What was the estrogen-progestin formulation tested?
Prempro, manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Different brands use different types of estrogen and progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone hormone. The pill studied was 0.625 milligram conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 milligrams medroxyprogesterone acetate. What is known about other formulations of estrogen-plus-progestin? “No one’s going to be able to give you strong reassurances about other combination preparations,” says Prentice. “They’ll say we don’t have the same evidence of risk.” Nevertheless, some doctors favor other formulas. Are there other medications that help ease common menopause symptoms? Insertion of a vaginal ring can help with dryness and urinary-tract irritation. For mood swings and fuzzy thinking, antidepressants may help. Some medications appear effective in stemming bone loss. The total cost of taking a variety of aids and medications may be considerably higher, however. Are there natural products that help? Some practitioners are recommending alternati