estradiol-levonorgestrel

Uses: This medication is given to women who no longer produce the amount of female hormone (estrogen) they produced before menopause. It is a very effective treatment for reducing episodes of flushing and sweating of the upper body and face, commonly called hot flashes. This medication is a combination of 2 female hormones: an estrogen (estradiol) and a progestin (levonorgestrel). A progestin is added to estrogen replacement therapy to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus. A woman who has had her uterus removed does not need progestin and should not be treated with this combination medication. If you need treatment only for vaginal menopause symptoms (e.g., vaginal dryness), products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before medications that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected. This medication may also be used to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk who cannot take non-estrogen drugs. There are several other medications (e.g., raloxifene, bisphosphonates such as alendronate) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen treatment.