Kliofem

Kliofem is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescribed to relieve the symptoms of menopause in women.

As a continuous form of HRT, you should take these tablets every day without interruption. They contain estradiol and norethisterone, synthetic forms of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Kliofem is also sometimes prescribed as a second-line option to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who cannot take other medication.

Please note, this treatment is not a contraceptive. If you are aged below 50, or have had a period within the last 12 months, please contact your doctor for further advice.

You should only be prescribed this treatment if menopausal symptoms have a serious effect on your daily life.

Oestrogen is produced in your ovaries. As you age, levels of the hormone gradually fall. Eventually, you will stop ovulating and will experience menopause. All women undergo menopause at a different point in their life, and it usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

For some women, menopause can cause unpleasant symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and irregular periods.

Kliofem HRT tablets contain estradiol, a naturally occurring form of oestrogen, to supplement falling levels of the hormone and relieve these uncomfortable symptoms.

As this treatment does not result in a monthly bleed, you should only use it if it has been over 12 months since your last period.

Your doctor should first prescribe this medication before you can order it online. This is to ensure they can monitor how you react to it.

Kliofem is a relatively easy treatment to take. However, dosages can vary, so you should always follow the advice of your doctor. Further instructions are detailed in the patient leaflet.

Kliofem comes in a 28-day calendar pack. Each tablet contains 2mg estradiol (as estradiol hemihydrate) and 1mg norethisterone acetate.

• take 1 tablet once a day
• tablets should be swallowed whole, with water
• take tablets at the same time each day
• once you have finished a pack, move on to the next immediately
• do not take a break between packs

If you miss a dose and it has been less than 12 hours since your last one, take the missed dose. If it is more than 12 hours later, continue with the next dose as usual. Do not take a double dose.

If you wish to stop taking Kliofem, you should first check with your doctor. They may want to monitor you in case you experience any adverse effects.

You should be started on this treatment by your doctor. They should then monitor you to see how you respond. You should return to them for regular checkups whilst using Kliofem and any other HRT treatment.

You should report any medical conditions and medications you are taking to your doctor before starting any prescription drugs.

If any of the following apply to you, you should not use Kliofem (please see your doctor to discuss alternatives):

• breast cancer
• cancer of the womb lining (endometrial cancer), or any other oestrogen-dependent cancer
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• excessive thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
• blood clot
• blood clotting disorder
• heart attack, stroke or angina
• liver disease
• porphyria
• allergic to estradiol, norethisterone acetate or any of the other ingredients of Kliofem
• pregnant or breastfeeding

There is a very slight increase in the chance of suffering a blood clot when using this medication. You should be aware of the symptoms (pain, swelling or sensations in the limbs, breathlessness and coughing) and be cautious if you are off your feet for a prolonged period. If you suspect you have a blood clot, seek immediate medical attention.

Please note, combined hormonal treatments are linked to an increase in reports of breast cancer. Due to this, you should make sure to examine your breasts regularly and report any changes to your doctor.

Similarly, these treatments have also been linked to an increase in reports of ovarian cancer. However, ovarian cancer is rare - rarer than breast cancer.

You can buy Kliofem online to save the effort and hassle of visiting a doctor in person. However, you must have initially been prescribed HRT by your usual GP.

At HeathExpress, we ask you to complete a discreet medical consultation, so that our doctors can verify your details and make sure a treatment is safe for you.

Once you have completed this initial consultation, it will be saved in your member's area for future use (it will only need updating if your details change).