Authors' recommendations: Conjugated equine estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone (MPA) did not increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, increased the risk of invasive breast cancer, and increased the incidence of deaths attributed to lung cancer compared to placebo in the Women's Health Initiative study. Women who used estrogen preparations containing MPA had a higher risk of venous thromboembolism in the Million Women Study. Another study found that the addition of MPA to oral estradiol in women with hot flashes increased the occurrence of supraventricular ectopic activity, which is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke. One study found that micronized progesterone was effective for decreasing the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats in healthy postmenopausal women when compared to placebo. There were no comparative studies of micronized progesterone versus MPA for the management of menopausal symptoms.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/htis/nov-2014/RC0551%20Prometrium%20for%20Menopause%20Final.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)