Contents
Does it matter where you put your HRT patch?
Using and Changing Evorel ® Evorel 50 ® and Evorel® Contipatches. Information placed on this digital platform is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your healthcare professional. Please consult your doctor or nurse for further information.
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- The information on this website is intended for patients who have been prescribed Evorel or Evorel Conti that reside in the Republic of Ireland only.
IE-EVC-11j | Date of preparation: January 2021 : Using and Changing Evorel ® Evorel 50 ® and Evorel® Contipatches.
Where is the best position for HRT patch?
How to use HRT patches – HRT patches stay on all the time. You change them twice a week, always on the same day – so you have one on for 3 days and one on for 4 days. For example, you can change on a Monday and a Thursday and then on a Monday again etc., or Tuesday and Friday and then Tuesday again, etc.
Apply your patch to clean, dry, cool skin as soon as you open the protective pouch. You can wear your patch under loose clothing. Don’t apply your patch on or near your breasts. Don’t put it on top of cuts, spots, or anywhere the skin is irritated. Don’t use cream, moisturiser, or talc before applying your patch. Don’t apply your patch on the same area of skin twice in a row. Don’t wear your patch under elasticated areas or a tight waistband.
Can I put my HRT patch on my thigh?
The patch must be applied to an area of skin that is BELOW the waist. Ideal areas are the thigh or bottom. Make sure you choose a different area of skin whenever you change the patch. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying the patch.
Why do I feel worse on HRT patches?
Can HRT Make You Feel Worse Before Better? – Unfortunately, some people may feel worse before they feel better after starting HRT. You may experience this phenomenon when your body adjusts to the new hormone levels. Temporary side effects like headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and mood swings are possible.
Is it OK to put HRT patch on stomach?
Dosing – The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For hot flashes and other symptoms caused by menopause:
For transdermal dosage form (gel):
Adults—
Elestrin™: Apply one dose (0.87 grams) of the gel to the upper arm once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. EstroGel®: Apply one dose (1.25 grams) of the gel to the arm once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
Children—Use is not recommended.
For transdermal dosage form (patch):
Adults—
Climara®: At first, apply one patch (0.025 milligrams (mg)) to the lower stomach or upper buttocks area once a week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Minivelle® and Vivelle-Dot®: At first, apply one patch (0.0375 milligrams (mg)) to the lower stomach or upper buttocks area 2 times a week (every 3 to 4 days). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
Children—Use is not recommended.
For transdermal dosage form (spray):
Adults—At first, one spray once a day, usually in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children—Use is not recommended.
For prevention of osteoporosis after menopause:
For transdermal dosage form (patch):
Adults—
Climara®: At first, apply one patch (0.025 milligrams (mg)) to the lower stomach or upper buttock area once a week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Minivelle® and Vivelle-Dot®: At first, apply one patch (0.025 milligrams (mg)) to the lower stomach or upper buttock area 2 times a week (every 3 to 4 days). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
Children—Use is not recommended.
For the treatment of low estrogen levels:
For transdermal dosage form (patch):
Adults—At first, apply one patch (0.025 milligrams (mg)) to the lower stomach or upper buttock area once a week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children—Use is not recommended.
Can I use Estrogel on my thighs?
Estrogel can also be applied to the thighs.
Where do you put the HRT patch so it doesn’t fall off?
Most patches are changed twice a week ¬for example, Monday and Thursday. Put your patch on below your waist, for example buttock, thigh or lower abdomen. Avoid places where tight clothing may rub it off.
Does HRT patches make you look younger?
Does hormone replacement therapy make you look younger? – Aging affects the skin over time, resulting in thin and dry skin, wrinkles, and reduced skin elasticity and firmness. Menopause speeds up these changes. Estrogen therapy can delay changes in skin aging, resulting in a younger look.
- HRT improves skin elasticity and thickness, as well as collagen and water content.
- These changes improve the appearance of the skin, contributing to its younger look.
- What about wrinkles ? Wrinkling happens because of the reduced elasticity of the skin with age.
- The reduced estrogen levels at menopause increase the age-related changes in skin elasticity, speeding up wrinkle formation.
Hormone replacement therapy reduces the appearance and depth of wrinkles, 
Can I put my HRT patch on my hip?
Where should I wear my estradiol patch, and how often should I change it? Q: I’ve been given estradiol patches by my doctor, but I’m not sure how long I should wear them, or if there’s any specific location to wear them. Does it matter where they’re placed? What if they come off? 
A: Estradiol patches are best worn on hip, low belly, and buttock areas. Be sure to rotate sites (using a different site each time you change the patch) to avoid skin irritation. Some patches are changed once per week, others twice per week — it depends on the brand, so check with your pharmacist or review the literature that comes with the patch.
- Transdermal estrogen patches generally stick to the skin fairly well, but they vary in size and the adhesives used, so individual patients may experience more problems with one than another.
- We encourage you to try different places, and if the brand you are using just won’t stay on, you can request another brand.
Return to: Last Updated: January 19, 2022 : Where should I wear my estradiol patch, and how often should I change it?
Do HRT patches make your skin better?
How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy for Anti-Aging Work? – HRT introduces these hormones to your body gradually so those hormone levels increase and achieve balance over time. As HRT balances your hormone levels, it counteracts many aging signs that occur with age and menopause. You are likely to notice improvements in your skin appearance, hair maintenance, muscle mass and sexual health.
What are the first signs of HRT working?
How soon will I feel better? – Some women notice a difference within a few days, but for the majority it is a slow and steady improvement over weeks and months. You may notice physical symptoms get better first, for example, at the correct dose of estrogen, hot flushes and night sweats are often much better after 4-6 weeks.
Why do I feel so good on HRT?
Benefits and risks – The main benefit of HRT is that it can help with most menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes, mood swings and vaginal dryness. It can also help prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis). Find out more about the benefits and risks of HRT
What are the signs HRT is not working?
Why menopausal symptoms may return – During perimenopause and early menopause the ovaries still produce a small amount of oestrogen and some will also be produced by fat throughout the body. It is the fluctuation and eventual decline of oestrogen at menopause that causes troublesome issues.
- HRT replaces the body’s natural oestrogen, therefore reducing symptoms.
- A progestogen hormone is also given with oestrogen in combined HRT to protect the womb, so that the lining doesn’t become too thick and cause endometrial cancer,
- Dr Heather Currie, an associate specialist gynaecologist at Dumfries and Galloway NHS, and past Chair of the British Menopause Society, says: “The general recommendation is to start on a low-dose preparation and often that will be enough to top up the levels.” A few years down the line, the ovaries will produce less oestrogen and this may lead to a recurrence of symptoms.
“Some women may think their HRT isn’t working anymore, but it’s doing what it has always been doing,” says Currie. “It’s just that the total amount of oestrogen in your system may be less. That’s quite a common reason for recurrence of menopausal symptoms and you may need to up your dose of HRT.” Dr Tina Peers, a menopause specialist at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Menopause Clinic, agrees: “A return of night sweats, flushes, not sleeping and so on is very indicative that your hormones are not quite in balance.
Can HRT patches cause belly fat?
Does HRT make things worse? – The results of very many accurate scientific studies show that HRT does not increase weight gain. What we do know is that HRT can reverse menopausal changes meaning that weight is held around the hips and thighs again.
Does HRT affect belly fat?
In PMW with android distributions, HRT also shifted abdominal fat distribution to a gynoid pattern. This shift in distribution of abdominal fat may be a reason why HRT reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, since visceral obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type II diabetes mellitus.
Does HRT patches speed up your metabolism?
Can HRT help to lose weight? Does HRT make you gain weight? A women’s risk of developing metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance increases as she goes through the menopause. Postmenopausal women therefore become more at risk of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Dr Lydia Robertson The perimenopause and menopause can cause weight gain due to the metabolic effects of declining and fluctuating oestrogen. Many women are concerned about weight gain during the perimenopause and are also concerned that HRT makes you put weight on. All of the data that we have suggests that HRT does not cause weight gain and it is in fact menopause that causes weight gain.
Of course weight gain is very multifactorial. Many women actually find that they lose weight by using HRT as it shifts the metabolism back into a pre-menopausal metabolic state. Progesterone can sometimes cause fluid retention which can mimic weight gain, but there are alterations that can be made to the regime to minimise this impact.
High blood pressure Blood fat (lipid) abnormalities Abdominal weight gain (central obesity) Impaired glucose tolerance Coagulation disturbances (increased risk of blood clots)
These all increase your risk of developing heart and vessel diseases and Type 2 diabetes. Central to all of these is insulin Resistance. Medicine has advanced considerably in the last century. In 1900 the top 3 killers were lung infections, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal infections.
Today 5 of the 7 top causes of death are related to metabolic syndrome (heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes). Over the past few decades, all these conditions have been on the rise. The one root cause is insulin resistance. A women’s risk of developing metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance increases as she goes through the menopause.
Postmenopausal women therefore become more at risk of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Is Oestrogel better on arms or legs?
Download this page as a PDF Oestrogel
How do I apply Oestrogel?
Most women are instructed to apply the gel to inner thighs or upper outer arms. For reliable absorption and stability of dose it is recommended that Oestrogel is applied to the skin as a thin layer so that it leaves a sheen which dries in approximately 5-10 minutes.
How much Oestrogel do I use? My GP hasn’t advised.
Your GP should advise you on how much gel to use, just as they should with any other medication. Please check with them if they have failed to advise you. The usual starting dose for Oestrogel is one or two pumps, once per day.
Should I use Oestrogel in the morning or at night?
Advice differs, but generally speaking, Oestrogel can be used at any time of day, however consistency from day to day is key.
What are the symptoms of taking too much?
One of the most common symptoms is tender or painful breasts. However, it is important to be aware that breasts can become tender when starting any HRT so you should allow time for this to settle.
Can I apply the gel over sun cream or body lotion?
No, Oestrogel should be applied to clean, dry skin. You can apply body lotion and sun cream over gel after waiting a minimum of one hour after application.
Can I take Oestrogel in my hand luggage on a flight?
Yes, Oestrogel can be carried in hand luggage. More information is available at Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports: Medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Is Oestrogel okay in hot temperatures?
There are no specific storage instructions for Oestrogel, therefore it should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 degrees centigrade.
Are Oestrogel and Estrodose the same product and why are they packaged differently?
Besins, the manufacturer, have assured us that all packaging variations for Oestrogel/dose are exactly the same product and that they are just packaged differently for different markets. Utrogestan
What is the correct dosage for Utrogestan – for peri-menopause, post-menopause and after hysterectomy?
If peri-menopausal, the usual prescription of Utrogestan is 2 x 100mgs capsules for 12-14 days per 28 day cycle. If post-menopausal, the usual prescription of Utrogestan is 1 x 100mgs capsules every night. Women who have had a hysterectomy do not usually require progesterone as part of their HRT (unless they have a history of endometriosis).
Is it normal to bleed when starting continuous Utrogestan/progesterone?
It is not unusual to have some erratic bleeding when commencing a continuous regimen of HRT. This should settle within 4-6 months but should be reported to your GP if it continues past the initial 4-6 month period. Erratic bleeding can take the form of spotting, a period, or a flood, if you are at all concerned you should discuss this with your GP.
I’m scared to use Utrogestan/progesterone; I’ve heard it has lots of side effects.
Most women who use Utrogestan have no lasting side effects. If you experience side effects which persist after a few months, it is worth discussing using Utrogestan vaginally with your doctor. Using Utrogestan vaginally eliminates side effects for many women.
Can I use Utrogestan vaginally? My GP says no or hasn’t hear of it being used this way.
Utrogestan is licenced for oral use, using it vaginally is ‘off licence’. However, many medications are prescribed this way every day. Many menopause experts advise using Utrogestan vaginally to minimise problematic side effects. There is more information in this link 14-BMS-TfC-Progestogens-and-endometrial-protection-01H.pdf (thebms.org.uk) Download this page as a PDF
Why does estrogen cause weight gain in thighs?
Weight gain and the role of estrogen during different stages of life, particularly menopause – According to the University of Rochester, weight gain and fat deposits are similar in boys and girls until puberty. At the onset of adolescence, boys develop higher testosterone levels while girls develop higher estrogen levels.
- That elevation in estrogen leads to a higher percentage of body fat.
- Testosterone, on the other hand, causes higher muscle‐to‐fat ratios and more masculinizing effects.
- Estrogen causes a typical female fat distribution pattern in breasts, buttocks, and thighs, as well as its more feminizing effects.
- Thanks to estrogen, during the reproductive years, women get additional fatty tissue in the pelvis, buttocks, thighs, and breasts to provide an energy source for eventual pregnancy and lactation,
During menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels are inversely related to her weight. One study reviewed the 2016 medical literature to explore this relationship and found that loss of estrogen after menopause, independent of aging, increases total fat mass and decreases lean body mass so that there is little net effect on body weight.
But the distribution of fat in the abdomen is significant and can lead to adverse health problems. The researchers suggest broader implications for their findings. The greater weight burden in women makes understanding the diverse effects of ovarian hormones, including estrogen, on eating, energy expenditure, and body fat an urgent research challenge.
Further research in both human and animal models can investigate these diverse effects, Estrogen deficiency results in increases in visceral or belly fat, which has been linked to obesity and its associated health challenges, 
Are big thighs too much estrogen?
Why Do I store Excess Fat on My Legs? – Our legs, in particular our thighs, have a large number of estrogen receptors which bind with high affinity to estrogens. Poor nutrition/lifestyle and excess exposure to xenoestrogens increase the fat-storing form of estrogen.
Where is the safest place for HRT patch?
It is, therefore, important that HRT gels and patches are kept away from breast tissue. Another reason why HRT should be applied below the waist is because the hormones are absorbed better by fatty tissue, such as the lower abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Can I stick my HRT patch on my arm?
Hormone replacement therapy patches – HRT patches should be applied below the waist on the buttocks or thighs. They should NOT be applied on or near the breasts. The frequency that they need to be changed depends on the individual brand of,
Can I put tape over my estradiol patch?
Estradiol 84 HR Transdermal Patch 0.00313 mg/HR This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- bone strength
- endocrine disorder
- menopausal symptoms
DO NOT take this medicine by mouth. Avoid placing the patch near the breast. Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light. This patch should not be cut. Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine. Remove old patch before applying new one. Change the location of the new patch.
- Remove the plastic liner that protects the sticky side of the patch before applying to the skin.
- Be sure the area of skin is clean and dry before putting on a new patch.
- Apply the patch to a clean, dry, hairless area.
Do not shave the hair. It irritates the skin. If needed, use scissors to cut the hair close to the skin. Do not use soap, oils, or alcohol on the area of the skin before applying the patch. Use only water and gently pat dry. Do not rub the skin. Press the patch firmly for a few seconds to make sure it stays in place.
- If the patch does not stick, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not cover the patch with bandage or tape unless instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- If the edges of the patch begin to peel up you may tape the edges down with first aid tape.
- Do not cover the entire patch.
- After removing the patch, fold it together and discard it out of reach of children and pets.
Use a patch disposal unit to seal close the used patch before putting it into the trash. Avoid getting the medicine in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash the medicine off your fingers after applying it. Do not dispose of a used patch by flushing it into the toilet.
To avoid irritating your skin, use a different location for a new patch. Put the patch on a different area each time. Wait at least one week before using the same location again. Apply the patch only to normal looking skin. Avoid areas of the skin that are red, have scrapes, or damaged. You can bathe, swim or shower while wearing the patch.
Clothing may be worn over the patch. This medicine may cause dark patches to appear on your face. Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen lotion to minimize further darkening of these skin patches. Avoid prolonged or excessive sunlight exposure. Use sunscreen lotion with SPF 15 or higher.
- Please tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you take.
- Include both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
- Also tell them about any vitamins, herbal medicines, or anything else you take for your health.
- If your symptoms do not improve or they worsen while on this medicine, contact your doctor.
This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine. It is very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions for all blood tests. Do not use more than 1 patch at any one time.
- Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects.
- Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
- This medicine is associated with an increased risk for serious blood clots.
- Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks from using this medicine.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include trouble breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. Do not use the medication any more than instructed. Avoid smoking while on this medicine.
- Smoking may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
- Ask your doctor to show you how to perform a self breast examination.
- You should check your breasts once a month and report any changes to your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about getting a complete physical exam every year while on this medicine.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, contact your doctor immediately. Ask your pharmacist if this medicine can interact with any of your other medicines.
- Be sure to tell them about all the medicines you take.
- Please tell all your doctors and dentists that you are on this medicine before they provide care.
- If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose.
- Return to your normal dosing schedule.
Do not take 2 doses of this medicine at one time.
- Patch should be removed before having an MRI scan to avoid serious burns.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines without first speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
- Call your doctor if you have a skin reaction that does not improve within 2 days of removing the patch.
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- bloating
- breast pain or swelling
- depression or feeling sad
- headaches
- brown colored patches on the face
- nausea
- skin irritation such as redness, itching, rash, or burning
- skin irritation where medicine is applied
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- vomiting
- weight gain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- increased risk of a blood clot
- breast lumps
- increased risk of cancer
- chest pain
- changes in memory, mood, or thinking
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- severe or persistent headache
- jaw pain
- sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
- symptoms of liver damage (such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness or weakness; severe stomach or back pain)
- shortness of breath
- symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
- thirst
- increased urinary frequency
- cramping of the uterus or bleeding from the vagina
- vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
- vaginal itching or discharge
- blurring or changes of vision
- severe or persistent vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly. Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it.Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine.
- Please talk to them if you have any questions.Always follow their advice.
- There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English.Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below.
You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist. © 2021 First Databank, Inc. : Estradiol 84 HR Transdermal Patch 0.00313 mg/HR