Description
About Progynova 1 mg
Progynova 1 mg is a prescription tablet containing 1 mg of estradiol valerate, made by Bayer Zydus Pharma, used as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and other symptoms of estrogen deficiency after menopause. It is the lower Progynova strength, and since guidelines favor the smallest dose that controls symptoms, many women start here.
How does Progynova 1 mg work?
Estradiol valerate is a prodrug. During absorption, enzymes in the gut wall and liver remove the valerate group and release estradiol, the ovaries’ main estrogen; each 1 mg tablet supplies roughly 0.76 mg of estradiol. A steady estrogen level settles the temperature-control center in the brain, reducing flushing and sweating, and keeps the vaginal and bladder lining moist and elastic. It also slows the bone loss that speeds up after menopause.
What is it used for?
- Hot flashes, sweats, disturbed sleep, irritability and vaginal dryness after menopause.
- Estrogen replacement after removal of the ovaries or with premature ovarian insufficiency, under specialist guidance.
- In some countries, prevention of osteoporosis in high-risk postmenopausal women who cannot use other bone medicines.
Estradiol valerate on its own is not a contraceptive. If you could still become pregnant, use a non-hormonal method and ask your doctor how long to continue it.
How to take Progynova 1 mg
Swallow one tablet daily with water, at about the same time each day, with or without food. It may be taken continuously or in cycles. If you still have a uterus, your doctor will add a progestin (progestogen) for at least 12 to 14 days of each cycle or every day, because estrogen alone thickens the uterine lining and raises the risk of endometrial cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy usually take estrogen alone. If you forget a tablet, take it as soon as you remember; if more than 24 hours have passed, skip it rather than doubling up, which can trigger spotting.
If symptoms are still troublesome after two or three months, your doctor may move you up to Progynova 2 mg. For menopausal HRT, 2 mg a day is the usual upper limit.
Important safety information
Estrogen medicines carry boxed warnings, starting with endometrial cancer when a progestin is omitted. Large trials of oral estrogen found more strokes and blood clots, and the estrogen-plus-progestin combination also raised the risk of heart attack and invasive breast cancer; women who started at 65 or older had a higher rate of probable dementia. Estrogens should never be used to prevent heart disease or dementia. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that meets your treatment goals, and review the need for HRT with your doctor at least once a year.
Who should not take Progynova?
Do not take it if you are pregnant or have unexplained vaginal bleeding, current or past breast cancer or another estrogen-sensitive cancer, a previous blood clot in a leg or lung, a stroke or heart attack, active liver disease, a known clotting disorder or porphyria. Tell your doctor about migraine, high blood pressure, diabetes, gallstones, endometriosis, fibroids, epilepsy, lupus or smoking.
What are the side effects?
Breast tenderness, nausea, bloating, headache, leg cramps, mood changes and light spotting are common in the first few months and usually settle. Get urgent medical help for pain or swelling in one leg, sudden chest pain or breathlessness, sudden weakness, numbness, slurred speech or loss of vision, a severe migraine-type headache, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or a new breast lump.
Interactions
Carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John’s wort and some HIV medicines can lower estradiol levels, while ketoconazole, clarithromycin and grapefruit juice may raise them. Estrogen can reduce lamotrigine levels and may change the levothyroxine dose you need.
Pack sizes and storage
Supplied in strips of 28 and sold in packs of 28, 56 or 84 tablets, from $30. Store below 77°F (25°C) in the original pack, out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
How soon will hot flashes improve?
Many women notice a difference within 2 to 4 weeks, with the full benefit after about 3 months.
Is Progynova sold in US pharmacies?
Estradiol valerate tablets are not a standard US product; American doctors usually prescribe estradiol tablets or patches, so tell your prescriber which product you use.
Which other estradiol valerate tablets are available?
Evadiol 2 mg and Estradiol 2 mg contain the same ingredient at twice this strength, and the More Product category lists the rest.
Written for general reading, not as individual medical advice. Progynova 1 mg is a prescription medicine; your doctor should review your HRT at least yearly.