Description
About Progynova 2 mg
Progynova 2 mg is a prescription tablet containing 2 mg of estradiol valerate, made by Bayer Zydus Pharma, used as estrogen hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and, where licensed, to help prevent bone loss after menopause. It is the stronger of the two Progynova tablets and is generally prescribed when 1 mg does not give enough relief, or for women who reach menopause early or after surgery.
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Estradiol valerate 2 mg (about 1.5 mg estradiol) |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Estrogen for hormone replacement |
| Usual dose | One tablet a day, as prescribed |
| If you have a uterus | Must be combined with a progestin |
| Not intended for | Birth control, or preventing heart disease or dementia |
| Pack sizes | 28, 56 or 84 tablets, from $37 |
How does Progynova 2 mg work?
The valerate ester is stripped off as the tablet is absorbed, leaving natural estradiol in the bloodstream. After menopause the ovaries make very little of this hormone, and the shortfall drives flushing, night sweats, poor sleep, thinning vaginal tissue and faster bone turnover. Replacing it reverses many of these changes for as long as treatment continues, although symptoms can return when it stops.
When is the 2 mg strength used?
- Symptoms that persist after 2 to 3 months on Progynova 1 mg.
- Premature ovarian insufficiency or surgical menopause, where younger women often need fuller replacement until around 51, the average age of natural menopause.
- Bone protection for postmenopausal women at high fracture risk when non-estrogen osteoporosis medicines are unsuitable.
Once symptoms are under control, your doctor may try stepping back down to 1 mg, in keeping with the rule of using the lowest dose that works.
How to take Progynova 2 mg
Take one tablet each day, swallowed whole with a glass of water, preferably at a fixed time. Women with a uterus add a progestin either for 12 to 14 days each month (a cyclic regimen, which usually brings a monthly withdrawal bleed) or every day (a continuous regimen, normally started at least a year after the last period and aiming for no bleeding). Do not change your progestin schedule without advice. A missed tablet can be taken within 24 hours; after that, leave it out and continue as normal.
Risks to discuss with your doctor
Boxed warnings on estrogen products cover endometrial cancer when estrogen is used alone with an intact uterus, and the results of the Women’s Health Initiative trials, which linked oral estrogen with more strokes and deep vein clots; the combined estrogen-plus-progestin arm also showed more heart attacks, lung clots and invasive breast cancers. These risks climb with age, time since menopause, obesity, smoking and immobility. Yearly reviews, routine mammograms and blood pressure checks are part of safe use, and your doctor may pause estrogen 4 to 6 weeks before major surgery or prolonged bed rest.
Who should not take it?
Progynova 2 mg is not suitable during pregnancy or for anyone with undiagnosed genital bleeding, known or suspected breast cancer, estrogen-dependent tumors, untreated endometrial hyperplasia, a past or present venous clot, arterial disease such as angina, stroke or heart attack, liver disease with abnormal liver tests, an inherited clotting disorder, or an allergy to the ingredients.
What are the side effects?
- Common: breast pain or swelling, headache, nausea, abdominal bloating, fluid retention and changes in weight.
- Bleeding: irregular spotting in the first 3 to 6 months is common; heavy or persistent bleeding, or bleeding that starts after months without any, must be checked.
- Urgent: stop the tablets and get emergency care for a painful swollen calf, chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden breathlessness, signs of stroke or jaundice.
Interactions
Enzyme-inducing drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin and St. John’s wort can weaken the effect. Tell your doctor if you take thyroid hormone, lamotrigine, or medicines for blood pressure or diabetes, since doses may need checking.
Storage
Keep the strips in their carton below 77°F (25°C), protected from moisture and out of children’s reach.
Frequently asked questions
Does Progynova 2 mg cause weight gain?
Trials have not shown that HRT itself causes significant weight gain, though some women notice fluid retention in the early weeks.
Are other 2 mg brands available?
Yes. Evadiol 2 mg by Intas and Estradiol 2 mg in bulk packs contain the same dose of the same hormone.
Can it be used as birth control?
No. It does not reliably stop ovulation, so use a separate non-hormonal method while pregnancy remains possible. Related items are in the More Product range.
Educational content only. Progynova 2 mg is a prescription medicine; take it exactly as prescribed and report any unexpected bleeding to your doctor.