Estradiol valerate/hydroxyprogesterone caproate

Estradiol valerate/hydroxyprogesterone caproate (EV/HPc) is a combination of estradiol valerate, an estrogen, and hydroxyprogesterone caproate, a progestogen, which is used in hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms and low sex hormone levels in women.

Etymology

The term "estradiol" is derived from estra-, which is a reference to estrus, and -diol, a chemical term and suffix indicating that the compound is a type of alcohol bearing two hydroxyl groups. The term "valerate" refers to the ester of valeric acid. "Hydroxyprogesterone" is a derivative of progesterone with a hydroxy group (-OH) added. "Caproate" is the ester formed from caproic acid.

Pharmacology

Estradiol valerate is a synthetic estrogen that is converted in the body to estradiol. It is used to replace or supplement the estrogen naturally produced by the body. Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a synthetic progestogen that is similar to the naturally occurring progesterone. It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle and to prevent overgrowth of the lining of the uterus in women taking estrogen.

Clinical use

EV/HPc is used in hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. It is also used to treat low sex hormone levels in women, which can cause symptoms such as low libido and osteoporosis.

Side effects

Possible side effects of EV/HPc include nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, headache, weight changes, breast tenderness or swelling, freckles or darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair, problems with contact lenses, or vaginal itching or discharge.

See also

• Estradiol valerate/dienogest
• Estradiol valerate/norethisterone acetate
• Estradiol valerate/cyproterone acetate

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