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  • Norethisterone acetate in combination with estrogen: effects on the skeleton and other organs. A review.

Norethisterone acetate in combination with estrogen: effects on the skeleton and other organs. A review.

American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (2002-10-22)
Bente Juel Riis, Hans-Jørgen Lehmann, Claus Christiansen
ABSTRACT

This article is focused on the use of norethisterone acetate as progestogen in hormone replacement therapy. Emphasis is made on the fact that the primary reason for adding a progestogen to hormone replacement therapy is to protect the endometrium against hyperplasia. In this paper we review data that demonstrate that hormone replacement therapy that includes norethisterone acetate has positive effects on the postmenopausal bone metabolism and that it increases bone mass more than expected and more than treatment with alendronate. All available evidence is reviewed to show that norethisterone acetate, if given in the correct dosage, does not influence serum lipids and lipoproteins in any negative way. It is furthermore shown that norethisterone acetate seems to be superior compared to other progestogens to provide optimum bleeding control and endometrial protection. Also, hormone replacement therapy combinations with norethisterone acetate efficiently alleviate hot flushes. Hormone replacement therapy and the risk of breast cancer and the role of progestogens are discussed.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
19-Norethindrone, ≥98%, powder
Norethisterone, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
USP
Norethindrone, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
Norethisterone acetate for system suitability, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Norethisterone acetate, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Norethisterone for system suitability, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard