What to expect when requesting hrt, and do patches stay on in water?

[AlocasiaPolly]

I'm ringing yhe GP tomorrow to discuss perimenopause symptoms and request hrt. It's something I should have done ages ago, but have kept putting off, although I don't really know why.
Aside from cycle and symptom questions what else will they ask? Do patches stay on when swimming/aqua aerobics several times a week?

I have that combo - it was an instant winner for me - so, so much more strength and hot flushes and night sweats disappeared. Fingers crossed they work for your symptoms too

I used to use patches and they were fine when I swam.

I gave up on patches after a work trip to Hong Kong. Hot humid weather and twice daily showering meant they just didn’t stick for long enough. GP switched me over to tablets - way more practical for me.

Going against the grain here , but I’ve actually’ lost ‘ 2 patches in the swimming pool ! I’ve found they stick better to my lower belly than my bum, but echo previous comments don’t put anywhere near where clothing ends as will rub and create friction . I’m actually dreading wearing them on my summer holiday as I’ve heard the heat can ‘ loosen ‘ the adhesive too

Not a swimmer but just want to say my patches are awsome 😁.
Within days my sleep improved and I’m now sleeping though the night again. Not had a hot flush in weeks either.
Only started with the patches 4 weeks ago but it’s made such a difference.

I use a tegaderm.

i always see talk of the patches but that seems like such a faff. I’ve used eostrogel since I started HRT. Is that an option for you?

Please please please take them as directed ie same time each day let the gel completely dry before getting dressed and don’t bath or shower for at least an hour . I’ve just been through two weeks of hell ie the bleed from hell as I had a nightmare of a situation at home and I was a bit haphazard with my times and probs missed a few gel doses . My gp explained having too much of one hormone and not enough of the other will cause mayhem and my god it did. On the other hand you are better off than with the patches I had them in the washer stuck to the duvet and floating in swimming pools 😂

That is interesting. This was in September last year, so it definitely still happens. The point was to check that it was menopause causing my symptoms rather than some other nefarious underlying condition, so I think it was probably a good thing tbh.

I’d try lenzetto spray first if I were you 🤷🏻‍♀️

My patches (Evorel) have accepted Jesus as their Saviour and will survive not only water, but nail varnish remover, and oil with a scrubbing brush. It's easier to wait for my skin to drop off than to remove those fuckers.

I didn’t get on with the patches whatsoever, they didn’t stay on and gave me an irritation from the adhesive - ask for the gel it’s far superior.

Are you under 45? That might be why.

No, 50. So menopause was hardly a surprise😁. Still, it did turn up the fact that I was very vitamin D deficient as well, so it had some value, I suppose.