17-beta-estradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetate

This drug is a fixed-dose combination of 17-beta-estradiol, a natural estrogen, and medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin. It is primarily used as part of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (such as hot flashes), vulvar and vaginal atrophy, and to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. The addition of the progestin component (medroxyprogesterone acetate) counteracts the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer associated with unopposed estrogen therapy. Mechanistically, 17-beta-estradiol acts as an agonist at estrogen receptors throughout the body, while medroxyprogesterone acetate acts as an agonist at progesterone receptors. This combination may be administered orally or transdermally depending on formulation[1][10]. The combination is not typically used for contraception; other related combinations are used for that purpose.

Brand names

LunelleCyclofemPremproPremphase

Other names

17β-estradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetateestradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetate