. You may take estradiol with food but eating or drinking grapefruit juice should be avoided as it may increase the risk of estradiol’s side effects. Estrogen is known to have moderate interaction with Synthroid (levothyroxine), Mirena and minor with melatonin. No interactions have been found with paracetamol.Tell your doctor if you also any other medicinal or herbal products before using estrogen in any form.

Q Is estradiol safe/ stop your period/ increase libido/cause constipation/ cause high blood pressure/ make you sleepy/ cause blood clots/ cause insomnia/ cause bloating/ make you emotional?

Estradiol is safe if used at recommended dosage and duration. Estradiol can stop your periods. It may cause high blood pressure and blood clots on long-term use. Other side effects are not confirmed but may occur with some patients. Consult your doctor if you experience one of them.

Q Is estradiol gluten free?

Estradiol preparations are gluten free. However, as the content of excipients differs according to the manufacturer, please refer to the package insert of the particular preparation/brand that you have been prescribed.

Q Is estradiol a conjugated estrogen/ better than Premarin?

Estradiol is a synthetic hormone, whereas Premarin contains conjugated estrogen. Both are different types of estrogen and have comparable benefit and side-effect profile.

PROGYNOVA (Estrace)2mg – 28 tablet