subject: When and How to Use Activella [print this page] When and How to Use Activella When and How to Use Activella
Physiologic menopause refers to the normal decline in the ovarian function due to ageing which occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. Contrarily, Pathologic or premature menopause refers to the gradual or abrupt cessation of menstruation before the age of 40. According to Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), approximately 5% of the women in the US face pathologic menopause. Irrespective of the type of menopause, a woman is bound to experience certain symptoms resulting from the fall in the levels of estrogen hormone. The extent of the symptoms experienced by a woman varies from mild to severe. Activella is a popularly used prescription hormone replacement medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
Applications of Activella
Activella (the generic names being estradiol and norethindrone) contains estrogen and progesterone hormones and has been approved by the health authorities for treating various menopause related symptoms. The medicine works by replacing the estrogen that the ovaries no longer produce and keeps the bones strong. The progesterone hormone in the drug decreases the risk of uterus cancer in postmenopausal women. Some major symptoms of menopause are:
Hot flashes
Irregular or no periods
Mood Swings
Irritability
Sleep disturbances
Anxiety
Weight Gain
Breast tenderness
Urinary tract infection
Leakage of the urine
Vaginal dryness
Discomfort with sex
Loss of Libido
Apart from these menopausal symptoms and the resultant decrease in hormones, you might also suffer from serious complications, such as osteoporosis, fractures and heart diseases. Of these aforementioned symptoms, Activella can be used for treating or preventing:
Itching, burning or dryness in or around vagina
Hot flashes
Osteoporosis
Activella: Recommended Dosage and Side Effects Since Activella is a prescription medicine, one should always consult a doctor before taking it. The drug comes in two strengths of:
1mg/0.5mg- 1mg of estradiol and 0.5mg of noetindrone acetate per tablet
0.5mg/0.1mg-0.5mg of estradiol and 0.1mg of norethindrone acetate per tablet
The doctor will decide the recommended dosage for you depending on the severity and the type of menopause symptoms and any other medical conditions you might be suffering from. The generally recommended dosage of this drug is one tablet daily. Although the drug can be safely consumed by most patients, some of common side effects include:
Vaginal bleeding
Breast pain
Headaches
Upper respiratory tract infections
And accidental injuries
Those taking this medicine, or any other medicine with a combination of estradiol and norethindrone, should have yearly physical checkups besides examining their breasts for lumps on a monthly basis. Activella should not be taken if:
You have had your uterus removed
You have unusual vaginal bleeding
Have or had uterus or breast cancer
Have had a stroke or a heart attack in the past one year
