Femoston Conti

Femoston Conti is a continuous combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparation containing estradiol and dydrogesterone.

It is prescribed for the relief of oestrogen-deficiency symptoms in postmenopausal women who are at least 12 months past their last natural period.

The continuous combined regimen is designed to provide symptom relief without inducing a monthly withdrawal bleed.

Estradiol is identical to the oestrogen produced naturally by the ovaries and effectively treats vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats), vaginal atrophy, urogenital symptoms, and helps maintain bone mineral density.

Dydrogesterone is a retroprogesterone with high selectivity for progesterone receptors and is included to oppose the proliferative effects of oestrogen on the endometrium, preventing endometrial hyperplasia and reducing the risk of endometrial carcinoma.

Femoston Conti has a well-established efficacy and safety profile in clinical use.

Dydrogesterone is generally better tolerated than many other progestogens, with fewer androgenic and metabolic side effects, which may contribute to improved patient adherence and quality of life.

Take one tablet daily at the same time each day, continuously without a break between packs. Swallow with water, with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember that day.

If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with the next tablet. Do not take two tablets to compensate.

Treatment should be reviewed at least annually to assess the ongoing balance of benefits and risks.

One tablet daily (containing estradiol 1 mg and dydrogesterone 5 mg), taken continuously. This is the standard dose; Femoston Conti is also available as 0.5 mg/2.

5 mg for women who may benefit from a lower dose. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration. Start Femoston Conti at least 12 months after the last natural period.

If switching from sequential HRT, complete the current cycle first.

Common: headache, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, back pain, vaginal bleeding or spotting (particularly in the first three to six months).

Uncommon: nausea, bloating, depression or mood changes, dizziness, weight changes, leg cramps, migraine. Rare but serious: venous thromboembolism, stroke, gallbladder disease.

Long-term use of combined HRT is associated with a small increased risk of breast cancer, which increases with duration of use and declines after stopping.

HRT increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, particularly during the first year. Seek urgent medical advice if you develop sudden leg swelling, chest pain, or breathlessness.

Regular breast screening and cervical smears are important during treatment. Investigate any unscheduled vaginal bleeding. HRT should not be used for cardiovascular protection.

Review annually and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Tibolone or transdermal oestrogen may be considered in women with higher thrombotic risk.

Contraindicated in known or suspected breast cancer, oestrogen-dependent malignancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, untreated endometrial hyperplasia, active or previous venous or arterial thromboembolism, porphyria, severe liver disease, and known hypersensitivity to estradiol, dydrogesterone, or any excipient.

Not to be used during pregnancy.