Can’t cope with itching from patches anymore!

[Imherenowandthen]

I’ve taken the last one off and not replaced it. I’m 57, four years since I had my last period. Will I get hot flushes again? I was planning on staying on them forever, but just can’t stand it.

I’ve tried the oestrogen gel and utrogestan capsules before, I used them vaginally and had horrendously painful breasts.

I didn’t feel the patches (Evorel Conti) were doing anything apart from stopping the hot flushes, I was tired and achy still, forgetful and depressed and anxious. Who knows if that was all due to the menopause?!

Can someone tell me what my alternatives are? I get migraines occasionally, so would rather not take tablets.

I have had a mirena coil before, as contraception, the insertion was so painful I fainted and it took them a long time to manage it. So I’d rather not have another, but realise I’m running out of choices. I’m tempted to ask them to remove my womb and not have that problem anymore! But doubt they would.

Did you try Utrogestan orally?

What dose gel were you on? maybe it was that and it was too high....these things often need tweaking to get the right dose.

I can’t remember the dose I was on, sorry. It was definitely the low starting dose though and it was never increased. I tried the capsules orally first, but felt dizzy and sick, I then changed to vaginally.

Can you imagine how much help I’m going to get from my gp regarding tweaking it?? Can’t even see a gp these days 🙄

You can tweak estrogen gel yourself- not necessary to see the GP.
Just saying as you could try 1 pump and work upwards :)

The Utrogestan- sometimes the side effects wear off if you persevere. It depends how long you were using it.

There are several other options that a private consultant could offer, such as gel with Norethisterone tablets (same progestin as in the patches), or gel with the mini pill (in a higher dose.)

Is it possible you can see a private dr to talk it all over?

No unfortunately not.

I can’t see any point in swapping to the gel as it seems it’s not available throughout the U.K. at the moment?

Can anyone tell me what’s likely to happen now I’ve stopped the patches? Will I get some sort of withdrawal bleed?

Is it possible that other combined patches use different adhesive and won’t itch as much? Are any of them actually available at the moment?

Or is it not a nationwide problem with oestrogen gel? I’ve seen a few messages on here about people not being able to get holds of it.

How well is the progesterone patch tolerated? Will an nhs gp not prescribe it?

Last night I had restless legs and today I ache more than normal, is that because the hrt is leaving my system now?

If I went back on the patches until I get an alternative is there anywhere I can place them where they won’t itch as much? I’ve been putting them on my upper thigh and buttocks.

I found I was less itchy on fem7 patches so it may be worth trying different brands. However I am struggling to find a good place to put them. The side of hip is where they stick best but I am not sure that is the best place for absorption

Thanks. Did you try Evorel too? They didn’t used to cause a problem when I was first prescribed them, but now it’s unbearable, it itches all the time and the area is red when I remove them.

I was on patches and Utrogestan (I'm 50, still get periods), then went Mirena and patches (thought my periods would stop), worst three months of my life, changed to Femoston four weeks ago after having the Mirena removed and love it, I get periods again but my mood is a MILLION percent better

On Evorel Conti I’ve not had any bleeding, I’d rather not start with that again!

I just want something that doesn’t itch.

I found the Evorel patches really itchy and left a red scabby square until I started adding a wound dressing on top. I think it was water getting underneath them that was causing the problem as now they’re sealed on properly they no longer leave a mark and I don’t have any soreness. Maybe worth a try if you want to continue them, but if you’re not feeling the benefit maybe try something else?

Something like these

I use Sandrena sachets, as I'm allergic to plasters & too fat for tablets.

Used in conjunction with a Mirena tho.

Ok I’ll bear that in mind thanks.

I put a patch on last night, but rubbed hydrocortisone cream in before hand, I’d seen it mentioned online. It didn’t itch, but did come off in the shower this morning

This is what you need! It's just a steroid liquid and you squirt it on the skin before changing your patch and let it dry. Then apply patch. Works absolute WONDERS!!!! Doc can prescribe it or you can buy it

Don't use cream! It makes the skin greasy and removes the adhesive. Betnovate is essentially a clear liquid version of hydrocortisone which isn't greasy. It's honestly an absolute revelation.

Also, if you have issues with your patch coming off, I use kineisology tape (the pre cut rolls on Amazon). This one is the best of all the Amazon ones in my opinion https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Pre-Cut-Kinesiology-Tape/dp/B014H2NA6C?pdrddw=STjnQ&pfrddp=71bfe4b9-0336-4624-8bfc-162b743e3daf&pfrddr=TAE0Q0QEG460Z3P8GJ51&pdrddr=7b00a5db-7745-4eb1-ac75-20f4b6c5a572&pdrddwg=Rcnkl&ref=pddbapddrp11t&th=1

@SlatsandFlaps

This is what you need! It's just a steroid liquid and you squirt it on the skin before changing your patch and let it dry. Then apply patch. Works absolute WONDERS!!!! Doc can prescribe it or you can buy it

I forgot to include the pic in my first post! 🤦🏼‍♀️

It's called Betnovate Scalp Application

I have Betnovate for my scalp! I’ll try that.

I’ve had kinesiology tape on my arm before and came out in a rash, so daren’t try that.

Betnovate is quite a strong steroid though, didn’t think gps would prescribe it unless absolutely necessary.

I'd not think it was a good idea to use Betnovate which is a strong steroid under a patch. (I've used it in the past on my scalp.)
It might thin the skin and I don't think any steroids are meant to be covered with plastic that excludes the air.

I've heard of some women using a cool hairdryer to 'set' the patch.

I’m not sure either, but I’ve been using steroid creams all my life, so not that bothered. Wouldn’t recommend it for anyone else though.

@Imherenowandthen

I have Betnovate for my scalp! I’ll try that.

I’ve had kinesiology tape on my arm before and came out in a rash, so daren’t try that.

Betnovate will prevent the rash!

@JinglingHellsBells

I'd not think it was a good idea to use Betnovate which is a strong steroid under a patch. (I've used it in the past on my scalp.) It might thin the skin and I don't think any steroids are meant to be covered with plastic that excludes the air.

I've heard of some women using a cool hairdryer to 'set' the patch.

I've been use Betnovate under my patches for 9 years so far! No thinning!

@Imherenowandthen

Betnovate is quite a strong steroid though, didn’t think gps would prescribe it unless absolutely necessary.

My doctor prescribes it for me for this purpose, quite happily

Thanks everyone, I’m definitely going to try it.

Also going to call my gp tomorrow to see if I can try something else, as I still feel it’s not strong enough though.