FemSeven

Femseven is a patch you stick to your skin to alleviate the symptoms of the menopause. It’s also known as FemSeven Mono, as it only contains one active ingredient, estradiol hemihydrate. This is a form of the hormone oestrogen. Other HRT treatments can also contain a type of medication known as a progestin, a man-made version of the hormone progesterone. These are known as combined HRT.

FemSeven patches are for postmenopausal women who haven’t had a period in over 12 months.^[1] If you’re just starting to experience symptoms of perimenopause and still having irregular periods (also known as the menopausal transition) you’ll be prescribed a different treatment (like Evorel Sequi).

Oestrogen-only HRT treatments like FemSeven are best suited to women who have had their uterus removed (a hysterectomy). This is because taking oestrogens alone over a long period of time can increase the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the womb’s lining) and endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb’s lining). If you haven’t had a hysterectomy, a treatment that also contains a progesterone will be prescribed instead. Progesterone counteracts and balance the effects of oestrogen in the body, reducing the heightened risk of cancer^[2]

The menopausal transition is when the levels of oestrogen and progesterone produced by women’s ovaries go down as they get older. The decrease in hormones can cause symptoms like low mood, anxiety, hot flushes, sleeplessness, and vaginal pain or dryness.^[3]

FemSeven patches are applied directly to the skin, allowing your body to absorb oestrogen from them. This balances your body’s oestrogen levels, and helps treat the symptoms of menopause. While it won’t ‘cure’ the menopause, it should make your symptoms much more manageable (or even stop them entirely).

What doses do FemSeven patches come in?

There are three doses of FemSeven patches, and you’ll be prescribed the lowest dose for as little time as necessary in order to treat your symptoms^[1] This is to minimise the risk of side effects. If you feel your dose is too high or too low for your current symptoms, speak to your clinician. They’ll work with you to find the dosage that works best for you.

The lowest dose of FemSeven patch available is FemSeven 50, where each patch contains 1.5 milligrams of estradiol, releasing a 50 microgram dose every day. If this is too low to treat your symptoms, your doctor may suggest moving to FemSeven 75 patches. These contain 2.25mg of estradiol, and release 75mcg per 24-hours. The highest dose of FemSeven patches available are Femseven 100, which each contain 3mg of estradiol, and release 100mcg per day.

FemSeven patches are applied to the skin once a week. You’ll wear your patch for seven days and then swap it for a fresh one on the next day, so you’re always wearing a patch. If it’s the first time you’re using a FemSeven patch, you can usually start your treatment on any day that suits you.

To use your FemSeven patch:

• open the pouch by tearing the perforated edges, and remove your patch.
• using the S-shaped split, peel off half of the protective liner covering your patch to reveal the adhesive surface underneath. Make sure not to touch this before you stick it to your skin, as this can stop it adhering properly later.
• apply the patch somewhere that your skin isn’t wrinkled, and where it’s less likely to be rubbed off by clothing. Good places to choose are the buttocks, hips, or abdomen. Never apply a patch on or around your breasts. Make sure the area you pick is clean, dry, and not broken or irritated.
• peel away the second half of the protective liner, and press the patch firmly against your skin with the palm of your hand for 30 seconds. Your body’s warmth will help the patch to stick better.

All you need to do to remove a patch is lift one edge away from your skin and pull. Make sure to fold it in half so the adhesive sticks to itself, then throw it away. You should never apply a new patch to the same place you just removed one from.

After starting your menopause treatment with FemSeven, it might take a few weeks before you feel the full benefit. Typically, you’ll use your treatment for around three months before having a chat with your clinician. If it’s helping with your symptoms, you’ll likely continue with the therapy while seeing them for regular check ups. This is to make sure it’s still a safe and suitable treatment for you. And if it isn’t, they might change your dose, or the type of HRT you’re using.

If you’re having trouble with your FemSeven patches not sticking, there are a couple of things you can try. Make sure the spot you’re applying the patch to isn’t oily, irritated, dry or broken. This will give the patch a good surface to adhere to. Then, make sure to press down firmly on the patch for at least 30 seconds. The heat from your body and hand will make the patch stick better. You can also try and press down on the patch for up to 30 seconds in the morning or throughout the day to ensure it stays down.

If you still find your patches are coming off, you can try using a transparent film to hold them in place.

If your patch starts to peel off before the seven days are up, remove it completely and apply a fresh patch. You should replace this new patch when you would have replaced the old one.

You should only ever use your FemSeven patches as you’re instructed to by your clinician. If you forget to change your patch after wearing it for seven days, you should change it as soon as possible. Then, stick to your original schedule and change your new patch a week from when you forgot to change it.

If you accidentally apply more patches than you should, remove all the patches you currently have on. You shouldn’t need any treatment, but you could experience some menstruation-like bleeding. If you have any concerns, get in touch with your doctor or clinician.