Advice on using patches

[Biscuitmonster2318]

I’m looking for some advice as I am unsure when to start the patches.
The GP prescribed a 3 month trial of HRT patches. I’m 46 and have a period every 28 days. They have always been regular and they have have only changed in the length of period and become shorter- now 3-4 days instead of 6-8 days.
I had a period 23/12 and the GP said to start the patches within 5 days of my period. I’m assuming that they have no completely ended or in the process of stopping, as I’m still waiting for it to start.
The instructions say to start the patches at anytime once you have no periods.
Im really confused about what to do. Do I need to wait another month to see if I get a period next month or can I just start them.

Thank you for any advice

I would just start them and not worry too much. I don’t get bleeding because of the Mirena coil so I don’t know where I am in my cycle. No one is ever worried!

Thank you Gunpowder, did you have any side effects. I have been given Evorel sequi patches

I have Evorel Conti. For me the side effects were sore breasts (this took about two or three months to settle) and I’ve also gone up a bra size which is annoying. I also had a mild allergic reaction to the patch, but have discovered it’s better if I place it on my bottom instead of my thigh, and make sure it’s completely flush to my skin. If any water can get in I get the itchy reaction again.

In balance these side effects are worth it for me as the patches have really helped reduce my brain fog and hot flushes. Good luck! I hope it helps you.

If you have regular periods and about a 28 day cycle, it's a good idea to start a HRT cycle at about the same time as uour period so the HRT follows your existing rhythm. If you're irregular or start at a different time in your cycle it might take a bit longer to settle but it's not harmful, just maybe a bit of spotting mid cycle etc.

read the leaflet in the box but i'm sure the advice is to start them when you start your next cycle. Note that there's 2 different types of patches in the box - 4 of each so you need to use them from the front of the box not randomly!