Fem HRT (Ethinyl Estradiol/Norethindrone)

Do's

• This is the most important step. Discuss your symptoms and medical history with your healthcare provider to see if FemHRT is right for you. They will also determine the best type and dosage of FemHRT for you.
• This includes taking the medication exactly as prescribed and attending all follow-up appointments.
• Be patient: It may take some time to find the right dose and for FemHRT to start working effectively.
• This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. These lifestyle habits can help to improve your overall health and well-being, and may also help to reduce menopausal symptoms.
• Track your symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. This can help you and your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.

Don'ts

• Don't take FemHRT if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Don't take FemHRT if you have a history of certain medical conditions, such as blood clots, breast cancer, or endometrial cancer.
• Don't stop taking FemHRT without talking to your healthcare provider first.
• Don't take more FemHRT than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't use expired FemHRT.

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach pain
• Bloating, swelling, weight gain
• Breast pain
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Thinning scalp hair
• Headache

Serious Side Effects:

• Memory problems, confusion, unusual behavior
• High levels of calcium in the blood - nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
• Mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss)
• Breast lumps
• Unusual vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged/recurrent bleeding)
• Increased or new vaginal irritation/itching/odor/discharge
• Severe stomach/abdominal pain
• Yellowing eyes/skin
• Dark urine
• Swelling hands/ankles/feet
• Increased thirst/urination

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking FemHRT, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

FemHRT can increase your risk of developing blood clots, which can be serious or even fatal. The risk is higher if you have certain risk factors, such as a history of blood clots, smoking, obesity, or if you are going to be immobile for a long period of time (such as during surgery or bed rest)

FemHRT may also increase your risk of stroke, especially if you have high blood pressure or other risk factors for stroke.

Taking estrogen alone, or estrogen with a progestin, may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. The risk is higher the longer you take FemHRT.

If you have not had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), taking estrogen alone can increase your risk of developing endometrial cancer. To reduce this risk, your healthcare provider will usually prescribe FemHRT, which is a combination of estrogen and progestin

FemHRT can also cause other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding. Talk to your healthcare provider about all of the risks and benefits of FemHRT before you start taking it.