Angeliq

Contain two active ingredients : Estradiol Hemihydrate 1 mg & Drospirenone 2 mg. These are forms of the main female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Estradiol is a naturally occuring form of oestrogen and drospirenone is a synthetic form of progesterone.

Women's ovaries gradually produce less and less oestrogen in the period up to the menopause, and oestrogen blood levels decline as a result. The declining levels of oestrogen can cause distressing symptoms, such as irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and vaginal dryness or itching.

Oestrogen (in this case in the form of estradiol) can be given as a supplement to replace the falling levels in the body and help reduce these distressing symptoms of the menopause. This is known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is usually only required for short-term relief from menopausal symptoms and its use should be reviewed at least once a year with your doctor.

A progestogen (in this case in the form of drospirenone) is needed as part of HRT for women who have not had a hysterectomy. This is because in women with an intact womb, oestrogen stimulates the growth of the womb lining (endometrium), which can lead to endometrial cancer if the growth is unopposed. A progestogen is given to oppose oestrogen's effect on the womb lining. This reduces the risk of cancer, though it does not eliminate this risk entirely. This is known as combined HRT.

Angeliq is a continuous form of combined HRT. Each tablet contains both estradiol and drospirenone, so that a dose of both hormones is taken daily. This type of HRT does not produce a monthly bleed, and so is more suitable for women whose periods have already stopped, eg for postmenopausal women who have not had a period for at least 12 months.

HRT is also sometimes used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The declining level of oestrogen at menopause can affect the bones, causing them to become thinner and more prone to breaking. Oestrogen supplements help prevent bone loss and fractures that may occur in women in the years after menopause.

What is it used for?

Hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms of the menopause.

Second-line option for preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at high risk of fractures and cannot take other medicines licensed for preventing osteoporosis.

Size : 28 tablets / box