Estradiol / Progesterone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 4, 2023.

Applies to estradiol / progesterone: oral capsule.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects. These visits may be every 3 to 6 months. Pelvic exam, breast exam, and mammogram (breast x-ray) may be needed to check for unwanted effects, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Be sure to keep all appointments.

It is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman may become pregnant. But, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Using this medicine over a long period of time may increase your risk of breast cancer or endometrial cancer. Talk with your doctor about this risk. Do not use this medicine if you have had your uterus (womb) removed (hysterectomy). Check with your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Using this medicine may increase your risk of dementia, especially in women 65 years of age and older.

Using this medicine may increase your risk for having blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks. This risk may continue even after you stop using the medicine. Your risk for these serious problems is even greater if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol in your blood, diabetes, or if you are overweight or smoke cigarettes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, confusion, difficulty speaking, double vision, headaches, an inability to move arms, legs or facial muscle, or an inability to speak.

Tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine before any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment. Your doctor will decide whether you should continue using this medicine. This medicine may also affect the results of certain medical tests.

Check with your doctor immediately if severe headache or sudden loss of vision or any other change in vision occurs while you are using this medicine. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, estradiol/progesterone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking estradiol / progesterone:

Other side effects

Some side effects of estradiol / progesterone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to estradiol / progesterone: oral capsule.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse reactions have included breast tenderness, headache, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge and pelvic pain.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, disordered proliferative endometrium
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Endometrial hyperplasia
• Postmarketing reports: Uterine bleeding^[Ref]

During clinical trials, an endometrial biopsy revealed 1 case of endometrial hyperplasia (n=281). There were no cases in the placebo group (n=92). Four cases of disordered proliferative endometrium were reported in women receiving this drug.^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Very common (10% or more): Breast tenderness (10.4%)
• Postmarketing reports: Breast pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness, headache, somnolence^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Postmarketing reports: Muscle spasms, pain in extremity

Metabolic

• Postmarketing reports: Increased weight, fluid retention

Psychiatric

• Postmarketing reports: Insomnia, sleep disorder

Other

• Postmarketing reports: Fatigue, feeling abnormal, malaise

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Hot flush

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Nightsweats, pruritus

Gastrointestinal

• Postmarketing reports: Abdominal pain and discomfort, abdominal distention, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Does Bijuva contain bio-identical hormones?

Further information

Estradiol/progesterone 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