Progestin is a female steroid sex hormone produced by the ovaries. The hormone prepares the uterine lining for egg implantation and prevents rejection of the developing embryo during pregnancy. Progestin and estrogen are often prescribed to women by physicians during hormone replacement therapy.
During menopause, a woman's body begins to slow its production of estrogen, which can result in hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and sleep disturbances. Estrogen helps relieve these menopausal symptoms. Because estrogen alone may cause uterine cancer, progestin, which protects the uterine lining, is often prescribed to women who have not had a hysterectomy.
In July 2002, The National Institute of Health (NIH) stopped a 16,608-woman study on the benefits of hormone replacement therapy three years early, concluding that hormones such as estrogen and progestin place women who still have their uterus at risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Women involved in the trial had been taking Prempro, an estrogen/progestin combination, or a placebo for five years before the study was halted. The study found that women using the hormone drug also faced an increased risk of stroke, heart disease and blood clots.
See your doctor if you have experienced serious health problems after undergoing progestin therapy. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable service.