Use of Prempro

Prempro eases the discomfort that is associated with the beginning of menopause. This medication consists of medroxyprogesterone as well as conjugated estrogens. Some adverse side effects may be experienced while regularly using Prempro. Whether to use Prempro to ease the discomforts of menopause should be determined by a doctor on an individual basis.

Uses

• Prempro is a medication that is available by prescription only. It is only prescribed to women that still have a uterus. This medication is used in the treatment of certain symptoms linked with menopause. These symptoms include but are not limited to: chills, faintness, unusual sweating, hot flashes and vaginal dryness, irritation or burning. Prempro helps prevent or reduce vaginal inflammation by keeping the area from becoming too dry, itchy or painful. It also is used as part of a treatment plan for osteoporosis, a condition linked to the thinning of bones.

Features

• The active ingredients in Prempro are estrogens and medroxyprogesterone. Ovaries produce estrogens which are female sex hormones. At the time of puberty, females develop sexually through the release of estrogen. Medroxyprogesterone is also a female hormone and is traditionally called "progesterone." Progesterone regulates ovulation and menstruation.

Side Effects

• Side effects associated with Prempro use include stomach pain, bloating, increased hair growth, breast tenderness, appetite changes, nervousness, dizziness and vaginal discharge. Chest pain, vision problems, sudden weakness, swelling or pain in the lower legs, migraines and jaundice are all more serious side effects linked with Prempro use. Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat and hives are all signs of an allergic reaction. A doctor should be immediately consulted if signs of an allergic reaction are occurring.

Warnings

• Prempro should not be used to prevent heart disease or dimentia because the risk of developing symptoms of heart disease and dementia may increase. This medication may cause birth defects so it should not be used by pregnant women. People who have a history of stroke, heart attack, abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood clots or liver disease should not use Prempro. Increased risks of stroke, heart attacks and breast cancer have been associated with long-term use of this medication.

Dosing

• This medication should only be taken as recommended by a doctor. Prempro can be taken with or without food. However, it should be taken every day at the same time with a glass of water. Prempro tablets contain 1.5 mg of medroxyprogesterone and 0.3 mg of conjugated estrogen. A typical dosing schedule involves taking one tablet per day for four weeks.