Oestrogen-only spray: what is Lenzetto and how do I use it?

Lenzetto is one of the newest types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It’s a spray formulation, and contains the hormone oestradiol, which is identical to the oestrogen made naturally by the ovaries. It’s prescribed to relieve symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, irritability and sleeping problems, which are associated with declining levels of oestrogen during the perimenopause and menopause.

How does Lenzetto work?

Lenzetto works by replacing the oestrogen that is lost during and after the perimenopause and menopause. It’s a type of systemic HRT: when sprayed onto the skin, it passes into the bloodstream where it travels through the entire body to relieve a range of symptoms.

When and how do I use Lenzetto?

Lenzetto should be applied every day, at around the same time. It’s sprayed directly onto the skin on the inside of the forearm. Before spraying the first dose from each new device, it should be prepared for use by spraying three times with the cover on. To then apply your daily dose, take off the plastic cap, hold the container upright and rest the plastic cone against your skin. Press the button once to release a single spray. If you’ve been prescribed more than one spray, you should move the cone along your arm, making sure that you don’t overlap the area that you have already sprayed. Alternatively, you can apply to your inner thigh. Let the spray dry for at least two minutes before getting dressed, and don’t rub it in.

If you still have your womb you will also need to take a form of progesterone or progestogen, which is usually given as a tablet or via the Mirena coil. This is because taking oestrogen can thicken the cells in the lining of the womb, and there’s a small risk of these cells turning cancerous. There’s no increased risk of cancer of the uterus when you also take progesterone or progestogen.

What doses does Lenzetto come in?

Each spray contains 1.53mg oestradiol. You will usually begin with one spray per day, but your doctor may recommend increasing this if your symptoms don’t improve after the first three months.

What are the benefits?

Some people find Lenzetto more convenient to use than gels because it dries quickly and isn’t as messy. Unlike a patch, it also gives you the flexibility to easily adjust your dose, and doesn’t leave sticky marks on the skin. As well as easing unpleasant menopausal symptoms, HRT can also reduce your future risk of osteoporosis, as well as your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Who is Lenzetto suitable for?

For most people, the benefits of HRT outweigh any risks. As the oestrogen is absorbed through the skin there’s no increased risk of blood clot or stroke, and it can also be used if you have migraines.

Can I expect any side effects?

It often takes a few months for the body to adjust to taking HRT, so you may notice some mild side effects. The most common are breast discomfort, leg cramps and breakthrough bleeding or spotting. These usually settle over time, but talk to your doctor if they continue for longer than the first six months.

RELATED: how to apply oestrogen spray

Resources

Lenzetto UK

Electronic Medicines Compendium: Lenzetto

NHS: hormone replacement therapy

NICE: Estradiol