FemSeven is combined hormone replacement therapy (or HRT for short) available in the form of transdermal patches. With two active ingredients, namely, synthetic oestrogen (estradiol) and progesterone (levonorgestrel), this medication can be safely used by women who haven’t undergone hysterectomy procedure without the need for any additional treatments to counterbalance the rising levels of oestrogen which result from the introduction of estradiol into the system. In the UK, this medication can be bought in two forms – FemSeven Sequi and FemSeven Conti which are classified as sequential HRT and continuous HRT respectively.

What’s on this page?

This simple and non-invasive treatment is used by countless women throughout the UK and it continues to show exceptional results. With just one application per week, FemSeven has been proven time and time again to be highly adept at providing relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.

When to seek medical help?

Menopause is, of course, a completely natural process that all women will experience at some point in their lives and there is nothing that can be done to avert this process. However, at the same time, most women manage to deal with somewhat uncomfortable symptoms of menopause without any issues. However, in a noticeable percentage of women, the decreasing levels of oestrogen and the ensuing hormonal imbalance can cause extreme discomfort, to the point where symptoms of menopause begin having a prominent impact on everyday activities with, for example, severe disturbance of sleep patterns, extreme anxiety and stubborn urinary infections.

If the symptoms of menopause begin being obstacles to everyday activities, it is advised that you seek medical assistance and consult with a doctor so he can prescribe you suitable hormone replacement therapy that will help you deal with the symptoms much more easily.

How does FemSeven help with menopause symptoms?

Combined HRTs such as FemSeven or Indivina are commonly prescribed to women who have not had the medical procedure involving surgical removal of the womb (called hysterectomy) since oestrogen-only treatments are not suitable in these cases. This is so because uncontrolled rise in the levels of oestrogen can contribute to excessive thickening of the uterine wall and thus significantly increase the risk of cancerous growths. This is why progesterone is always prescribed alongside oestrogen-only treatments as it will efficiently keep the rising oestrogen levels in check and prevent complications ensuing from uncontrolled changes.

As FemSeven is available in two different forms, it comes as no surprise that those two forms have slightly different mechanisms of action, but also modes of use. FemSeven Sequi patches are used sequentially, meaning that during the first two weeks of each months, only patches containing estradiol (synthetic oestrogen) are used, with combined patches, containing both estradiol and levonorgestrel being used afterwards, for the second two weeks of the cycle.

On the other hand, FemSeven Conti is a continuous HRT, meaning that this version of the medicine contains just patches with both hormones present. As such, they are intended to be used in an unbroken weekly schedule.

It is important to notice that one of the most important differences between the two are that the sequential form of FemSeven will contribute to menstrual bleeding by the end of the cycle, and as such, it is recommended for women who still experience menstrual bleeding. On the other hand, FemSeven Conti can contribute to the absence of periods and because of this it should be used only by women who already had their last period.

However, regardless of the difference between sequential and continuous forms, all FemSeven patches have same mode of administration. As transdermal patches, they are simply applied to an area of skin and worn for a period of one week (ideally, on the lower part of body which is clean, dry and without injuries). They release consistent and precisely measured dose of hormones into the organism through the skin.

How to use FemSeven patches?

In order to ensure the best results possible when using FemSeven, you should precisely follow the instructions provided by your prescriber. In addition to this, you will find valuable information on how to use this medication in the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of FemSeven. By adhering to the instructions you will not only optimise your results, but also minimise the risk of experiencing side effects.

Here we will provide you with some of the most general guidelines which, of course, cannot be a substitute for the official information or the doctor’s advice. As such, they are intended to serve as a kind of illustration that will help you get a better understanding of what FemSeven use will involve.

  • The adhesive patches are applied every seven days
  • Apply the patch to clean, dry and uninjured area of skin on the lower body
  • Each new patch should be applied to different area of skin to avoid irritation
  • Never use the patches on or near the breasts
  • Prior to use, be sure to get familiar with the full illustrated instruction that you can find in the patient information leaflet
  • If a patch falls off prematurely, replace it with new patch and continue the course as usual
  • Never apply more than one patch at the time
  • Showering, swimming and bathing will not affect the patches, but you should still avoid contact with water within the first hour following new patch application

What are FemSeven side effects?

While not everyone using this medication will experience side effects, it is still important to get familiar with them before commencing the treatment. It is especially important to be able to differentiate between those side effects that might require you to halt treatment and seek immediate medical attention and those which can be uncomfortable, but not dangerous.

You should stop using FemSeven if you notice any signs and symptoms indicative of:

  • Jaundice
  • Sudden rise in blood pressure
  • Dizziness and tiredness
  • Migraines (without prior history)
  • Blood clot
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sudden chest pains
  • Swelling and redness of the legs

FemSeven Sequi side effects

Frequency of occurrence Side effects
Common (1 in 10 users) Painful or tender breasts, tightness in the chest, general malaise, irregular spotting or bleeding, changes in libido, headaches
Uncommon (1 in 100 users) Excess growth of the uterine lining, migraines, vertigo, benign tumours in the breasts, uncomfortable periods, abdominal pain and bloating, water retention, hypertension, fluctuations in body weight, leg cramps
Rare (1 in 1000 users) Jaundice, depression, gallstones, fibroids in the womb

Please keep in mind that this is not a full list of all documented side effects. For a more comprehensive guide, please refer to the FemSeven Sequi official patient information leaflet.

FemSeven Conti side effects

Frequency of occurrence Side effects
Very common (1 in 10 users or more) Tenderness in breasts, skin irritation on the site of application, spotting or bleeding
Common (1 in 10 users or less) Breast pain, indigestion, headaches

 

Uncommon (1 in 100 users) Weight fluctuations, fluid retention, leg cramps, tiredness, nausea, abdominal pain, bloatedness, high blood pressure, benign breast growths, depression
Rare (1 in 1000 users) Gallstones, jaundice, womb fibroids

 

Please keep in mind that this is not a full list of all documented side effects. For a more comprehensive guide, please refer to the FemSeven Conti official patient information leaflet.