Climen HRT Dosage: How Many Days Between Packs?

Question
dear dr norman,

my sister is taking climen HRT  (21tablet-Manufacturer Bayer)...after finishing the first pack, how many days should she wait to start with the second pack?
her Dr. adviced after 5 days but the leaflet say 7 days...what would you recommend and why do some drs recommend after 5 days?

thanks a lot.

Answer
The usual way of taking Climen HRT is to take 21 tablets one daily, wait 7 days, then start a new pack again taking 21 tablets 1 daily.  This results in a 28 day cycle, which more or less mimics a woman's 28 day menstrual cycle.  It would be OK to only wait 5 days between packs, which would then give a 26 day cycle.  Some doctors may recommend only 5 days between packs in case a woman might get hot flashes waiting 7 days.