FemSeven is a prescription-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) designed to relieve menopause symptoms. It also serves as a secondary treatment to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fractures who cannot take other osteoporosis medications. FemSeven patches are particularly suited for women who have had a hysterectomy.
Dr Sarah Thornton MbChB, Coaching Academy diploma with distinction
Medical coaching
What are Femeseven patches?
FemSeven is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patch that delivers a consistent dose of oestrogen to the body, available in strengths of 50, 75, and 100. These patches are applied to the skin below the waist and are worn continuously, requiring replacement once a week. The active ingredient, estradiol hemihydrate, supplements the body’s natural oestrogen levels, helping to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.
Unlike some other HRT treatments, FemSeven contains only oestrogen, making it most suitable for women who have had a hysterectomy. Women with an intact uterus typically require combination treatment, such as FemSeven Conti Patches, which include both oestrogen and progestogen. This is because oestrogen alone can cause the womb lining to grow, increasing the risk of endometrial cancer. Progestogen helps reduce this risk by inhibiting the growth of the womb lining. For women who have had a hysterectomy, this risk is eliminated, making FemSeven a safe option.
What is the active ingredient in Femseven patches?
The active substance is: estradiol hemihydrate.
What are Femeseven patches used for?
FemSeven is used for:
Relief of Post-Menopausal Symptoms:
During menopause, the body's production of oestrogen decreases, leading to symptoms like hot flushes in the face, neck, and chest. FemSeven helps alleviate these symptoms after menopause, and it is prescribed when these symptoms significantly affect daily life. However, experience with FemSeven in women over 65 is limited.
Prevention of Osteoporosis:
After menopause, some women may develop osteoporosis, making their bones fragile. If you are at increased risk of fractures due to osteoporosis and other treatments are unsuitable, FemSeven can be used to help prevent osteoporosis after menopause.
Suitability for Women with Hysterectomy:
FemSeven is ideal for women who have had a hysterectomy. If you haven't had this procedure, your doctor will typically prescribe an additional hormone supplement called progestogen to protect the lining of the womb (endometrium). If your hysterectomy was due to endometriosis, your doctor may also prescribe progestogen to protect any remaining endometrial tissue.
How do Femseven patches work?
Estradiol (also known as E2 or 17?-estradiol) is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the human body. It plays a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle and is closely involved in hormonally-mediated conditions. In pre-menopausal women, the ovarian follicle releases between 70 to 500 mcg of estradiol daily. After menopause, the primary form of oestrogen in the body becomes estrone, which is produced by the conversion of androstenedione to estrone in peripheral tissues.
Estradiol is significantly more potent than estrone. The shift from this stronger hormone (estradiol) to a weaker one (estrone) is responsible for many menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, irregular periods, chills, and sleep disturbances.
Supplementing the body’s natural oestrogen levels with estradiol hemihydrate, as found in FemSeven, can help reduce or even eliminate these menopausal symptoms.
How to Use Patches
Dosage Instructions
FemSeven is an oestrogen-only patch that should be applied to the skin once a week on a continuous basis, meaning you replace each patch with a new one every 7 days. Always use FemSeven exactly as your doctor has instructed. If you are unsure about the dosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
For Children: FemSeven is not recommended for use in children.
For Adults and the Elderly: Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose to manage your symptoms for the shortest time necessary. If you feel that the dosage is too strong or not strong enough, discuss this with your doctor.
You can usually begin treatment on any convenient day. However, if you still have your womb and are switching to FemSeven from a sequential HRT product, you should start FemSeven immediately after your withdrawal bleed has ended. Each patch is worn for 7 days and replaced with a new one the following day, ensuring continuous treatment with one patch at a time.
Applying the Patch:
Remove the Patch: Take the patch out of its pouch as shown in pictures 1 and 2.
Peel Off Protective Liner: Peel away half of the protective liner at the ‘S-shaped notch and apply the patch to your skin as shown in pictures 3 and 4. Try to avoid touching the adhesive side of the patch with your fingers, as this may affect its ability to stick properly.
Apply the Patch: Remove the remaining half of the protective liner, then press the patch firmly against your skin with the palm of your hand for at least 30 seconds, as shown in pictures 5 and 6. The warmth from your body will help the patch adhere better.
Choosing the Application Area:
Select a location with minimal skin wrinkling, where the patch won’t be rubbed off by clothing, such as your buttocks, hips, or abdomen (avoid the waist).
Do not apply the patch on or near your breasts.
Avoid placing a new patch on the same area of skin where the previous one was applied. Ensure the skin is clean, dry, and free from cuts or irritation.
If applied correctly, the patch should stay on even during baths, showers, or swimming. However, avoid exposing the patch to direct sunlight.
Removing the Patch:
To remove, lift one edge and gently pull the patch off. Fold the patch in half (adhesive sides together) and dispose of it properly.
If the patch begins to come off before the 7-day period, remove it completely and apply a new one. Continue with your usual schedule for patch changes.
If you forget to change your patch on time, replace it as soon as possible and then resume your regular schedule. If you still have your womb, missing a patch change may increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding.
If you use more FemSeven than you should
If you apply too many patches, overdose is unlikely – removal of the patches is the only action required.
If you forget to use FemSeven
Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Who should not use Femseven patches?
Before starting FemSeven, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Contraception Notice:
FemSeven is not a contraceptive.
For Women with an Intact Uterus: A progestogen hormone treatment should be added for at least the last twelve days of your FemSeven therapy each cycle.
For Women Less Than 12 Months Post-Menopause or Under 50 Years Old: You may still be fertile and should use additional contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. Speak to your doctor for personalized advice on suitable contraception.
Before You Start the Treatment:
Inform your doctor if you have ever experienced any of the following conditions before beginning treatment with FemSeven, as these conditions may reoccur or worsen during the course of treatment. If any of these apply to you, your doctor may recommend more frequent check-ups:
Benign Tumors of the Womb: Such as fibroids.
Endometriosis: Growth of the womb lining outside the womb.
Endometrial Hyperplasia: A history of abnormal growth of the womb lining.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Refer to the section on “Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)” for more information.
Increased Cancer Risk: Especially cancers that require estrogen for growth, such as breast cancer, particularly if a close relative (mother, sister, grandmother) has had breast cancer.
High Blood Pressure.
Liver Disorders: Including benign liver tumors.
Diabetes.
Gallstones.
Migraine or Severe Headaches.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A disease of the immune system that affects multiple organs.
Epilepsy.
Asthma.
Otosclerosis: A disease affecting the eardrum and hearing.
High Triglycerides: A very high level of fat in your blood.
Fluid Retention: Caused by cardiac or kidney problems.
Hereditary and Acquired Angioedema.
If You Need to Have Surgery
If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon that you are using FemSeven. You may need to stop using FemSeven about 4 to 6 weeks before the operation to reduce the risk of developing a blood clot (see the section on "Blood clots in a vein"). Your doctor will advise you on when it is safe to resume using FemSeven after the surgery.
Stop Using FemSeven and See a Doctor Immediately
If you experience any of the following while using HRT, stop using FemSeven and seek medical attention right away:
Development of any conditions mentioned in the "Do not use FemSeven" section.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice), which may indicate liver disease.
Swelling of the face, tongue, and/or throat, difficulty swallowing, or hives, along with difficulty breathing, which may suggest angioedema.
A significant increase in blood pressure, which may present as headaches, fatigue, or dizziness.
Migraine-like headaches that occur for the first time.
If you become pregnant.
Signs of a blood clot, such as:
Painful swelling and redness in the legs.
Sudden chest pain.
Difficulty breathing.
For more details, refer to the section on "Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)."
HRT and Cancer
Thickening of the Womb Lining (Endometrial Hyperplasia) and Endometrial Cancer: Using oestrogen-only HRT can increase the risk of excessive thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia) and, in some cases, can lead to cancer of the womb lining (endometrial cancer). To mitigate this risk, a progestogen is typically prescribed alongside oestrogen for at least 12 days of each 28-day cycle if you still have your womb. If you've had a hysterectomy (removal of the womb), your doctor will determine if it's safe for you to take oestrogen-only HRT without the addition of a progestogen.
For women who still have a womb and are not on HRT, about 5 in 1,000 are diagnosed with endometrial cancer between the ages of 50 and 65. However, in women of the same age group who take oestrogen-only HRT, the number of cases increases to between 10 and 60 per 1,000, depending on the dosage and duration of treatment.
FemSeven contains a higher dose of oestrogens compared to other oestrogen-only HRT products. The specific risk of endometrial cancer when using FemSeven combined with a progestogen treatment is currently unknown.
Breast Cancer:
Research indicates that using combined oestrogen-progestogen or oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of breast cancer. The level of risk depends on the duration of HRT use, with the additional risk becoming apparent after about three years of use. Once HRT is stopped, this extra risk gradually decreases, but it can persist for 10 years or more, especially if HRT has been used for more than five years.
For women aged 50 to 54 who do not take HRT, approximately 13 to 17 out of 1,000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer over a five-year period. Among women aged 50 who use oestrogen-only HRT for five years, the number of cases rises to 16-17 per 1,000 users (an additional 0 to 3 cases). For those using combined oestrogen-progestogen HRT for five years, the number increases to 21 cases per 1,000 users (an additional 4 to 8 cases).
For women aged 50 to 59 who are not using HRT, around 27 in 1,000 will develop breast cancer over a ten-year period. For those using oestrogen-only HRT for ten years, the number of cases increases to 34 per 1,000 users (an additional 7 cases). For women using combined oestrogen-progestogen HRT for ten years, the number rises to 48 per 1,000 users (an additional 21 cases).
It's important to regularly check your breasts and consult your doctor if you notice any changes, such as:
Dimpling of the skin
Changes in the nipple
Any lumps you can see or feel
You are also encouraged to participate in mammography screening programs when offered. Be sure to inform the healthcare professional conducting the mammogram that you use HRT, as it can increase breast density, potentially affecting the results. Increased breast density may make it more challenging for mammography to detect lumps.
Ovarian Cancer:
Ovarian cancer is relatively rare compared to breast cancer. However, the use of estrogen-only or combined estrogen-progestogen HRT has been linked to a slightly increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
The risk of ovarian cancer varies with age. For instance, among women aged 50 to 54 who are not taking HRT, approximately 2 out of 2,000 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer over a five-year period. For women who have been using HRT for five years, the number increases to about 3 cases per 2,000 users (equivalent to about 1 additional case).
Effects of HRT on Your Heart and Circulation
Blood Clots in a Vein (Thrombosis)
The risk of developing blood clots in the veins is approximately 1.3 to 3 times higher in HRT users compared to non-users, particularly during the first year of treatment. Blood clots can be serious, and if one travels to the lungs, it can cause chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, or even death.
Your risk of developing a blood clot in your veins increases with age and if any of the following conditions apply to you. For signs of a blood clot, refer to the section "Stop using FemSeven and see a doctor immediately."
Inform your doctor if any of these situations apply to you:
You are unable to move for an extended period due to major surgery, injury, or illness (see also the section on surgery).
You are seriously overweight (BMI > 30 kg/m²).
You have a blood clotting disorder that requires long-term treatment with medication to prevent clots.
A close relative has experienced a blood clot in the leg, lung, or another organ.
You have an immune system disorder that affects multiple organs (systemic lupus erythematosus).
You have cancer.
Blood Clots in Veins For women in their 50s who are not taking HRT, on average, 4 to 7 out of 1,000 would be expected to develop a blood clot in a vein over a 5-year period. In contrast, for women in their 50s who have been using HRT containing both oestrogen and progestogen for over 5 years, the incidence increases to 9 to 12 cases per 1,000 users (an additional 5 cases). For women in their 50s who have had a hysterectomy and are using oestrogen-only HRT for more than 5 years, the rate is slightly lower at 5 to 8 cases per 1,000 users (an additional 1 case).
Heart Disease (Heart Attack) There is no evidence that HRT prevents heart attacks. Women over 60 who use HRT containing both oestrogen and progestogen are slightly more likely to develop heart disease than those not using HRT. However, women who have had a hysterectomy and are taking oestrogen-only therapy do not have an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Stroke The risk of having a stroke is about 1.5 times higher in HRT users compared to non-users, and this risk increases with age. For women in their 50s who are not taking HRT, around 8 in 1,000 would be expected to have a stroke over a 5-year period. For women in their 50s who are taking HRT, the incidence rises to 11 cases per 1,000 users over 5 years (an additional 3 cases).
Other Conditions HRT does not prevent memory loss. There is some evidence suggesting a higher risk of memory loss in women who begin using HRT after the age of 65. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Laboratory Tests If you need to have a blood test, inform your doctor or the laboratory staff that you are using FemSeven, as this medication can influence the results of certain tests.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding FemSeven is intended for use only in postmenopausal women. If you become pregnant, discontinue using FemSeven immediately and consult your doctor. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.
What are the side effects of the Femseven patch?
Like all medications, FemSeven can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. For details on side effects that require you to stop treatment, refer to Section 2, "Stop using FemSeven and see a doctor immediately."
The following conditions are reported more frequently in women using HRT compared to those who are not:
Breast cancer
Abnormal growth or cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia or cancer)
Ovarian cancer
Blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)
Heart disease
Stroke
Potential memory loss if HRT is started after the age of 65
The following side effects may occur very commonly (in more than 1 in 10 people):
Application site reactions, including:
Itching (pruritus)
Redness (erythema)
Eczema
Urticaria
Swelling (oedema)
Changes in skin pigmentation
These reactions are generally mild and usually disappear within 2 or 3 days after removing the patch.
The following side effects may occur commonly (up to 1 in 10 people):
Headache
Breast discomfort, such as breast pain (mastalgia), breast enlargement
The following side effects may occur uncommonly (up to 1 in 100 people):
Changes in hair, increased sweating
Joint pain (arthralgia), leg cramps
Dizziness, tingling in fingers or toes (paresthesia), migraine
The following potential side effect may occur rarely (up to 1 in 1,000 people):
Worsening of uterine fibroids (benign growths in the womb)
The following side effects have been reported with other HRT treatments:
Gall bladder disease
Various skin disorders, including:
Discoloration of the skin, particularly on the face or neck, known as "pregnancy patches" (chloasma)
Painful reddish nodules (erythema nodosum)
Rash with target-shaped reddening or sores (erythema multiforme)
If any of these side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed here, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of Side Effects
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Reporting side effects can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Do the Femseven patches interact with other medicines?
Certain medicines may affect how FemSeven works, potentially leading to irregular bleeding. This applies to the following types of medications:
Medicines for epilepsy (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine)
Medicines for tuberculosis (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin)
Medicines for HIV infection (e.g., nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir, nelfinavir)
Herbal remedies containing St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Medicines for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) (e.g., combination regimens such as ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir, and regimens with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) may cause an increase in liver function blood test results (ALT liver enzyme) in women using combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) containing ethinylestradiol. While FemSeven contains estradiol instead of ethinylestradiol, it is not known if a similar increase in ALT liver enzyme levels might occur when using FemSeven with these HCV combination regimens. Your doctor will provide guidance on this.
Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, or other natural products.
Femseven patches FAQs
What are FemSeven Patches and what are they used for? FemSeven is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patch that delivers a controlled dose of oestrogen (estradiol hemihydrate) to the body. Available in strengths of 50, 75, and 100, these patches are applied to the skin below the waist and worn continuously for one week, after which they need to be replaced. FemSeven is primarily used to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings by supplementing the body's natural oestrogen levels.
How does FemSeven differ from other HRT treatments? Unlike some other HRT treatments, FemSeven contains only oestrogen and is most suitable for women who have had a hysterectomy. Women with an intact uterus may require combination treatment, such as FemSeven Conti Patches, which include a progestogen to protect against endometrial cancer. For women without a hysterectomy, a progestogen must be taken alongside FemSeven to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
How does FemSeven help manage menopausal symptoms? FemSeven supplements the body's natural oestrogen levels with estradiol hemihydrate, a potent form of oestrogen. This helps alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and sleeping problems, which are caused by the decrease in oestrogen production during menopause.
Is FemSeven right for me? FemSeven is available by prescription only. It is most suitable for women who have undergone a hysterectomy. Women with an intact uterus will require an additional progestogen treatment. An online consultation with a qualified professional can help determine if FemSeven is the right treatment for you.
How do I use FemSeven Patches? FemSeven patches should be applied to clean, dry skin on the buttocks, hips, or abdomen, avoiding the waist and breasts. Each patch is worn for seven days before being replaced with a new one. If a patch comes off before the seven days, apply a new patch and continue with your regular schedule.
What are the ingredients in FemSeven? The active ingredient in FemSeven is estradiol hemihydrate. Other ingredients include transparent polyethylene terephthalate foil, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, and glycerine esters of completely hydrogenated resins.
What are the risks associated with using FemSeven? While FemSeven can effectively manage menopausal symptoms, it carries certain risks, including an increased likelihood of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, blood clots, heart disease, and stroke. Women over the age of 65 using HRT may also have a higher risk of memory loss. Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential to monitor these risks.
What are the common side effects of FemSeven? Common side effects of FemSeven include skin reactions at the application site (such as itching, redness, and eczema), headache, and breast discomfort. Most of these reactions are mild and resolve within a few days after removing the patch.
What should I do if I experience side effects while using FemSeven? If you experience severe side effects such as jaundice, migraine-like headaches, or signs of a blood clot (painful swelling in the legs, sudden chest pain, or difficulty breathing), stop using FemSeven immediately and consult your doctor. For other side effects, speak to your healthcare provider for advice.
Is it safe to buy FemSeven online? Yes, but only purchase FemSeven from a UK-registered online pharmacy like MedicalMojo.co.uk to ensure the medication is safe and genuine. An online consultation is required to assess your suitability for FemSeven before a prescription can be issued. Always consult with your GP or a qualified medical professional before starting any new treatment.
