One of the brand names in the United States for conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone is Activella. It is a medication used to treat some symptoms associated with menopause. These problems may include osteoporosis or bone thinning and weakening associated with the post-menopausal period, atrophying of the vagina and vulva, and problems with muscles and nerves that control blood vessel actions. Activella is administered as a pill in 0.5 or 1mg doses, and it can cause several side effects.
Genital and Reproductive Side Effects
Taking Activella can cause some serious common side effects in your genital area. For example, it may cause you to experience itching there. It also may cause a thick, white vaginal discharge. Activella also may produce some serious side effects that affect your menstruation. It can, for example, cause you to start menstruating even after you have gone through menopause. If you still are menstruating, it can cause a change in the pattern for as long as six months. Activella also may cause you to experience painful intercourse. All of these are considered serious side effects of the medication, and you should report them to a physician immediately.
Pain
Pain may occur in many areas of your body when you start treatment with Activella. These various aches are not serious and should discontinue as you acclimate to the medicine. Pain may occur throughout your body, or it may be confined to specific areas. For example, pain in your back is common, as is tenderness and pain in your breasts. Throbbing and severe headaches also may occur. Pain in your joints and muscles is common, as is pain near your eyes and in the cheekbone area. Pain also may affect your menstruation, even if you have not had painful periods previously. Urinating also may be difficult and painful. Talk with your physician if any of these persist and become too annoying to deal with.
Mental Side Effects
The use of the combination of the conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone in Activella also can have temporary mental side effects. For example, you may experience depersonalization. There also is the common potential of euphoria, or feeling that everything is great even when it is not, and its opposite, dysphoria, or feeling as if everything is dire. Depression also may occur when you begin taking Activella, as well as paranoia and mood swings.
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