Elleste Solo

Elleste Solo is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparation containing estradiol, a form of oestrogen, used to treat the symptoms of the menopause and surgical menopause in women. It is an oestrogen-only HRT and is suitable for women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the womb). Women with an intact uterus require a combined oestrogen and progestogen HRT to protect against endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.

Menopause Symptoms Treated

Elleste Solo is effective in relieving the most common and distressing menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, and mood changes. It can significantly improve quality of life for women experiencing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms.

Long-Term Benefits

Beyond symptom relief, oestrogen HRT provides important health benefits including prevention of osteoporosis and reduction of fracture risk, which is particularly relevant for women experiencing early or surgical menopause. It also maintains urogenital tissue health and may have cardiovascular protective effects when started within ten years of the menopause.

How to Take Elleste Solo

Take one Elleste Solo tablet daily without a break (continuous therapy). Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food. Take at the same time each day.

Elleste Solo is an oestrogen-only HRT preparation, suitable for women who have had a hysterectomy and therefore do not need a progestogen. Available in 1 mg and 2 mg strengths — treatment is usually started at 1 mg and adjusted based on symptom control and tolerance.

Adjusting the Dose

If symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes) are not adequately controlled at 1 mg, your doctor may increase to 2 mg. For vaginal atrophy symptoms (dryness, discomfort), local oestrogen preparations may be used alongside or instead of systemic HRT. Have your blood pressure and overall health reviewed at least once a year.

Elleste Solo is available in 1 mg and 2 mg estradiol tablets. Take one tablet daily continuously. Available in packs of 84 tablets (3 months supply). Store below 25°C. Oestrogen-only HRT should not be used in women who still have their uterus without concurrent progestogen.

Common Side Effects

• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Nausea
• Fluid retention (bloating, ankle swelling)
• Mood changes or irritability
• Headache
• Irregular vaginal spotting or bleeding in the first few months of treatment

These usually resolve as the body adjusts. Any spotting should settle within three months — if it does not, or if bleeding occurs after this period, contact your doctor.

Long-term Risks

Oestrogen-only HRT is associated with a slightly increased risk of stroke and venous thromboembolism (blood clots) with prolonged use, though the risk is lower than with combined HRT. Long-term oestrogen use without progestogen is not recommended in women who still have a uterus due to the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. Tell your doctor if you develop new breast lumps, persistent leg pain or swelling, chest pain, or sudden severe headache.

Elleste Solo is only suitable for women who have had a hysterectomy. Women with an intact uterus must use combined HRT to prevent endometrial hyperplasia. Regular breast examinations and mammography screening should be maintained during HRT. Tell your doctor about any undiagnosed vaginal bleeding before starting HRT. Use with caution in women with a history of cardiovascular disease, thromboembolic disorder, or oestrogen-dependent conditions.

Contraindicated in women with known or suspected breast cancer or hormone-sensitive malignancies, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, untreated endometrial hyperplasia, active or recent venous or arterial thromboembolism, acute liver disease, porphyria cutanea tarda, and known hypersensitivity to estradiol or any excipient.