Help with my patch woes!

[SebastianFlytesTrousers]

I really need your help, ladies. I'm in surgical menopause and trying to find an estrogen only HRT method I can actually stick with long enough to feel better again after my implant was discontinued by the NHS menopause clinic I attend in September 2022

I've had trouble with skin irritation from patches recently but gel is out of the question with the recent pump problems - I've been down that road several years ago before when there were previous packaging issues. I also tried oral hrt last week (Elleste Solo) very reluctantly which threw me into a horrible migraine and I'm under a Neurologist for those, so I wasn't best happy.

This leaves me back with patches again, obviously. I used to be able to tolerate Estradot on my tummy, but tried Evorel on hip/bum/top of thigh and they either wouldn't stay put properly or I got very itchy. Does anyone actually stick these on their tummy and find them OK there? Any other tips (Tegaderm/tattoo film is a no as means bigger exposure to sticky adhesives = more potential irritation). I can't reliably source Estradot now and I guess many of you are also in the same boat.

I feel like I'm running out of options - help!

(NHS menopausal clinic has been as much use as a chocolate fireguard btw, and now can't see me until May).

gel is out of the question with the recent pump problems

What does this mean? I've just started using gel alongside a tablet.

I use oestrogel but I do weigh it to make sure I’m getting an accurate dose (they are never the same otherwise!).
Sandrena is a gel and comes in individual sachets, so would be an accurate dose. I believe there is also a spray, Lanzetto.

I have used Evorel as a substitute for Estradot and found that I had to rotate placement more otherwise I got skin irritation. I usually used top of thigh, front and then side, alternating legs to give each site a break. I found them really sticky but as with all of them you have to be careful your jeans or trousers aren't catching the edges as you change.

I use everol and stick to my bum or lower back top of bum and been ok with them sticking and. It had a reaction. As op said there is also a spray called Lenzetto a gel called sandrena x

Apply a patch before a shower otherwise your skin is too warm and the glue won’t hold. Don’t wear any body lotion.
I only get irritation in one spot on my left hip for some reason. I just move them around and alternate sides.

@PennySittingPretty Thank you so much for the tips! I have to get this to work, I'm feeling absolutely shocking off HRT.

@Christine0708 Thank you so much! I firgot to say that I have already tried Lenzetto when it very first came out and quickly discovered that it was just too low of a dose at the maximum to cover my symptoms. I am thinking of Sandrena as my backup though if the patches become a problem. Fingers crossed that they don't though!

Thank you so much @SheRasBra. I think I'm going to have to make sure to rotate, the Evorel are noticeably more irritating than the Estradot but I hope they won't be too bad. I've also noticed the Evorel are more sticky than the Estradot too - I lost a fair few of those, especially after showering despite being careful.

Can I also ask if you're changing patch every 3rd and 4th day, or 3.5 days?

I change my Everol every 3.5 days. Agree, no body lotion or anything and alternate each leg. Sometimes the itching is just awful and I rip the thing off

I change every Tuesday evening and Saturday evening. I have a reminder on Alexa .

@Christine0708 Thank you! Do you find the patch is still working OK when you change on the 4th day? I would rather change evenings too as mornings can be hectic here as i'm looking after my MIL with end stage cancer.

@SebastianFlytesTrousers yep no problems at all x

I'm really allergic to the patches, too, and just as a heads up I am also allergic to gel. GP has now suggested Lenzetto which I am about to start a thread on!

I rotate my everol patch around, hip, stomach (within where my underwear is), back, bum.

I do find it a bit itchy and drying but I change mine every 3 days after a shower. I remove the old one before I wash and make sure I pick all of the adhesive off. Dry thoroughly and I've had no problems getting it to stick like a previous poster mentions.

I use Evorel 75 on my tummy and have no problems. When I was on 50 strength I used a tegaderm as the patch didn't always stick but with this bigger patch I have no problem at all. I do occasionally get a rash but just avoid that area for a few weeks and it's fine.

Patches won't stick to my thighs or bum at all and I was ready to move onto gel when I tried my stomach and realised that worked.

I change my patch before bed on a Wednesday and Saturday (shower in the morning).

I have Evorel. I reckon I get less absorption off my legs and bum, I've got quite dry bumpy skin there. So I stick to applying on my stomach, moving every time. I've found the solution to them not coming unstuck is big knickers! Otherwise they come off due to waist band of jeans and leggings rubbing on them.

I was so allergic that I ended up looking like a red and white giraffe.

Hydrocortisone cream a couple of hours effort you apply it. Works a treat

*before

Thank you all so much for your experiences and suggestions, it's greatly appreciated.

By the way, I discovered on Diana Danzbrincks Instagram today that stocks of Estradot should now be filtering through from the wholesalers to pharmacies as the changeover of internal company from Novartis to Sandoz is now complete. This is going to help not only supply across the board but also some of us who find Estradot less itchy too.

You shouldn't keep doing that every day though. Thins your skin. Not great. Best to find something you aren't allergic to, surely?