estrogen progestin combinations

Estrogen / progestin combination medicine is typically used for birth control, estrogen replacement, and also to treat menopause, osteoporosis, and acne. Basically, this combination works by preventing ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries). It also changes the lining of the uterus to prevent pregnancy from developing and changes the mucus at the cervix (opening of the uterus) to prevent sperm from entering. It is worth noting that the prolonged use of estrogens has been reported to increase the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) in women after menopause. This risk seems to increase as the dose and the length of use increase. However, when estrogens are used in low doses for less than one year, there is less risk. Remember to check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: breast pain or tenderness, dizziness or light-headedness, headache, rapid weight gain, swelling of feet and lower legs, or vaginal bleeding. There are also other serious side effects that you need to tell your doctor about right away such as breast lumps, discharge from nipples, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, and stomach pain.