Bijuve

Bijuve is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing oestrogen and progesterone, designed to treat menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. It works by supplementing the hormones lost during menopause.

You can request treatment for menopausal symptoms via our online pharmacy service. If you'd like to check your eligibility for Bijuve, please proceed to the consultation.

What is Bijuve?

Bijuve is a modern form of HRT that combines two key hormones in a single, daily capsule:

• 1mg estradiol (as estradiol hemihydrate)
• 100mg progesterone

What makes Bijuve special is that it's the first body-identical HRT to combine these hormones in one oral capsule. "Body-identical" means the hormones in Bijuve are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces. This often leads to better tolerance and fewer side effects compared to synthetic hormones.

How Does Bijuve Work?

During menopause, your body's natural production of oestrogen decreases dramatically. This change is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with menopause.

Bijuve works by supplementing your body's declining oestrogen levels with estradiol (a form of oestrogen used in HRT). But remember – Bijuve also contains progesterone. The progesterone component helps protect the lining of your womb (the endometrium), reducing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (excessive thickening of the womb lining) that can occur with oestrogen-only treatments.

Who is Bijuve For?

Bijuve is specifically designed for postmenopausal women with an intact uterus. It's suitable if you've had at least 12 months since your last natural period and are experiencing menopausal symptoms that are affecting your quality of life.

Common menopausal symptoms that Bijuve can help alleviate include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Mood swings and irritability
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of libido
• Joint aches and pains

How to Take Bijuve

Taking Bijuve is straightforward:

• Take one capsule orally each day
• Take it in the evening with food
• Swallow the capsule whole with water
• Take it continuously without a break

This continuous dosing helps maintain stable hormone levels and consistent symptom relief.

Is Bijuve Right for Me?

While Bijuve can be highly effective, it's not suitable for everyone. You should not use Bijuve if you:

• Have current, past, or suspected breast cancer
• Have known or suspected oestrogen-dependent tumours
• Have a history of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins)
• Have active liver disease
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (although this is unlikely if you're menopausal)

Bijuve should also be used with caution if you have conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, high blood pressure, or a history of cholestatic jaundice. Always provide a full medical history during your consultation to ensure Bijuve is safe for you.

Safety Profile of Bijuve

The safety of Bijuve has been carefully evaluated in clinical trials. In the REPLENISH trial, which involved 1,835 women, no cases of endometrial hyperplasia were found after 12 months of treatment.

Evidence from other studies suggests that micronized progesterone (aka. ‘body identical’ progesterone), like that used in Bijuve, is unlikely to increase the risk of venous thrombosis (blood clots in the veins). Bijuve is also associated with a lower risk of breast cancer compared to that noted with some other oral progestogens.

Potential Side Effects of Bijuve

As with all medications, Bijuve can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. In clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects were:

• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginal haemorrhage (bleeding)
• Vaginal discharge

These side effects are often mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the treatment.

How Quickly Does Bijuve Work?

The time it takes to feel the benefits of Bijuve can vary from person to person. Evidence shows that the frequency and severity of hot flushes reduced as early as 4 weeks after starting treatment.

It's important to be patient and consistent with your treatment. If you don't notice improvements after three months, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your options.

How Can I Get Bijuve?

At Prescription Doctor, we've made accessing Bijuve simple and discreet:

• Complete our online consultation form. It's quick, confidential, and can be done at your convenience.
• Our UK-registered doctors will review your information to ensure Bijuve is appropriate and safe for you.
• If approved, we'll dispatch your medication in plain, unmarked packaging for next-day delivery.

There is no need for in-person GP appointments or trips to the pharmacy.