Estramon Conti

What is Estramon Conti?

Estramon Conti is a continuous combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patch used to relieve symptoms of menopause. It is a skin patch that contains two hormones: estradiol (a form of estrogen) and norethisterone acetate (a form of progesterone, also called a progestogen).

During menopause, your ovaries gradually stop producing estrogen. This natural hormonal change can lead to physical and emotional symptoms that affect your daily life. Estramon Conti helps replace the hormones your body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts.

Because Estramon Conti contains both estrogen and progesterone in one patch, it is called a combined HRT patch. It is also described as continuous HRT, which means you use it continuously without taking a break between cycles. This type of hormone replacement therapy is usually prescribed if you are postmenopausal, meaning your periods have stopped for at least 12 months.

Estramon Conti delivers hormones through your skin directly into your bloodstream. This is known as transdermal hormone therapy, and it provides stable hormone levels without passing first through your stomach.

What is Estramon Conti used for?

Estramon Conti is used to treat menopause symptoms caused by low estrogen levels. These symptoms can start during perimenopause (the transition phase before menopause) and may continue for several years after your last period.

Estramon Conti may help relieve:

• Hot flushes (sudden feelings of heat in your upper body)
• Night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings and irritability
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Reduced libido linked to hormonal changes
• Fatigue related to menopause

Hot flushes and night sweats are known as vasomotor symptoms. These occur because lower estrogen levels affect the temperature control centre in your brain. By replacing estrogen, Estramon Conti helps stabilise your body temperature regulation.

Estramon Conti may also help protect against postmenopausal bone loss. After menopause, decreasing estrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition where bones become thinner, weaker and more likely to break. Hormone replacement therapy can help maintain bone density in women who are at increased fracture risk and who cannot use other osteoporosis treatments.

How does Estramon Conti work?

Estramon Conti works by replacing the two key female hormones that decline after menopause.

Estradiol is a bioidentical form of estrogen, meaning it is chemically similar to the estrogen your body naturally produces. It helps relieve menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and sleep problems. It also supports bone strength.

However, if you still have your womb (uterus), taking estrogen alone can cause the lining of the womb (called the endometrium) to thicken too much. Over time, this can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

This is why Estramon Conti also contains norethisterone acetate, a type of progesterone. Progesterone protects the lining of your womb by preventing excessive thickening. This combination makes Estramon Conti suitable for women who have not had a hysterectomy.

Because the patch is applied to your skin, the hormones are absorbed gradually into your bloodstream. This transdermal delivery system avoids large hormonal peaks and troughs and may be better tolerated than oral hormone tablets for some women.

Who should not use Estramon Conti?

Estramon Conti is not suitable for everyone. You should not use this hormone replacement therapy patch if:

• You have or have had breast cancer
• You have cancer that is sensitive to estrogen, such as cancer of the womb lining
• You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• You have untreated thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
• You have or have had a blood clot in your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• You have a known blood clotting disorder
• You have recently had a heart attack or stroke
• You have severe liver disease
• You are allergic to estradiol, norethisterone or any ingredient in the patch

You should also inform your doctor if you have conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, migraine, gallstones, lupus, asthma, fibroids or a family history of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Hormone replacement therapy requires an individual risk assessment. The benefits and risks depend on your age, how long it has been since menopause and your overall health.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Estramon Conti is intended for postmenopausal women only.

You must not use Estramon Conti if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Although pregnancy is unlikely after menopause, you should contact your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs while using this HRT patch.

Estramon Conti should not be used during breastfeeding.

How to use Estramon Conti and dosage

Always use Estramon Conti exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

The patch is usually applied twice weekly, depending on your treatment plan. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to control your menopause symptoms.

How to apply Estramon Conti:

1. Apply the patch to clean, dry, unbroken skin.
2. Suitable areas include the lower abdomen or buttocks.
3. Do not apply the patch to your breasts or irritated skin.
4. Press firmly for at least 10 seconds to ensure good contact.
5. Change the patch on the same days each week.

Rotate the application site each time to reduce skin irritation. If a patch falls off, apply a new one immediately and continue with your normal schedule.

It may take a few weeks before you notice full symptom relief. During the first months of treatment, you may experience some irregular bleeding or spotting. This often settles as your body adjusts.

Possible side effects of Estramon Conti

Like all medicines, Estramon Conti can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects include:

• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Mood changes
• Skin irritation at the application site
• Irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the first few months

Less common but more serious risks associated with hormone replacement therapy include:

• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Endometrial cancer (if estrogen is used without progesterone)

Your individual risk depends on factors such as your age, family history, weight, smoking status and medical history. Using combined HRT like Estramon Conti slightly increases certain risks compared to not using HRT, but the absolute risk in healthy women under 60 is generally low.

Your doctor will regularly review your treatment to ensure it remains appropriate for you.

Important safety information

Before starting Estramon Conti, you should have a full medical consultation. This includes discussing your personal and family medical history.

While using Estramon Conti:

• Attend regular check-ups as advised.
• Continue routine breast screening (mammograms).
• Have cervical screening as recommended.
• Check your breasts regularly for changes such as lumps, skin dimpling or nipple discharge.

Tell your doctor if you develop:

• High blood pressure
• Migraine headaches for the first time
• Significant changes in liver function
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding after several months of stable use

Hormone replacement therapy should be reviewed at least once a year. The goal is always to use the lowest effective dose for symptom control.

When to seek medical help

Stop using Estramon Conti and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Painful swelling or redness in your leg
• Sudden chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden severe headache
• Vision changes
• Speech difficulties
• Weakness on one side of your body
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes (possible liver problem)
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice:

• Unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding
• A new lump in your breast
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Any sudden or significant change in your health

If you are unsure whether a symptom is related to hormone replacement therapy, it is always safer to seek medical advice.

Estramon Conti is an effective continuous combined HRT patch designed to relieve menopause symptoms and help maintain bone health in postmenopausal women. When prescribed appropriately and monitored regularly, it can significantly improve quality of life during and after menopause. Always use Estramon Conti under medical supervision and ensure regular follow-up to maintain safety and effectiveness.