Bleeding on Evorel patches

[starlilly88]

I started HRT about 7 months ago, with Oestrogel. Went up to 4 pumps and it was becoming a pain so I swapped to Evorel 100 patches in November. December was ok but the last few weeks have been non stop migraines and intermittent light bleeding. I was fine on the gel so wondering if others have found patches more problematic? My migraines had reduced a bit on the gel but now back with a vengeance.

The patches are also a pain, they often don't stay on for the 3/4 days and I'm covered in itchy red squares! I have a prescription for Estradot - are they any better?

Well that's interesting' I was just about to start a thread about the HRT patches.
I've only tried Evorel, which was fine for the 3-4 months, despite small annoyances with marks from the patches, but now I'm bleeding intermittently- seems like 3 periods albeit light but more than spotting-since Christmas.
I'm going to go back to GP but wondering if anyone else has experienced similar, and if so, did the bleeding eventually settle down?

Better than me-I’m flooding like nothing ever experienced before. Going through tampax and pads in under an hour.

Spoke with my GP about starting HRT and she warned me about these issues with patches. Guess they’re pretty common side effects.

Hmm, might have to go back on the gel which would be a pain.

I've been using Evorel Sequi patches for 18 months, still regular bleeding and irregular flooding. But they've been great, stopped my crazy weeping bouts and made me feel human. However my last batch have been blistering my skin (only the 2nd four Conti patches) but out a 50 on yesterday and have the worst headache today, wondering if I've built up some sort of aversion to them?

Bleeding can be common in the first few months after starting, increasing or changing HRT. It generally settles, and if it doesn’t, then a referral can be made to be examined to find the cause. I’m guessing you are also using a progestogen OP. If no cause is found, then it might be a case of increasing the progestogen or getting a Mirena coil fitted.
balance-menopause.com/uploads/2021/09/Vaginal-bleeding-during-perimenopause-and-menopause.pdf

With irritation from using the Evorel patches, try removing the backing, then waving about gently for a few seconds before applying. This allows the alcohol that might be causing the irritation to evaporate. Personally I preferred Estradot patches, plus they are much smaller. I’m not sure if there is still a difficulty in sourcing them, and sometimes it might mean using x50 patches

Thanks Over, I've just read that.

I've been on Evorel Conti patches for 3 years - and still bleed!

It's not regular or heavy, but it was concerning me.

A couple of years ago I told the doctor and was fast tracked to hospital for a scan followed by a very unpleasant biopsy (camera). I think it was done so quickly as they thought it was cancer. I got the all clear - and was very relieved, but it didn't stop the bleeding.

So I recently mentioned it again and the doctor suggested that I probably wasn't on the right HRT treatment for me. I was told they will change it, but that I need to have another 'just in case' biopsy first.

I'm dreading it!

It's very common to be referred on the 2 week pathway for unexpected bleeding - I have too and in my case it was due to a small annoying fibroid.

I'm surprised after no cause was found that you weren't moved to a different treatment which is the usual recommendation or if you were on Utrogestan doubling up. Also surprised that it's been suggested you go back for another biopsy - I would have thought if anything that a transvaginal ultrasound would be sufficient. Have you been referred already as otherwise maybe ask if you can try a different combo first FWIW some practices go this route first with bleeding before referring.

Although uncomfortable biopsies are at least over quickly. Do take painkillers beforehand and plan a nice treat for after.

Just to add if having a biopsy the consultant might discuss fitting a mirena coil at the same time as they did with me. This can be more effective in controlling bleeding and it's fit and forget for a few years.

Yes, I have been through this. I had a scan which was clear. The consultant advised me to double my progesterone( Utrogestan) which worked for 6 weeks then the bleeding started again

I have now swapped into Provera and fingers crossed it has worked.

If you are referred for a biopsy you should ask for General Anaesthetic as some women find it extremely painful. They should do a scan first though which isn't painful at all.

I'm on Evorel 50 patches and I love them. Hardly any bleeding but I also have a Mirena. I had headaches at first but they subsided after a while. I put Aveeno cream on the area when I remove them and switch between legs when I alternate patches. I put them on the front of my thigh and find they don't come off early unless I sweat which was only a problem in the summer.

I hate all patches. I'm covered in red marks. Tried gel, tried this that. Hate it all tbh.

Thank you again Over.

I'll go back to the doctor and be a bit more assertive this time!

I know what you mean but I hated the constant hot flushes more, so this is a necessary evil for me

I was told by my GP they absorb better if you stick them on your bum.
I use Zoff to get the black bits off.

I used the bum and also the side/back upper thigh for applying patches - didnt like applying below the tummy button but might suit others. If the patches come off applying Tegaderm (can buy online) on top can keep them in place.

Baby oil on cotton wool pads can help remove the adhesive - I found if I used a finger nail with Evorel it felt like the skin came off too!

@over50andfab I'm on utrogestan daily and was fine with that and gel for 5 months, no bleeding at all. Started a few weeks after the change to patches. It's the hormonal headaches that are driving me mad, and suggesting that something not quite right with the patches. Managed to get some Estradot so will try those.

I did this, at a PNB clinic. Got a coil; no more Utrogestan.

I seem to absorb better from the patches than the gel. I also got migraines and irregular bleeding when my oestrogen dose was too high so Im wondering if maybe the 100 patch is a bit too high for you ? Maybe ask to try the 75 patch?

@allsogreen thanks for that, maybe I'm absorbing better from the patches than the gel. Will have to go back again. Annoying, as it seemed to be going fairly well!