Estradiol patches - what have your experiences been?

[D'vorah]

Hi all! I'm about to start estrogenic HRT in a couple weeks and I've been given the option to start with sublingual, transdermal patches, or injectable estradiol. I'm heavily leaning toward using the patches, mostly because I dislike needles and because I'm 40 and would rather not deal with the elevated health risks of the sublingual form (though my understanding is these risks are far lower with sublingual than standard oral estradiol). However, I'm reading a lot of mixed reviews about peoples' experiences with patches in terms of absorption, changes they noticed, and so on. I know things can really differ person to person (and patch to patch, depending on type), but I'm wondering what the experience has been like for folks who have used or are currently using the patches. I'm especially curious to know if folks who have switched from sublingual to the patch, or from the patch to sublingual, have noticed a significant change. Thanks in advance for your insights! ❤️

[Carolyn Marie]

D'vorah, I started out on a patch b/c my doctor wanted to pursue a conservative approach.  But after 6-8 months she switched me to sublingual b/c my estradiol levels were not increasing much and I wasn't seeing much effects.  Also, the patches irritated my skin and fell off frequently.  I've been on the tablets ever since.

 

But you need to have a careful discussion with your doctor, because some people really need the slow and steady absorption of patches, especially if they have certain underlying medical conditions.  While its OK to ask for personal experiences, not of that substitutes for what your doctor recommends and what you are most comfortable with.  Wishing all the best on this exciting journey.

 

Carolyn Marie

[VickySGV]

I am on patches since I had a Blood Clot after taking the sub-lingual / oral (the same pill could be done either way) for 6.5 years.  Either way simply "works".  The patches are a bit more of a nuisance on your skin but the E does its work.  I have been on HRT since 7/6/2009 and am 72 years old, but have done fine on doses others think were ineffective, but I am me and happy and just realized my last patch has fallen off.  A week ago one fell off and went in my shoe where I walked on it for a few hours.  It did not make my feet sexy.

 

[Astrid]

I've been on patches for 9 months. The twice a week ones (for example, change on Wednesday mirnings and Saturday nighrs) have worked very well for me. No complaints. However, the once a week ones that are meant to last 7 days have been very problematic for me, mainly because I do a lot of gardening, and working up a sweat results in the patch losing its adhesive qualities much sooner. I've found those to be unsatisfactory for me.

 

With that caveat, I find that I like patches.

 

HRT is a significant step. Best wishes on your journey!

 

Astrid

[DragonflyGirl]

I have Estradot patches and I've never had one come off.

 

Since switching from pills I find my moods are much more stable. I put that down to my liver making the oral form hit and miss. Injections scare the poo out of me and I don't like what I've heard about mood swings. Patches are definitely the way to go in my opinion.

[Ivy]

I am on the patches and I like them.  I've never had any fall off.  It's kinda a low dose and I think the physical changes have been slow, but they are real.  I tend to forget they are even there.  (I set my phone to remind me when I need to change)

I wish things would go quicker, but I realize that's just the way things are.  I'm sure that's not because of the patches anyway. (sigh)

[DragonflyGirl]

10 hours ago, Jandi said:

I am on the patches and I like them.  I've never had any fall off.  It's kinda a low dose and I think the physical changes have been slow, but they are real.  I tend to forget they are even there.  (I set my phone to remind me when I need to change)

I wish things would go quicker, but I realize that's just the way things are.  I'm sure that's not because of the patches anyway. (sigh)

 

I'm on low doses too, and for whatever reason that works better for me than higher doses.

 

It's tempting sometimes to double up and stick an extra patch on, but that's impatience whispering in my ear. I know I'm on exactly the right dosage for me at this time and patches make me confident that my body is getting a stable, constant supply. When I was on pills I didn't feel that.

[KathyLauren]

I was on Sandoz generic patches for several years.  They are big, so there is only room on my belly for three different sites to stick them before I have to re-use the site.  After three years, the skin there was getting over-sensitive, itchy and eventually painful.  I ended up having to stick them on my butt, which involves contortions, and I was never able to apply them well.

 

And they didn't stick well in the shower or if I got sweaty.  I'd often have to tape them in place, and of course, you are only getting hormones from the bits that are still sticking.

 

I recently switched to Estradot.  They cost more than the generic, but I think it is worth it.  They stick better.  And they are much smaller for the same dose.  I figured out that I can go six weeks (i.e. 12 patch cycles) before I have to re-use the same patch of skin.

[Cyndee]

Hello, I've used patches and injections for my E for over 9 years now. 

 

I prefer the patches at my age as they generally carry less risk. I get consistently good blood E numbers in female normal range for post menopausal women using them. They are easy to use, and the ones I use (Sandoz generic) have no issue(s) with adhesive or staying on. 

 

C

[Charlize]

Just to add a bit to the discussion, i use a spray with an alcohol base.  It absorbs early quickly and like patches gives the safest delivery.  I had trouble keeping patches attached.  As an active farmer perspiration seemed to almost push them off.  With coronary problems( two heart attacks) topical application is the only safe alternative.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Ivy]

3 hours ago, Charlize said:

Just to add a bit to the discussion, i use a spray with an alcohol base.  It absorbs early quickly and like patches gives the safest delivery.

I'd never heard of this option.  Is this done every day?

[Astrid]

11 hours ago, KathyLauren said:

I was on Sandoz generic patches for several years.  They are big,  ...

And they didn't stick well in the shower or if I got sweaty.  ...

I recently switched to Estradot.  

Very similar experience here with Sandoz.  I recently switched to Vivelle Dot patches, which are compact

and stick no matter how much I sweat or shower. Much, much better.

 

For any of you experiencing similar issues, don't hesitate to reach out to your prescribing physician. They're usually happy to work with you to find a solution.