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Estradiol / norethindrone and Hot Flashes: What Users Say

Brand names: CombiPatch, Activella, Amabelz, Mimvey, Ena, Lopreeza, Etyqa, Mimvey Lo

Hot flashes: mentioned by 17 users (17.5%)

Based on user experiences from 97 Estradiol / norethindrone reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

hot flashes 17.5%
bleeding 12.4%
anxiety 10.3%
insomnia 9.3%
cramps 8.2%
night sweats 8.2%
bloating 6.2%
mood swings 6.2%
hair loss 5.2%
spotting 5.2%

Reviews for Estradiol / norethindrone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Mam...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 2, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I became menopausal about a year ago at 48 years old. Racked with hot flashes, mild loss of hair, thinning of skin, but mostly a total loss of humor and joy, I had to do something! I tried Equelle, and it did help with hot flashes, but that was it. Then I switched to several over-the-counter remedies which were more affordable. Nothing worked until the CombiPatch. I returned to my normal self. Sure, I had some mild bleeding, but that was nothing compared to the overall increase in quality of life-feeling better, sleeping better, and more energy overall. It is a lifesaver. It can be expensive if your insurance does not cover enough of the cost, but use the coupons for a reduction in cost. I highly recommend."

9 / 10
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71 Report
  • Loo...
  • May 28, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was on the CombiPatch for 6 weeks. After about 4 weeks, I began bleeding, not spotting, having a full period every 2 weeks like a regular period. 6 days prior to taking the patch, I was getting hot flashes that disrupted my life and caused me no sleep. After being on the patch, the flashes went away instantly, and I felt well, however, the heavy periods every 2 weeks were not worth it. It was too much to bear. My blood pressure went up a bit, and I had to change medications. A friend recommended that my doctor change the dosage, and yes, I had every exam in the book, even the intra-vaginal one (the medical term eludes me now) or sonogram, and all results were clear. My fibroids were 3cm, nothing unusual. I simply stopped using the patch and took it off. I couldn’t get to the doctor due to COVID constraints and everything being shut down. I haven’t had a period or spotting since then. I'm going back to the doctor when I can. Has anyone had the same experience?"

5 / 10
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69 Report
  • cga...
  • October 11, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I am a registered nurse. I have been on CombiPatch for 10 years or so. I could not work without it. It made all the hot flashes and profuse sweating stop! Rare episodes of pinkish bleeding checked out and monitored. Hope I can continue to use it forever! Love this product! I am of normal weight, exercise regularly, and have never smoked."

10 / 10
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58 Report
  • etc...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 16, 2021

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "On this medication for 3 weeks. I was waking up at least 2x nightly with hot flashes... The fatigue had gotten so bad there were mornings going to work I would cry in my car and wonder how I was going to make it through the day. My motivation to do anything was so low. Took this med a week, maybe less, and had my first full night's sleep and continue to do so - no hot flashes!! I also have noticed other benefits. I just feel better. I knew I didn't feel good some days, but all of this crept up so slowly I didn't realize how bad it had gotten for me. I'll watch for side."

9 / 10
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36 Report
  • Sue...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 15, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been using the patch for over 20 years, and my previous Dr. believed the benefits outweighed the risks. My present Dr. is more skeptical but lets me stay on it as long as I get yearly mammograms. When I went into menopause, the symptoms of extreme fatigue, moodiness, and hot flashes were horrible, and I decided I could not live that way. The patch is very expensive in the US. I have been buying it from Canada, where it is 1/3 the cost. I am also on the lowest dose and just using one patch a week. I will probably be on this for life."

8 / 10
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50 Report

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  • Lil...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 23, 2024

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I’ve been on CombiPatch for 3 weeks. I got it in May 2024 but only had the courage to start in October 2024. I had explant surgery mid-May, so I decided to wait a month or so. Then I got cold feet. In September, my symptoms of menopause were hard to ignore. Anxiety and despair were the worst part for me, and I wasn’t even sure anymore if my hot flashes were causing the despair or if the despair was causing the hot flashes because they always came in pairs. Either way, I knew it wasn’t normal, so I put the first patch on. The first night, and until last night, I was awake 2 to 4 times every night, and the hot flashes joined me every time. I almost stopped. The 4th week now, and my first full night of sleep with no hot flashes was last night. I did go to sleep at midnight, which was 2 hours late for me, but I woke up at 8:30, so it’s great. I did notice some more energy, and my husband attested that my mood is much better. Will I renew my prescription? Not sure. Still afraid of reports of breast cancer."

8 / 10
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7 Report
  • Slo...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 7, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I’m 48, been on CombiPatch for almost a year. For the first 6 months, I was on the low dose - which was great and alleviated many symptoms: hot flashes, sleeplessness, anxiety, and weight gain in the midsection. I changed to the higher dose in May and felt great, so I thought I could go back down to the lower dose in Sept., but that was a mistake. I just went back to the higher dose again and I’ll see how it goes in the winter. I did develop an allergic reaction to the adhesive, but my dermatologist prescribed cortisone cream, I apply a bit to my skin and let it dry, and the patch can be tolerated! Also, I do follow a lot of the Galveston Diet protocols, and it helps immensely. I feel like I do a lot just to feel like myself, but it’s worth it."

9 / 10
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18 Report
  • Hot...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 30, 2018

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I am 54 years old and have had no period for about 2 years. My hot flashes were unbearable, also night sweats and trouble sleeping, anxiety - lots of issues. The CombiPatch has helped tremendously and in a short period of time. Feel like I have my life back to enjoy."

10 / 10
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34 Report
  • Hot...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 4, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Started on the CombiPatch a few years ago, and it saved my postmenopausal life. The hot flashes, mood swings, sleepless nights, and everything else came to a halt, and I felt normal again. My big concern is right now they are on back order until October 31st. I only have two left, and we are trying to come up with an interim solution. Why does this company keep running out of the CombiPatch? Not great for your customers."

10 / 10
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23 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 4, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Started the patch one year ago, it took away my symptoms almost immediately: hot flashes, sleepless nights, electrical shock feelings, anxiety for no reason. I am very happy with it, the downside is that I'm bleeding like a light period a lot and have some breast pain. Getting that checked out soon."

9 / 10
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26 Report
  • KMa...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 27, 2021

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was on CombiPatch for many years but had to go off of it about a year ago after retiring. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover CombiPatch. Although I am not sure that it is totally due to going off CombiPatch, I have experienced many changes over the last several months. Those include the return of hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, extreme memory loss and brain fog, irritability, a sense of sadness, possibly depression, achy joints, and just no joy in my life. I spoke to my GYN about it at my annual yesterday. The out-of-pocket cost of CombiPatch for me would be almost $230 a month, and I cannot afford that. Due to this, we are going to try a generic estrogen patch and an oral progesterone tablet. I’ll see how that goes, and if this does not relieve some of my symptoms, I would appreciate someone who is knowledgeable about how I could possibly get CombiPatch from Canada. I have no idea how this works, and I want to appreciate the information if someone can please help me. Thank you."

8 / 10
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16 Report
  • Del...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 27, 2018

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been using this product for years, and I hate to go without it. I sleep well, no hot flashes, mood is reasonably stable, no vaginal dryness. At one point when I was without it while waiting for my script to fill, I knew how much it was helping me. All good, and it is easy to use. Unfortunately, it is expensive and not always in stock. My current medication insurance does not cover the whole price, but it will be helpful once I hit my deductible. In the meantime, it is pricey. There are no good coupons that I have been able to find."

9 / 10
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20 Report
  • Jai...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 6, 2018

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "To anonymous, CombiPatch is expensive when paying out-of-pocket. Check with your insurance. As for effectiveness, it really works for hot flashes and night sweats. I've been using it for the last three years."

9 / 10
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13 Report
  • Lis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 28, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I've been taking Activella, it's been a week for menopause issues. I have more hot flashes, which was my reason for starting this medication. I was hoping it would improve my sleep. I'm disappointed in this medication."

2 / 10
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18 Report
  • Dis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 12, 2021

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "My Dr. prescribed Activella low dose and told me to expect 'immediate' relief, within about one week. I've been taking the drug daily at the same time for 7 days now, and hot flashes are more intense and far more frequent than before. I'm going to stop taking this medication. Disappointed."

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Mel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 11, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Bad swelling of hands, ankles, and feet; lethargy; thinning of scalp; redness at patch site; more hot flashes than before; achy joints; fever."

4 / 10
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17 Report
  • Fem...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 1, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I keep going back to Mimvey because it doesn't give me a headache or tinnitus. No hot flashes and no cramping - it's a very good medication."

10 / 10
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6 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.