Estradiol / Medroxyprogesterone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 15, 2023.

Applies to estradiol / medroxyprogesterone: intramuscular suspension.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• a breast lump;

• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes); or

• ongoing pain, bleeding, or other drainage where the shot was given.

Less serious side effects of estradiol/medroxyprogesterone may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;

• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;

• freckles or darkening of facial skin;

• increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;

• changes in weight or appetite;

• problems with contact lenses;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or

• headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to estradiol / medroxyprogesterone: intramuscular suspension.

General adverse events

General side effects have included edema and asthenia.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, vaginal spotting, vaginal moniliasis, vulvovaginal disorder, breast changes (enlargement, secretion, tenderness, pain), decreased libido and cervical changes. When estradiol-medroxyprogesterone injection is given immediately postpartum, a diminution in lactation has been reported. Temporary infertility has been reported after treatment discontinuation.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included arterial thromboembolism, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, mesenteric thrombosis and retinal thrombosis.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included abdominal pain, enlarged abdomen and nausea.^[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included reduced carbohydrate tolerance, weight gain, and weight loss.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included hepatic adenomas or begin liver tumors, gallbladder disease and cholestatic jaundice.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included dizziness, headache, nervousness and migraine.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included elevated blood pressure, arterial thromboembolism, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis and myocardial infarction.^[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included retinal thrombosis, corneal curvature changes (i.e., steeping), and intolerance to contact lenses.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included acne, alopecia and melasma that may persist.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included pulmonary embolism.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included depression, nervousness, and emotional lability.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included anaphylactic reactions and rash.^[Ref]

Further information

Estradiol/medroxyprogesterone side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer