Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulator

SERMs are medications that act similarly to oestrogen on certain parts of the body and block the effects of oestrogen on other parts of the body. They can be used to improve menopausal symptoms.

Examples include:

Ospemifene is a SERM that has an oestrogen-like effect on the vaginal and genital tissues and is taken as an oral tablet rather than a vaginal pessary. It is a treatment for genitourinary syndrome of the menopause.

Duavive is a combination tablet consisting of conjugated oestrogen (oestrogen derived from the urine of pregnant mares) and the SERM bazedoxifene which blocks the actions of oestrogen on the womb. It is used to treat  menopausal symptoms in women who are intolerant to progesterone.