Femoston Conti (estradiol, dydrogesterone) is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women who are post-menopausal and have an intact uterus. The medication both alleviates the symptoms of menopause as well as helps keeps bones strong, reducing risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Off-label the medication may be used to treat symptoms of perimenopause (the transition to menopause), when symptoms are severe. Treatment in this area is highly variable.

How Femoston Conti Works

This medication contains two active ingredients:

• Estradiol, an estrogen hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of female sexual characteristics and reproduction, among other functions.
• Dydrogesterone, a progestin hormone responsible for the development and breakdown of the lining of the uterus. In menopause, progestins inhibit growth of the uterine lining outside of the uterus.

Women who have had their uterus removed do not need to take a progestin; estrogen-only therapy will be fine. Patients can browse estrogen-only therapies as well as other combinations of estrogen/progestin here.

Progestins are also sometimes taken on their own, as birth control (called a mini pill), fertility treatment, and to address numerous medical conditions. Progestin-only medications and combinations can be found here.

Combined, the two ingredients found in Femoston Conti restore declining estrogen levels while dydrogesterone protects the uterus lining from unchecked growth due to estrogen supplementation. It is the decline in estrogen that causes many of the symptoms of menopause, including:

• Thinning hair
• Dry skin
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Chills
• Sleep disruptions
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Increased vaginal/urinary tract infections
• Loss of breast fullness

...and others. Symptoms can vary radically from person to person, with some lucky individuals experiencing none at all. HRT is usually considered only when symptoms are severe, as it does carry risk of serious side effects. Dosage and duration of treatment is at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible, and the need to continue treatment should be reassessed every six months.

How to Take Femoston Conti

This medication comes in tablets of varying strengths. Dosage should be determined by a doctor, who can evaluate symptoms, hormone levels, risk factors, and results. Dosage may increase or decrease with time, according to patient response. 1mg/5mg estradiol/dydrogesterone tablets are the standard starting dose, though this may vary.

Once dosage has been determined, a single tablet is taken per day. Food is optional, though a full glass of fluid is recommended. Femoston Conti tablets come in blister packs with each day of the month marked, for ease in remembering to take tablets daily; generic brands may vary. As a general rule there should be no breaks between tablets or packs---a tablet is taken every day. Rarely doctor instructions may vary.

Duration of treatment may span several months to years. Again, the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time is preferable.

Warnings & Side Effects

Some women shouldn't use Femoston Conti at all, namely those with a history---including family history---of:

• Breast cancer
• Estrogen-dependent tumors
• Porphyria
• Untreated endometrial hyperplasia
• Blood clots
• Liver disease
• Certain cardiovascular issues

For the most part women who don't suffer from the above can take Femoston Conti with few side effects, though those with precursors to the above may require special monitoring. There is a slight association with an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke; these generally occur after HRT has been taken for years, or taken by women already predisposed to such conditions. Some women experience spotting the first few months of treatment.

Warning signs that indicate Femoston Conti should no longer be taken include:

• Jaundice or other liver impairment
• New migraine headaches
• Significant increase in blood pressure

Femoston Conti can interact with other medications, particularly other estrogen- and/or progestin-containing medications. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.