GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Elleste Duet is a medication used for hormone replacement therapy in women and in the management of menopausal symptoms. '.

If you think Elleste Duet is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Elleste Duet HRT

Elleste duet is a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), used to treat women who have started to show signs of the menopause.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Elleste Duet patient information leaflet.

During a woman’s menopause, natural levels of oestrogen production begin to drop. Elleste duet contains two female hormones; an oestrogen (estradiol hemihydrate) and a progestogen (norethisterone acetate); which work to replenish a woman’s natural hormone levels and offset the effects of menopause.

Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes (of the face, neck and chest), irregular menstrual cycle, night sweats, weight gain, thinning of hair and mood changes.

These symptoms can often disrupt daily life so using HRT medication, such as Elleste duet, can restore the natural hormone balance.

Elleste duet is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet. Your doctor will aim to prescribe you as lower dose as possible in order to treat your symptoms.

The packs contain 16 tablets in one colour, and then 12 tablets in another colour - you should always start with the one that contains 16 tablets. Take one tablet each day, at approximately the same time of day, by swallowing whole with a drink of water. The first tablet will have an arrow next to it, to assist you in making sure you’re taking it correctly.

If you are still having regular periods then you should start your Elleste duet on the first day of bleeding. If you are not having regular periods then you can start the medication at any time. If you are already on another kind of HRT medication then you should start Elleste duet on the day after you finish your previous pack.

Many women taking Elleste duet will have a monthly bleed, like a period, while a lot will also experience no bleeding at all. If you do notice bleeding, then this could be anywhere from day 21 of your packet, to day 5 of the next one. However, if you notice any erraticism then you should contact your doctor.

Elleste duet contains active ingredients in the form of female hormones. The tablets are available in two different strengths and your doctor will prescribe you the weakest one possible.

Elleste Duet 1mg

In Elleste duet 1mg, the first 16 tablets contain 1 mg estradiol (as estradiol hemihydrate), and then the following 12 tablets (different colour) contain 1mg estradiol (as estradiol hemihydrate) and 1 mg norethisterone acetate.

Elleste Duet 2mg

What should I do if I forget to take a dose of Elleste Duet?

If you forget to take your Elleste Duet tablet then you should take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s more than 12 hours late. In this case, you should dispose of the missed tablet and resume taking the medication as normal.

If you take more Elleste duet than you should, then you should have no problems. However, you may have side effects like breast tenderness, tiredness or problems with skin (such as acne). If you are worried then you should contact your doctor.

Elleste Duet Side Effects

Before taking Elleste duet, you should always first consult your doctor. You should not take Elleste Duet if any of the following apply to you:

• If you have ever had breast cancer or are suspected of having it
• If you have cancer that is sensitive to oestrogens
• If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
• If you have excessive thickening of the womb lining
• If you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein
• If you have a blood clotting disorder
• If you have ever had a disease caused by blood clotting in the arteries
• If you have ever had a liver disease
• If you have a rare blood problem called porphyria
• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medication

Your prescription of Elleste duet may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:

• If you’ve ever had fibroids inside the womb
• If you’ve ever had growth of the womb lining outside of your womb
• If you have an increased risk of developing blood clots
• If you have an increased risk of oestrogen-sensitive cancer (ie family history)
• If you have high blood pressure
• If you have a liver disorder
• If you have diabetes
• If you have gallstones
• If you suffer with migraines or severe headaches
• If you have a disease of the immune system that affects many organs
• If you have epilepsy
• If you have asthma
• If you have a disease affecting the eardrum and hearing
• If you have a very high level of fat in your blood
• If you have fluid retention due to cardiac or kidney problems

Like many medications with active ingredients, Elleste duet can affect or be affected by other medicines. Particular medications that you may experience this with include the following:

• Medicines for epilepsy
• Medicines for tuberculosis
• Medicines for HIV infection
• Herbal remedies containing St John’s Wort.

If you are taking any of the above medications, then you should make your doctor aware so that they can advise whether or not Elleste duet will be the best course of action for you.

Taking HRT medication can increase your chances of excessive thickening of the lining of the womb or cancer of the womb lining, however, Elleste duet’s addition of progestogen protects you from this extra risk. All HRT medication can increase your risks of breast cancer so be sure to inspect your breasts regularly and notify your doctor of any changes you notice.

Blood clots are higher in HRT users than in non-users, especially during the first year of taking it. Again, you should keep an eye out for any possible signs of a blood clot and contact your doctor if you notice anything different.

The most common side effects of using Elleste duet include:

• Headache
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Painful periods
• Problems with your menstrual cycle
• Mood changes
• Vaginal discharge
• Breakthrough bleeding
• Changes in sex drive

If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. You should also contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects.

You can safely buy Elleste duet online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Elleste duet is the right medication for your medical condition.