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Original poster

what is the point of HRT? (Evorel patches)

56 replies

goldfinchonthelawn · 04/07/2022 12:03

After a 5 minute telephone consultation with a GP I've never met because our surgery seems to have abandoned face to face since Covid, I've been prescribed Evorel patches. Chatted to friends who were horrified. Said I should have had blood tests, heart scan, bone density etc etc first. Don't even know whether what;s prescribed is what I need.

Then I read up about the patches and it seems they can cause irritability, mood swings, headaches, bleeding, acne, weight gain and more. I thought HRT was supposed to help with symptoms, not create them. I'm feeling very baffled and suspicious of stickiong on a patch that might make me even more anxious and ratty and under the weather than I already am.

Can anyone tell me their experience of Evorel patches

OP posts:
SueSaid · 04/07/2022 14:16

If you're in the UK there is bloods or heart scans wouldn't be routinely done initially. Women in their mid to late forties and older with various fluctuating periods, insomnia and sweats will be treated as menopausal and bloods would only be checked to rule out other issues like thyroid or iron deficiency, not to diagnose menopause.

Just have a read up on it, this board is helpful. The Dr must've asked you if want to try HRT rather than just prescribe it? All meds can cause initial side effects but if it helps with mood and sleep etc many are happy to give it a go. There are of course well debated longer term effects both positive (helps protect against osteoporosis while taking hrt) and possible small link to cancer but again all you can do is have a read and decide what you want to do.

SophiaLarsen · 04/07/2022 14:57

Hi OP! If you are over 45 HRT can be prescribed based on symptoms alone. It can also take 3 months for things to settle. What's written on transdermal HRT is the same as for tablet version even though the risks are totally different as are the side effects. If you still have a uterus you should also be prescribed progesterone (unless you already have the mirena coil?).

Everol for me has been amazing; I am 44 and went through a raft of tests for my symptoms but if I'd been over 45 tests wouldn't have applied unless HRT was not working. I am sleeping better, I find my husband amusing again. I am a nicer person, less night sweats, o am more cheerful, I have energy etc etc. No insurmountable side effects. I thoroughly recommend the Dr Louise Newson podcast to get more info.

5128gap · 04/07/2022 18:51

I was prescribed evoral conti via phone consultation. 53, a year from my last period. No menopause symptoms to speak of but was interested in protecting my bones.
2 months in, other than some bloating, and breasts tenderness followed by 3 weeks of light bleeding, I've had no negative effects.
I've lost about 6 lb as my appetite has declined, (which I do need to keep an eye on as I'm low end mid BMI anyway) my hair is very shiny, and bizarrely my roots are growing back in my former colour rather than grey. My skin looks better too, plumper and smoother.
I feel a bit different emotionally, a little less consistent with feelings a bit heightened, much like I felt when I was younger, and different from the sort of calm feeling I had post menopause. Not sure which I prefer to be honest, as at the moment it's a novelty to feel like my young self again.
I have a review in 2 weeks where I'll have blood pressure taken but I'm inclined to stick with it I think.

MarthanotMarfa · 04/07/2022 19:00

Completely normal and correct procedure. Blood tests are useless for peri and early as it’s a snapshot. Any side effects settle down after 3-6 months but people often don’t give it time so do keep with it. They are excellent patches and whist you might have bleeding as you change patches it will stop as you develop your own new rhythm. They look like nothing but are a powerful product!

DontKeepTheFaith · 04/07/2022 19:09

The tests you describe aren’t usual for HRT.

I had a private consultation and that was an hour but still started HRT without blood tests based on symptoms and detailed history. I have since had bloods done which have triggered some tweaking and introduction of testosterone and vagirux for vaginal symptoms.

I went private because I have a history of cancer and no periods due to it but it wasn’t extortionate money and I am continuing to be seen privately and get private prescriptions for ease of access to prescriptions as well as the more involved consultations.

MarshaBradyo · 04/07/2022 19:10

I did the same just recently. Over the phone just prescribed after not much more than me asking

Read the leaflet which seemed to carry loads of downsides which you mention. Have shelved them for now

I got Evorel patches too, and the side effects seem to be high but maybe not so bad when you start, not sure

iklboo · 04/07/2022 19:19

Then I read up about the patches and it seems they can cause irritability, mood swings, headaches, bleeding, acne, weight gain and more.

Every medication can have side effects and the manufacturer has to list every single possible side effect. It doesn't mean you will experience them. Evorel has been brilliant for me.

wonderpants · 04/07/2022 19:25

I started on Evoral sequi without any blood tests aged 45. Didn't actually realise I was perimenopausal but I feel much better on them. You don't notice any big change, just over time, you realise you feel a bit better!

Caaarrrl · 04/07/2022 20:05

Your friends are wrong. Tests are unnecessary. Unless the big dripfeed is that you are having early onset menopause.

SophiaLarsen · 04/07/2022 20:09

I noticed more energy on day 1! There are awful side effects listed on paracetamol and many of us take that without a thought.

As I said the leaflet is not specific to transdermal HRT so is full of the scare stuff. Menopause experts in the UK are liaising with the MRHA to try and get it changed to more accurate information.

There are more dangers to drinking alcohol regularly than there are to HRT. It also protects long term against osteoporosis, heart disease (the biggest killer in women) and a recent audit by Dr Louise Newson looking at women in nursing homes and assisted living showed that none of them were on HRT. It increases the chances of being able to live independently as you age.

LetMeInYourWindow · 04/07/2022 20:14

Evorel have been life changing. Worth taking for prevention of bone & hair thinning alone.

no side effects. Bloods, heart scans and bone density not done as routine. Where does your friend that thinks this live out of interest?

user1494050295 · 04/07/2022 20:26

I used them and they were fine. Had the tests too. Used them for four years

HelloMaryJane · 04/07/2022 20:30

I use evorel conti patches and have had no negative side effects.
I have stopped getting terrible insomnia, vaginal dryness and emotional mood swings though.

DoubleYouOhEmAyEn · 04/07/2022 20:40

The side effects are listed because they have to be but that doesn't mean you'll get them . The only way you'll know is if you try. .any medication can cause side effects . If the symptoms you're experiencing are affecting you so much you've seen a doctor about them, perhaps you should just give them a go and see if they help

Ginandcrispsarebliss · 04/07/2022 20:52

I am on Evorel 50 patches. Been on them for 4 months. I feel so much better and my mood swings and Anxiety have gone, night sweats disappeared so I am sleeping well, enjoying life again and have my mojo back. The only thing is, I had the mirena coil fitted and my tummy is bloated but I have read it can take up to 6 months to go back to normal. I haven't noticed any weight gain apart from the bloating but then I am very watchful with my weight having loss 4 Stone with diet and exercise. I am sure you will be fine with your patches. I wasn't sure at first but I felt awful before and suffered for a long time before I asked for help. Wished I asked sooner.

Original poster
goldfinchonthelawn · 04/07/2022 21:54

5128gap · 04/07/2022 18:51

I was prescribed evoral conti via phone consultation. 53, a year from my last period. No menopause symptoms to speak of but was interested in protecting my bones.
2 months in, other than some bloating, and breasts tenderness followed by 3 weeks of light bleeding, I've had no negative effects.
I've lost about 6 lb as my appetite has declined, (which I do need to keep an eye on as I'm low end mid BMI anyway) my hair is very shiny, and bizarrely my roots are growing back in my former colour rather than grey. My skin looks better too, plumper and smoother.
I feel a bit different emotionally, a little less consistent with feelings a bit heightened, much like I felt when I was younger, and different from the sort of calm feeling I had post menopause. Not sure which I prefer to be honest, as at the moment it's a novelty to feel like my young self again.
I have a review in 2 weeks where I'll have blood pressure taken but I'm inclined to stick with it I think.

Wow. That sound slike an amazing result. Now I'm tempted! Reduced appetite would help.

OP posts:
Original poster
goldfinchonthelawn · 04/07/2022 21:58

Caaarrrl · 04/07/2022 20:05

Your friends are wrong. Tests are unnecessary. Unless the big dripfeed is that you are having early onset menopause.

Not at all. I had late menopause - 55-56. After horrendous peri-menopause I actually felt fine for the first couple of years. But now I'm 58 `i suddenly am getting so many symptoms - hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia. anxiety, appalling brain fog. DH was laughing at me today because I couldn't remember the word 'table' (as in spreadsheet not the one you eat off).

OP posts:
Original poster
goldfinchonthelawn · 04/07/2022 21:59

LetMeInYourWindow · 04/07/2022 20:14

Evorel have been life changing. Worth taking for prevention of bone & hair thinning alone.

no side effects. Bloods, heart scans and bone density not done as routine. Where does your friend that thinks this live out of interest?

It was three friends all living in UK. One sees a private GP but the others definitely don't.

OP posts:
BOOTS52PollyPrissyPants · 04/07/2022 22:26

Started hrt and feel so much better, try not to worry as I was like you before I started but wish now had started years ago but my old male doctor would not give it to me even though asked loads. Went to a Well Woman clinic and were fantastic. Bloods change daily trying to check hormones so once you are fairly healthy you will be ok. I am on a gel I put on my thigh daily and also progesterone 14 days on and 14 days off.

User79865765 · 04/07/2022 22:34

Im on everol 100. If I don’t have one on I can tell within a few hours. They’ve been a game changer for me

Caneparrot · 04/07/2022 22:34

What would the gp seeing you have changed? See how many grey hairs you have? Give them a call back if you feel you want to discuss further, but at the end of the day no one can make you take them, and it sounds like an appropriate prescription.

SerenadeOfTheSchoolRun · 05/07/2022 08:19

I was prescribed this based on symptoms over the phone. The GP said that blood tests are not accurate and if they don’t help I would stop taking them. No side effects for me so far and my anxiety has improved. Also less facial hair and I have found some motivation to get on top of things at home and eat more healthily so have lost a bit of weight that way. Actually my acne is a bit worse but I have been so used to that all my life that it doesn’t feel like a side effect - more back to how I usually was. I guess there are some advantages of the menopause.

I think I will ask for the dose to go up at my three month review to see if that helps more.

ChipoPup · 05/07/2022 08:32

Are Evorel patches oestrogen only? I read thatchy are synthetic, is there a better HRT option? How does it compare to the Mirena? I have a Mirena consolation coming up. Suffer from huge social anxiety and terrible periods, bot started in my mid forties Sad

MarshaBradyo · 05/07/2022 08:37

ChipoPup · 05/07/2022 08:32

Are Evorel patches oestrogen only? I read thatchy are synthetic, is there a better HRT option? How does it compare to the Mirena? I have a Mirena consolation coming up. Suffer from huge social anxiety and terrible periods, bot started in my mid forties Sad

I think they are both and are synthetic

I’d be interested to hear about other options too, are there any that are not synthetic

SerenadeOfTheSchoolRun · 05/07/2022 08:39

The Mirena is for the progesterone part. I think the patches can be just oestrogen or can be combined depending what you get. If it is just oestrogen you have progesterone pills or the Mirena. You can have oestrogen in a spray or a gel. I think all the transdermal options are the same drug with the same low risks. The patches leave black squares on your skin.

The Mirena should make your periods lighter. My one has caused continuous bleeding since it went in nearly three weeks ago but it is light bleeding and I am fully expecting it to stop at some future point and then to have no or very light periods going forward. I was fed up with heavy periods which was part of my decision to go for it.

it is the oestrogen that makes you feel better and the progesterone protects you from oestrogen side effects in the womb lining.