Made by Novo Nordisk, shipped from UK.

Novofem (estradiol, norethisterone) is used as a combined hormonal birth control, to treat hot flashes and other menopause symptoms, and to prevent osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.

This medication contains both an estrogen (estradiol) and a progestin (norethisterone). The vast majority of women with an intact uterus taking estrogen supplementation should also take a progestin, to lower odds of developing uterine cancer. Women who have had their uterus removed, and men who occasionally need to supplement estrogen, do not need to worry about taking a progestin. Both estradiol and norethisterone can be bought alone.

Novofem is predominantly used by women of reproductive age and those who are currently going through menopause or who have already gone through menopause. The medication is not used by young girls who haven't yet had their first menstruation.

Novofem as Birth Control

As birth control Novofem use is very similar to any other combined hormonal birth control tablet. It operates on a 28-day cycle, most days taking active tablets with a few days of inactive tablets. Inactive tablets are taken only to keep users in the habit of taking one tablet per day. Once the body has adjusted to treatment---usually 2 or 3 months---menstruation will almost always occur when inactive tablets are taken.

Detailed instructions regarding starting and maintaining use are included with each package; basically, one tablet is take per day, every day. It takes a week after starting Novofem for it to begin working as a birth control; additional methods of contraception should be used for the first week.

Even the most conscientious of users will occasionally miss a tablet. This is not a big deal if only one or two tablets are missed:

• If one tablet is missed, take two tablets the next day.
• If two consecutive tablets are missed, take two the next day and two on the day after that.
• If three or more consecutive tablets are missed, treatment should restart. Pregnancy is possible and other contraceptive methods should be used until treatment restarts and for the first week after.

Missing inactive tablets---which are color-coded---doesn't matter, as long as treatment resumes with the next active tablet.

Used as directed, Novofem prevents 99% of unwanted pregnancies. In more practical real-world use, in which pills are occasionally missed, Novofem prevents 97% of unwanted pregnancies.

Treatment may continue for as long as pregnancy is undesired, provided no serious adverse effects develop.

Novofem for Menopause

Novofem can supplement estrogen, which begins to rapidly decline during menopause and produces a number of unpleasant and disruptive side effects, including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dry and/or itchy vagina
• Painful intercourse
• Mood swings

Women supplementing estrogen who have an intact uterus must be sure to also take a progestin, which inhibits the development of uterine cancer. Novofem includes a progestin.

Treatment is usually one tablet per day, though doctor instructions sometimes vary, usually on the lesser side---some women may be instructed to take a tablet every other day, or even every two days.

The need for treatment to continue should be reassessed every 6 or 9 months; simply stop taking the tablets and see if symptoms return. Hormone replacement therapy is not meant to be permanent, and most women eventually adjust to post-menopausal estrogen levels, no longer experiencing symptoms.

Novofem for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis describes the loss of bone density, a concern for many post-menopausal women. Novofem may be prescribed when evidence of osteoporosis develops, or without evidence but a family history of osteoporosis.

Dosage should be determined by a doctor; as with menopause, it can vary from a tablet per day to a tablet every other day or every third day. Unlike menopause the condition is unlikely to improve significantly; treatment may be long-term, perhaps for the remainder of life, though the shortest treatment duration possible is desirable.

Other Uses

Less commonly than the above uses, Novofem may be used to control hormonal acne or for other purposes. The medication can be used in any woman who has had her first menstruation and who has an intact uterus. Dosage and administration is often one tablet per day, but again can vary in some cases. Note that women taking Novofem for any purpose should not conceive a child; if pregnancy does happen, stop taking Novofem immediately and speak with a doctor about the best course of action.

Again, women who have had their uterus removed and men don't need to take both of these medications together; buying estrogen-only or progestin-only medications are far more suitable as the odds of side effects are reduced.