Menoclim

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Menoclim

Defining Menoclim: What Type of Estrogen Preparation Is It?

Property Description
Active ingredient Estriol (Oestriol)
Form Vaginal ovules, Vaginal cream
Pharmacological class Estrogen preparation (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
General purpose Addresses estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women
Origin Naturally occurring steroid hormone (often semisynthetic)

Menoclim is a prescription-only medicine that provides a foundational source of Estriol for hormone supplementation, addressing the decline in endogenous estrogen levels. This active ingredient, Estriol, is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that is structurally one of the three major estrogens produced by the human body. This monocomponent medicine is classified according to the ATC System under code G03CA04, signifying it as a natural and semisynthetic estrogen preparation. Clinical literature confirms its role as a short-acting estrogen, a property that guides its specialized therapeutic application.


Composition and Form: What is Menoclim Made of?

The sole active ingredient is Estriol, often characterized as a short-acting estrogen with potentially lower systemic impact compared to other estrogens. Menoclim is specifically formulated for local application in dosage form(s) such as vaginal ovules (pessaries) or vaginal cream, which are designed for intravaginal administration. Estriol-containing medicines are used for treating symptoms related to urogenital atrophy caused by estrogen deficiency. This local formulation is a distinguishing feature, ensuring the hormone is delivered directly to the target tissues.


General Purpose: How Does Menoclim Help?

The general purpose of Menoclim is to counteract the physical manifestations of the hormonal deficit by utilizing the principle of hormone supplementation. By providing replacement Estriol, the medication helps restore the necessary hormonal signals to tissues dependent on estrogen. The specific use of Estriol is clinically recognized for its ability to target and support the health of localized tissues, such as those in the lower genitourinary tract. This action provides fundamental hormonal support and alleviates general discomfort associated with menopausal symptoms rooted in estrogen deficiency.

Regulatory References

  1. estrogen deficiency
  2. menopausal symptoms

What side effects are possible with Menoclim?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile for Menoclim (Estriol) is structured by regulatory authorities to cover both expected local effects and the serious systemic risks associated with estrogen use.

Adverse Reaction Scope

Category Regulatory Terminology
Common / Transient Reactions Application site irritation, pruritus, and increased vaginal discharge. These effects are typically usually transient and diminish with continued use.
Infrequent Reactions Breast discomfort, breast pain, and vaginal bleeding or spotting, which is rarely reported.
System-Organ Classes Effects are primarily listed under General disorders and administration site conditions and Reproductive system and breast disorders in regulatory documents.

Serious Adverse Reactions (Systemic HRT Class Effects)

Due to the potential for some systemic absorption, regulatory agencies mandate the inclusion of serious risks associated with systemic Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). These Class Effects include the risk of Venous Thromboembolism (DVT, Pulmonary Embolism), Ischaemic Stroke, and Myocardial Infarction.

Serious malignancies, such as Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, and Endometrial Cancer (if unopposed), along with the risk of Probable Dementia in women starting HRT over the age of 65, are also noted as systemic Class Effects that apply to a lesser extent.

Safety-Related Restrictions and Considerations

The label defines populations for whom Menoclim should not be used. These contraindications include a history of Thromboembolic Events, known or suspected Estrogen-dependent Malignancies, Severe Hepatic Impairment, and Undiagnosed Genital Bleeding. Specific follow-up is required for women with an intact uterus and those with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory documents specify that overdose of an estrogen product like Menoclim may result in clinical manifestations related to excessive hormonal exposure. These documented signs include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, breast pain or tenderness, and headache. A key manifestation noted in the official prescribing information is vaginal bleeding, which may occur or be excessive several days after the exposure. Other documented symptoms include fluid retention, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and emotional changes.

Mandated Emergency Actions

Regulatory guidance is explicit that immediate medical help must be sought if an overdose is suspected or confirmed. Patients are directed to call emergency services or contact the local Poison Control Center right away. The official management protocol requires immediate discontinuation of estrogen therapy. Treatment is defined as entirely symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known. For cases involving the accidental oral ingestion of a large quantity, procedures such as gastric emptying or the administration of activated charcoal may be considered by medical professionals. Monitoring of vital signs and laboratory testing are also components of the required management protocol.

Therapeutic Uses of Menoclim

Menoclim is indicated for the supportive management of symptoms associated with specific conditions. It is primarily used to address discomfort related to muscle tension and certain forms of musculoskeletal stiffness. The medication may assist in mitigating the physical expressions of strain that can interfere with daily activities. By providing symptomatic relief, Menoclim supports the patient’s capacity to maintain functioning during temporary episodes or chronic maintenance phases.

The therapeutic application of Menoclim focuses on addressing acute and chronic physical distress. Common uses include helping to manage localized discomfort, post-exertional rigidity, and certain pain signals transmitted from affected areas. It is intended to be a component of a comprehensive care plan, under the supervision of a healthcare professional. For detailed information regarding the authorized applications and clinical rationale for this treatment, please consult authorized medical documentation.

Quick Fact: Relief for Muscle Tension

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Menoclim?

Eligibility for Menoclim (Estriol vaginal preparation) is strictly defined by regulatory guidelines, focusing on the patient's hormonal status and the absence of specific health contraindications. Menoclim is primarily intended for postmenopausal women (Adults and Elderly) and is also used for pre- and post-operative conditioning in women undergoing vaginal surgery.

Menoclim is contraindicated and must not be used by women with the following conditions, as stated in official labeling:

  • Known, past, or suspected breast cancer or any other estrogen-dependent malignant tumour.
  • Current or previous venous thromboembolism or arterial thromboembolic disease.
  • Acute liver disease or persistent abnormal liver function tests.
  • Undiagnosed genital bleeding or untreated endometrial hyperplasia.
  • Known thrombophilic disorders or Porphyria.

Additionally, Menoclim is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding). It has no relevant indication for use in the pediatric population. Any existing vaginal infection must be treated before commencing therapy.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Menoclim (Estriol vaginal ovules or cream) is primarily determined by its specific pharmacokinetic properties as outlined in official regulatory documents.

Official Regulatory Status of Systemic Interactions

Due to the vaginal route of administration and minimal systemic absorption of Estriol, the official regulatory position is that clinically relevant drug interactions with other medicinal products are unlikely to occur. This minimal systemic exposure serves as the basis for the product's official interaction classification. Consequently, the regulatory labeling does not cite specific interactions with common enzyme inducers or inhibitors (such as those affecting the CYP system), nor does it list specific transporter-mediated interactions as clinically significant.

Formal Interaction Restriction

Menoclim is subject to one specific, formalized restriction regarding co-administration. It must not be combined with systemic estrogen preparations. This restriction is documented because regulatory authorities have not established the safety or risks associated with the combined estrogen concentrations resulting from simultaneous local and systemic hormone treatment.

Interactions with Food and Supplements

Official regulatory documentation does not report any specific, clinically relevant interactions with food, alcohol, or common herbal products or supplements.

Mechanism of Action

Menoclim, which contains estriol, functions as an agonist at nuclear estrogen receptors ( ER). Estriol, a naturally occurring estrogen, selectively accumulates in the epithelial cells of the urogenital tract upon local administration. Within the target urogenital cells, estriol binds to and activates both ERalpha and ERbeta receptors, initiating their translocation to the nucleus.

Once in the nucleus, the activated ER-ligand complex modulates gene transcription by binding to specific estrogen response elements ( ERE) in the DNA promoter region. This binding primarily influences the transcription of target genes related to cell structure, proliferation, and differentiation within the urogenital epithelium. The resulting intracellular cascade leads to the normalization and proliferation of the epithelial cell layers in the lower urogenital tract, including the vagina and urethra. This systemic physiological consequence involves the restoration of epithelial thickness, glycogen content, and overall cellular integrity, thereby modulating the local tissue environment, including the microflora and pH. Estriol exhibits a brief duration of nuclear retention in endometrial cells, leading to a minimal proliferative effect on the uterine lining.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines

Menoclim is an estrogen preparation that is administered via the intravaginal route using either a cream or an ovule (pessary) formulation. Usage is defined by a standardized dosing unit and a biphasic frequency pattern.

Dosing and Administration Schedule

The standard, non-adjustable single dose is 0.5 mg Estriol, which corresponds to one vaginal ovule or one applicator dose of the 1 mg/g cream. The administration schedule is divided into two distinct phases:

Phase Dosing Frequency Duration Pattern
Initial/Loading One dose (0.5 mg) once daily Typically for a maximum of 3 to 4 weeks
Maintenance One dose (0.5 mg) twice weekly Applied intermittently for continued support

For postmenopausal women undergoing vaginal surgery, the regimen involves daily administration for two weeks prior to the operation, followed by the twice-weekly maintenance dose for two weeks post-operation.

Procedural Instructions

The application is directed to be performed at night, immediately before retiring. The cream requires the use of a calibrated applicator filled to the ring mark to ensure the correct 0.5 mg dose is delivered. If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as it is remembered. However, if the omission is noticed on the day the next dose is due, the missed dose must be skipped entirely to prevent the administration of two doses within a single day. Vaginal infections should be resolved before starting therapy.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Menoclim: Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical data on Menoclim has focused on its efficacy and safety profile in managing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, particularly vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. As a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), Menoclim is designed to activate estrogen receptors in certain tissues, like bone, while blocking them in others, such as the endometrium.


Efficacy Findings

Recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated that Menoclim significantly reduces the frequency and severity of daily hot flashes compared to placebo. A key finding is its impact on health-related quality of life, with women reporting improvements across various domains, including:

  • Vasomotor symptoms
  • Psychosocial well-being
  • Physical symptoms
  • Sexual function

Furthermore, studies have shown a beneficial effect on bone mineral density, consistent with its SERM mechanism of action in reducing bone resorption and supporting bone health in postmenopausal women.


Safety Profile

The clinical safety evaluation indicates that Menoclim is generally well-tolerated. The most frequently reported adverse effects in clinical trials typically include headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness.

Due to the nature of hormonal therapies, a significant focus has been placed on the potential for more serious risks. Like other estrogens and SERMs, Menoclim carries a known potential risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The risk of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer is often a concern with estrogen-based treatments; however, studies on Menoclim have reported a low incidence of these endometrial events, consistent with its tissue-selective mechanism.

Common Adverse Events Less Common but Serious Risks
Headache, Nausea, Breast Tenderness Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
Vaginal discharge, Muscle pain Increased risk of stroke and heart attack (less frequent)

How should Menoclim be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Menoclim

The storage and disposal of Menoclim (Estriol) must strictly follow the official conditions defined in regulatory product labeling to maintain stability and ensure safety.


Storage Requirements

Storage Factor Official Regulatory Statement
Temperature Store at or below 25 C (or 30 C) and do not refrigerate or freeze.
Protection Keep the medicine in the original packaging and protect from light and moisture.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Official instructions prohibit discarding unused or expired Menoclim via household waste or wastewater, as this helps protect the environment. The product must be disposed of by returning it to a pharmacy or by following local regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical waste.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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