norethisterone acetate + estrogen

Norethisterone acetate + estrogen is a combination drug containing a progestogen (norethisterone/norethindrone acetate) and an estrogen (commonly estradiol or ethinyl estradiol). It is used primarily for hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal atrophy, as well as for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis[1][4][5]. In some formulations with ethinyl estradiol it is also used as an oral contraceptive[3][8]. The addition of the progestogen protects the endometrium from hyperplasia associated with unopposed estrogen therapy[2]. The mechanism involves binding to nuclear hormone receptors: estrogens act via the estrogen receptor to regulate gene transcription involved in reproductive tissues; progestins act via the progesterone receptor to oppose endometrial proliferation induced by estrogens.

Brand names

ActivellaLopreezaMimveyCombipatchEstalisEstalis-SequiAmabelzFemHRTFyavolvJinteliLarin 1/20Larin 1.5/30Loestrin 1/20Loestrin 1.5/30Microgestin 1/20Microgestin 1.5/30Estrostep

Other names

estradiol and norethindrone acetate (USAN)norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol