Does Activella cause weight gain?
Activella (estradiol/norethindrone acetate) is a brand-name medication containing a form of estrogen (estradiol) and progesterone (norethindrone acetate). It is used to treat postmenopausal women with symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness that are due to low estrogen levels. It can also be used to prevent osteoporosis in women who have reached menopause.
While weight loss is also a reported side effect, it is more common to see weight gain. In clinical studies, up to 9% of people taking Activella reported weight gain. It is not known if the medication was the cause of the increase in weight. In fact, there is little evidence that most types of HRT make you gain weight. You can gain some weight during menopause and as you get older, and this often happens whether you take HRT or not. Exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet should help you to manage your weight. It is also important to note that the medication can also cause your body to hold onto fluids (fluid retention), which can look like swelling or weight gain. If you notice any rapid weight gain while taking Activella, call your healthcare provider to discuss if this medication is right for you.
Activella FAQs
What are the benefits of Activella?
Activella is a combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing 2 synthetic female hormones: norethindrone acetate (progestin) and estradiol (estrogen)…
What are the side effects of Activella?
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Headache
- Upper respiratory infection
- Weight gain
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Vaginal yeast infection
- And more…
What are the serious side effects of Activella?
These include:
- Heart problems and stroke risk (especially if smoking over age 35)
- Blood clots
- Dementia risk (especially over age 65)
- Ovarian, endometrial, and breast cancer
- Liver and gallbladder disease
- Calcium and cholesterol level changes
- Fluid retention
What drug interactions are there with Activella?
Interactions may occur with:
- St. John’s Wort
- Carbamazepine
- Phenobarbital
- Rifampin
- Clarithromycin
- Itraconazole
- Grapefruit juice
Who should not take Activella?
- Women who smoke and are over 35
- History of breast or estrogen-dependent cancer
- Liver disease
- Heart attack, stroke, or blood clots
- Pregnancy
What precautions are there with Activella?
- Heart/liver/kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Breastfeeding
- Thyroid issues
- Wearing contact lenses
How do you dispose of Activella?
Do not flush. Use a take-back program or follow local disposal guidelines.
Can Activella cause weight loss?
Yes, though rare. Call your provider if you notice unexplained weight loss.
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