All Femoston formulations contain estradiol (body-identical oestrogen) and dydrogesterone (synthetic progestogen) in varying doses depending on the preparation. The tablets contain standard inactive excipients including lactose, if you have lactose intolerance, mention this to your clinician. Dydrogesterone does not contain peanut or soya derivatives, making Femoston a suitable alternative for women who cannot take micronised progesterone preparations such as Gepretix or Utrogestan. Femoston does not contain any transdermal components, it is an oral preparation only.

Femoston is a popular choice among combined HRT options due to its:

Body-identical oestrogen: Contains estradiol, which is chemically identical to the oestrogen your body produces naturally.

Once-daily convenience: Simple tablet taken once per day, making it easy to remember.

Flexible formulations: Available in sequential (for perimenopausal women) or continuous combined (for postmenopausal women) options.

Predictable bleeding patterns: Sequential formulations provide regular monthly bleeds, whilst continuous formulations should prevent monthly bleeding.

Well-established: Dydrogesterone has been used in HRT for many years with established safety data.

All-in-one tablet: Provides both oestrogen and progestogen in a single daily tablet.

Femoston is suitable for many women, but not everyone. It may not be appropriate if you have:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• A history of certain cancers (particularly breast cancer - discuss with your specialist)
• Current or previous blood clots
• Severe liver disease
• Untreated high blood pressure
• Have had a hysterectomy (oestrogen-only HRT is more appropriate)

Additionally, transdermal HRT (patches or gels) may be preferred over oral HRT like Femoston if you have certain risk factors such as history of blood clots, migraine with aura, or are over 60 when starting HRT.

Your doctor will assess your medical history to determine if Femoston is right for you.

Femoston 1/10 or 2/10 (sequential) is suitable if you:

• Are at least 6 months since your last period
• Are perimenopausal or in early postmenopause
• Want or are comfortable with monthly withdrawal bleeds
• Need lower (1/10) or higher (2/10) dose oestrogen depending on symptom severity

Femoston Conti 0.5/2.5 or 1/5 (continuous) is suitable if you:

• Are postmenopausal (no periods for 12+ months)
• Do not want monthly withdrawal bleeds
• Want a bleed-free HRT option
• Need lower (0.5/2.5) or standard (1/5) dose depending on symptom severity

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate formulation based on your menopausal status and symptoms.

Once daily Take one tablet at the same time each day, swallowed whole with water.

With or without food Femoston can be taken with or without food. Take it at a time that works best for you.

Follow the pack order For sequential Femoston (1/10 or 2/10), follow the numbered tablets in order. The pack is designed to guide you through the cycle.

No breaks Continue taking tablets daily without breaks between packs.

Sequential (cyclical) HRT:

• Oestrogen for the entire cycle, with progestogen added for part of the cycle (usually the second half)
• Results in monthly withdrawal bleeds
• Suitable for women at least 6 months since last period
• Femoston 1/10 and 2/10 are sequential

Continuous combined HRT:

• Both oestrogen and progestogen taken every day without breaks
• Should prevent monthly bleeding once settled
• Suitable for postmenopausal women (no periods for 12+ months)
• Femoston Conti 0.5/2.5 and 1/5 are continuous combined

Sequential Femoston (1/10 and 2/10) mimics the natural hormonal cycle. You take oestrogen-only tablets for the first half of the month, then combined oestrogen and progestogen tablets for the second half. When you switch back to oestrogen-only tablets at the start of the next pack, the drop in progestogen causes a withdrawal bleed, similar to a natural period.

Femoston Conti provides both oestrogen and progestogen every day without breaks. This continuous balance of hormones keeps the womb lining thin and stable, preventing monthly bleeding.

Sequential HRT is designed for women at least 6 months since their last period who may still benefit from a monthly cycle, whilst continuous combined HRT is designed for postmenopausal women who no longer need monthly bleeds.

Bleeding typically occurs during or just after the combined tablets (days 15-28), or at the start of the new pack when you switch back to oestrogen-only tablets. This is called a withdrawal bleed and is caused by the drop in progestogen levels.

The timing and duration of bleeding can vary between women. Some may bleed towards the end of the combined tablets, whilst others may bleed at the start of the new pack. The bleed usually lasts 3-7 days. If you experience unexpected bleeding patterns, heavy bleeding, or no bleeding at all, discuss this with your doctor at your review appointment.

No, do not change your formulation or dose without speaking to your clinician first. Switching between sequential and continuous formulations, or between dose strengths, requires clinical oversight to ensure your womb lining is appropriately protected. If your current formulation is not controlling your symptoms adequately, or if side effects are affecting your quality of life, contact your Voy clinician. Any change will be guided by a review of your menopausal stage and treatment response. If you’re not seeing the improvements you expected, it could be a sign your HRT needs adjusting.

Femoston vs transdermal combined HRT (e.g. Evorel Conti, Evorel Sequi): Transdermal HRT bypasses the liver, which is associated with a lower risk of blood clots and stroke — making it the preferred option for women with certain risk factors, in line with NICE NG23 guidance. Femoston is an oral preparation and carries a slightly higher VTE risk than transdermal alternatives. However, it may suit women who find patches or gels inconvenient or who experience skin reactions.

Femoston vs body-identical combined HRT (e.g. transdermal oestrogen + Gepretix): Femoston uses dydrogesterone, a synthetic progestogen, rather than body-identical micronised progesterone. Women who prefer a fully body-identical HRT regimen may be better served by a transdermal oestrogen paired with separately prescribed micronised progesterone. Your clinician can discuss whether this approach is more appropriate for you.

Femoston 1/10 vs Femoston 2/10: Both are sequential formulations, but Femoston 2/10 delivers a higher oestrogen dose (2 mg estradiol vs 1 mg) and may be more appropriate for women with more pronounced symptoms. Your clinician will advise which dose is right for your symptom level.

Femoston Conti 0.5/2.5 vs Femoston Conti 1/5: Both are continuous combined formulations for postmenopausal women. Femoston Conti 0.5/2.5 is the lower-dose option, often used for women who are well established postmenopausally or who are sensitive to higher hormone levels. Femoston Conti 1/5 is the standard dose for postmenopausal symptom control.

There is no clinical evidence that Femoston directly causes weight gain. Weight changes during menopause are primarily driven by declining oestrogen, metabolic changes, and fat redistribution, not by HRT. Some women notice mild fluid retention in the early weeks, which typically resolves. If you have ongoing concerns about weight, discuss them with your clinician at your review.

There is no set time limit for taking HRT. The decision about how long to continue HRT is individual and should be made between you and your doctor based on your symptoms, benefits, and any risks.

Current guidance recommends using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to control your symptoms. However, many women take HRT for several years, and some continue long-term if the benefits outweigh the risks.

You should have annual reviews with your doctor to reassess whether HRT continues to be appropriate for you. Some women choose to continue HRT long-term for symptom relief and bone protection, whilst others may reduce or stop after a few years.