Femoston 1/10 and 2/10; sequential (cyclical) HRT

Recommended for:People who are perimenopausal (still having periods or less than 12 months since their last period)Those in early postmenopause (typically within 12 months of their final period)These regimens mimic a menstrual cycle and produce a predictable monthly withdrawal bleed.Femoston 1/10:Days 1–14: White tablets – 1 mg oestradiolDays 15–28: Grey tablets – 1 mg oestradiol + 10 mg dydrogesteroneFemoston 2/10:Days 1–14: Brick red tablets – 2 mg oestradiolDays 15–28: Yellow tablets – 2 mg oestradiol + 10 mg dydrogesteroneA monthly bleed is expected during the progestogen phase.

Femoston Conti 1/5 – continuous combined HRT

Recommended for:People who are postmenopausal (12+ months since their last natural period)Those seeking a bleed-free HRT regimenThis formulation delivers the same dose daily without a cycle, aiming to prevent bleeding altogether.Femoston Conti 1/5:Take 1 tablet daily – 1 mg oestradiol + 5 mg dydrogesteroneNo switching between tablets or phasesNo scheduled bleeding — occasional spotting may occur in the first few months but usually settles. Continuous combined HRT should not be used in people who are still having periods or are less than 12 months post-menopause, as it may lead to unpredictable bleeding.

Which Femoston is right for me?

If you’re still having periods or are in the first year after menopause → Femoston 1/10 or 2/10If you’ve had no periods for over a year → Femoston Conti 1/5

Why does one cause bleeding and the other doesn’t?

Sequential regimens mimic a natural cycle and trigger monthly bleeds. Continuous regimens aim for no bleeding by keeping hormone levels steady.

Does Femoston cause weight gain?

Not directly. Weight changes are more likely due to ageing or lifestyle. Some people experience mild fluid retention.

How long can I take Femoston?

This depends on your symptoms, risk profile, and preferences. Most people are reviewed yearly to assess ongoing need.

Femoston

Learn what Femoston is, its benefits and how to use it safely.

Medically reviewed by Dr Zahra Khan

MBBS, MSc (Dist)

Updated on 6th August 2025

What is Femoston?

Femoston is a combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) available in sequential and continuous forms, prescribed for people who still have a womb. It contains:

Oestradiol – a body-identical oestrogen that relieves menopause symptoms
Dydrogesterone – a progestogen that protects the womb lining from thickening

When oestrogen is taken without progestogen, it can cause the endometrium (womb lining) to thicken, increasing the risk of cancer. The dydrogesterone in Femoston counteracts this, keeping the lining healthy.

Femoston comes in three formulations:

Femoston 1/10 – sequential (low dose)
Femoston 2/10 – sequential (higher dose)
Femoston Conti 1/5 – continuous combined

Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate version based on whether you're perimenopausal (still having periods or irregular cycles) or postmenopausal (no periods for 12+ months).