norethindrone acetate + ethinyl estradiol

Femhrt is a combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) consisting of norethindrone acetate, a synthetic progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic estrogen. It is primarily indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) and vulvar/vaginal atrophy associated with menopause, as well as the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The estrogen component (ethinyl estradiol) replaces declining endogenous estrogen levels to alleviate menopausal symptoms, while the progestin component (norethindrone acetate) is included to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer associated with unopposed estrogen therapy in women with an intact uterus. The drug acts through binding to nuclear estrogen and progesterone receptors in responsive tissues. It is marketed by AbbVie and was initially approved by the FDA in 1968 (referring to the ingredient combination; the Femhrt brand was approved in 1999).

Brand names

Femhrt

Other names

norethisterone acetate + ethinylestradiol