Starting HRT - Evorel Patches

[ITSJUSTBRIDGET]

After putting off relentless overwhelming tiredness for a couple of years I've finally been to the GP and am about to start Evorel Patches. I'm on the mini pill - not for contraception as such but for my god awful periods and moods.

So I'm starting Evorel Sequi first, then 2 weeks later on Evorel Conti

Any tips or tricks to know what to expect?

I started on Evorel 50 patches last month. Just finished my first bleed after 14 days on Utrogestan tablets. Tbh I didn’t notice any significant differences in my energy levels, mood swings and brain fog, which are the main symptoms of peri that I’m struggling with. But it’s still early days. I did get horrible bloating though and very sore breasts - it was like early pregnancy🙄

Waiting to see what this next month holds!

Has your GP discussed stopping the mini pill? it's not a great idea to use it along with HRT as you'll be using two types of progestogen (and that's the part of HRT that can cause side effects.)

Your GP may not know this but you can use 3 x Noriday (POP) as part of HRT if you also use a separate estrogen (patch or gel.) That's an option if you like the mini pill.

You could use Everol estrogen only all month then use the mini pill as well for 2 weeks.

This is in BMS guidance and i can leave a link if you want.

You also need to be aware that the progesterone in Evorel is synthetic and micronised progesterone is body-identical and now considered the 'gold standard' for longer term use.

Everyone gets on with them differently so you need to see how you go with the conti patches and if you feel low or moody consider changing.