Menopause symptoms can wreak havoc on your daily routine and managing them can be even harder. Hot flushes, night sweats and even mood swings can totally change your life — causing you to struggle with what were once simple tasks.
However, there are treatments out there that aim to alleviate your symptoms such as Kliofem. But what is Kliofem and does it actually work for menopause symptoms? Learn more here with reviews.healthcare.
What is Kliofem?
Kliofem is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that is used to treat the symptoms of menopause. It comes in the form of a tablet and you’ll need to take it once a day until the whole pack is gone, then move on to the next. Kliofem also needs to be taken at the same time every day, so setting a reminder can be extremely helpful.
If you forget to take your daily dose of Kliofem and it’s still within 12 hours of when you usually take it, you can take the missing dose. But if it’s more than 12 hours, you need to skip it and begin taking it again the next day.
Kliofem is made from 2 mg of estradiol and 1 mg of norethisterone which are synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone respectively. Kliofem has a slightly higher dosage than other HRTs, which could make it more effective for severe symptoms. For example, Kliovance only contains 1 mg of estradiol and 0.5 mg of norethisterone. Some women may start off taking Kliovance and then move to Kliofem when they need something stronger for their symptoms.
What is Kliofem used for?
Kliofem is taken by women who are experiencing severe menopause symptoms such as:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
These symptoms are caused by a hormonal imbalance which occurs because your oestrogen levels drop rapidly when going through menopause. That’s why these symptoms are so hard to manage on your own as they are hard to fully alleviate without the support of additional hormones.
Kliofem will only be prescribed to you if you still have your womb too. If not, then you will be offered oestrogen-only HRT. This is because taking oestrogen-only HRT increases your risk of uterine cancer. This is why you need to have oestrogen and progesterone HRT if you still have your womb as it helps combat the risk.
How long does Kliofem take to work?
Kliofem is a fast-acting HRT and you can see results in as little as 10 days. However, it can take a few weeks or months for you to feel the full effects.
You will have follow-up appointments with your doctor so they can check if it’s working for you. You also need to make sure you speak with your doctor before taking Kliofem, especially if you are already taking another form of HRT.
How long should I take Kliofem?
Most women will take Kliofem for as long as they need it to stop their menopause symptoms. This could be a few months or a few years — it all depends on your unique needs. Make sure you always follow your doctor’s advice and stop taking it if they tell you to.
What are the side effects of Kliofem?
All medications have side effects, and Kliofem is no exception. Most mild side effects will resolve themselves within a few days or weeks of taking it as your body adjusts to the new hormone levels.
However, if you experience any of the below, you need to seek medical attention immediately:
- A severe allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, sweating and itching
- High blood pressure
- The whites of your eyes or skin turn yellow
- New severe headaches or migraines
- Sudden chest pain
- Swollen legs
- Difficulty breathing
Common side effects that aren’t a huge cause for concern can include:
- Breast swelling or tenderness
- Vaginal bleeding
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Low moods
- Back pain
Less common side effects can include:
- Bloating
- Increased hair growth
- Acne
- Itching
- Anxiety
Increased risks
There are also extremely rare side effects of taking Kliofem which means you have a higher risk of developing certain health conditions.
These health conditions can include:
- Breast cancer
- Cancer in the lining of your womb
- Ovarian cancer
- Blood clots
- Heart disease
- Stroke
However, it’s worth remembering that these risks are rare and uncommon.
Weight gain
There’s a common misconception that HRT makes you gain weight. While many women believe the treatment is the cause of their increased weight — there isn’t any scientific evidence proving that taking it leads to weight gain.
Instead, the weight gain can be attributed to changes in lifestyle or other health conditions.
Is taking Kliofem worth it?
With so many potential side effects, it might seem redundant to take Kliofem to help your menopause symptoms. However, many women find that Kliofem eradicates the issues they have with hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness — three symptoms that can greatly disrupt your life.
So, while there may be side effects to taking Kliofem, the benefits can outweigh them. If you’re considering HRT for your menopause symptoms, speak with your doctor and discuss what options are right for you. They will be able to ensure you receive the right dosage and type of HRT for your body — helping you get back to living life to the fullest.
Learn more about taking care of your health in our blog posts.
