From the Research
Activelle should be used for the shortest duration possible to manage post-menopausal symptoms, typically 2-5 years, with annual reassessment by a healthcare provider. The medication, which contains estradiol 1 mg and norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg, effectively treats hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and helps prevent osteoporosis 1. Common adverse effects include breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, and irregular bleeding. More serious risks include slightly increased chances of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, and heart disease, particularly with longer use. Women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or certain cardiovascular conditions should avoid Activelle.
Key Considerations
- The risk-benefit profile changes over time, which is why treatment should be individualized and regularly reviewed 2.
- When discontinuing, gradual tapering may help minimize symptom recurrence rather than stopping abruptly.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and other symptoms of the climacteric, but benefits may exceed risks for the majority of symptomatic postmenopausal women who are under age 60 or under 10 years since the onset of menopause 2.
- Current evidence does not justify the use of HRT to prevent coronary heart disease, breast cancer, or dementia 2.
Adverse Effects
- Common adverse effects: breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, and irregular bleeding.
- More serious risks: slightly increased chances of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, and heart disease, particularly with longer use.
- Women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or certain cardiovascular conditions should avoid Activelle 1, 3.