Estova (Estradiol Valerate 2mg) Tablets

Estova tablets 2mg are a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to substitute for a lack of oestrogen production by the ovaries that happens during menopause or following surgical removal of the ovaries, to relieve symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy. Estova tablets 2mg are also used to help prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis) and reduce risk of fracture. Estova stimulates the development of female sexual characteristics and is used as the oestrogen component of transgender hormone therapy for male to female transsexuals.

Estova tablets 2mg contain estradiol valerate, a prodrug (or precursor) of natural human estradiol, which is the major and most active form of the female sex hormone oestrogen, produced by the ovaries. Oestrogen is a steroid hormone that binds to specific receptors inside oestrogen-responsive cells and stimulates them to make proteins involved in producing female sexual characteristics, such as breast development and in regulating the menstrual cycle. Oestrogen also has several other actions in various metabolic processes including maintaining bone mass and lipid (fat) metabolism.

Estova contains the active ingredient estradiol valerate, a prodrug (or precursor) of 17 beta-estradiol, the major and most active form of oestrogen produced by the ovaries and is used for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Estova tablets 2mg are used to treat symptoms caused by a lack of endogenous oestrogen (produced by the ovaries), which happens during menopause, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy.

Estova 2mg tablets substitute for the loss of oestrogen production by the ovaries that occurs during menopause or following surgical removal of the ovaries. Estova contains estradiol, an active form of the female hormone oestrogen that alleviates menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, dry vagina, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration loss of energy and bone loss (osteoporosis).

Estova tablets 2mg can be used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals, by providing a source of estradiol, the most active form of the female hormone oestrogen. Estova tablets 2mg stimulate the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and also induce metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape.

Estova tablets 2mg contain estradiol valerate, a prodrug (or precursor) of natural 17β-estradiol, the most feminising form of the female hormone oestrogen, which provides a very effective means of feminisation when used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals. Estova 2mg stimulates the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and also induces metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape, while at the same time Estova overrides the effects of testosterone.

The most frequently reported side effects when taking Estova tablets 2mg are breast tenderness, breast pain, abdominal pain, nausea, oedema, and headache, skin rash and itching, insomnia and depression. More severe side effects include changes in liver function at higher doses and increased risk of dementia if initiated in women aged 65 or older.

Long-term HRT with Estova does have associated health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis. For women with an intact uterus adding a progestogen to an oestrogen replacement regimen like Estova for at least 10 days per cycle is recommended to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

You should not use Estova tablets 2mg if you:

• are allergic to estradiol valerate or any ingredients in Estova
• have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma, or liver disease
• have deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular accident associated with oestrogen use
• have abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• are taking other medications that may interact with Estova, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepine, barbiturates, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, antibiotics like penicillin,.
• are a diabetic taking antidiabetics or insulin, without discussion with your doctor, as Estova may affect your glucose tolerance

You should take Estova tablets 2mg with a glass of water once a day, preferably at the same time each day, until all 28 tablets have been taken. The dose you take depends on your condition and should be as recommended by your doctor. When you have finished each pack, start the next pack immediately. You can start taking Estova tablets on any convenient day unless you are still having menstrual bleeding, in which case take the first tablet on day 5 of bleeding.

Each pack of Estova tablets 2mg contains 28 tablets. You should take Estova tablets 2mg for as long as your doctor recommends.

If you miss a dose of Estova tablets 2mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose. If you forget to take a tablet for more than 12 to 24 hours, irregular bleeding may occur.

Keep Estova tablets 2mg in their original packaging until used. Store at room temperature below 25°C, keep away from direct sunlight and do not refrigerate. Keep well out of reach of children.