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Menopause

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Experience with doubling Estradot Conti patches after trying multiple progestogens?

8 replies

SweetnHi · 06/08/2026 22:51

I was diagnosed with early ovarian failure at 30 and have been on HRT ever since. I’m now 55 and currently use Estradot 75 (reduced from 100).
Before age of 50 (in the US): I used cyclical Provera (12 days/month) with a regular monthly bleed.
At age 48 move to UK, Post-50 UK regimen: Switched to continuous progesterone, but it’s been a struggle to find one I tolerate:
Utrogestan: Heavy bleeding every 2 weeks & headaches.
Mirena coil: Removed after 2 weeks due to dizziness, headaches, and severe heartburn.
Dydrogesterone (earlier this year): Heavy bleeding every 10 days & headaches.
Cyclogest pessaries (rectally): Currently using this and it works perfectly (no headaches or bleeding). However, my gynaecologist says it's off-license and won't recommend it long-term.
My gynaecology team has now suggested trying Estradot Conti (50/140)—specifically using two patches at a time to match my current 75 mcg estrogen dose.
Has anyone here use Estrado Conti or Evorel conti (they're similar) and doubled up on the patches to match a higher estrogen dose? What was your experience, and are you still on them? I also worry about the form of progesterone in these combi patches.

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 07/08/2026 09:14

Are you being treated privately or on the NHS? When you say 'team' do you see the same consultant each time?

Only asking as there are some options you've not included which I know are available privately.

By the way, there is no standard UK regimen. Most GPs suggest combined continuous HRT post menopause as it's 'guidance' but some women still prefer cyclical and I'm using that after over 15 years (with a private consultant.)

First, how long did you give Utrogestan and Dydrogesterone?
At least 3 - 6 months?

It sounds as if neither controlled your womb lining which is slightly unusual for Dydrogesterone (it's only just become available on the NHS) and is being promoted as being better than Utrogestan for controlling bleeds.

Did you ever try Utrogestan vaginally or rectally? Many women get on well with it that way and although in the UK it's not licensed for that, it's done all the time and my consultant recommended both way years ago. No time limit on that.

So I 'm unsure why Cyclogest should be any different or have a time-limit.
Has your dr explained why? It's a bit odd.
It shouldn't be any different to Utrogestan as it's the same drug- micronised progesterone.

If you like estrodot - estrogen only you can take Norethisterone as tablet . That's the same progestin that is in the combined patch. So you could increase your estradot to 100 and take Norethisterone daily. (I used it on a cycle for 6 years.)

If you feel you've drawn a blank is seeing a consultant privately an option, even just to get a 2nd opinion on some of what you've said here.

KatyMac · 07/08/2026 10:35

I have 2 conti twice a week but my consultant and I agreed I could use half a day (so each half gets replaced every 4 days)

I was struggling with the boost of hormones then the drop - consistent is better for me

KatyMac · 07/08/2026 10:36

My recent mri shows my lining around 2mm when previously it was around 6mm

SweetnHi · 07/08/2026 15:19

JinglingSpringbells · 07/08/2026 09:14

Are you being treated privately or on the NHS? When you say 'team' do you see the same consultant each time?

Only asking as there are some options you've not included which I know are available privately.

By the way, there is no standard UK regimen. Most GPs suggest combined continuous HRT post menopause as it's 'guidance' but some women still prefer cyclical and I'm using that after over 15 years (with a private consultant.)

First, how long did you give Utrogestan and Dydrogesterone?
At least 3 - 6 months?

It sounds as if neither controlled your womb lining which is slightly unusual for Dydrogesterone (it's only just become available on the NHS) and is being promoted as being better than Utrogestan for controlling bleeds.

Did you ever try Utrogestan vaginally or rectally? Many women get on well with it that way and although in the UK it's not licensed for that, it's done all the time and my consultant recommended both way years ago. No time limit on that.

So I 'm unsure why Cyclogest should be any different or have a time-limit.
Has your dr explained why? It's a bit odd.
It shouldn't be any different to Utrogestan as it's the same drug- micronised progesterone.

If you like estrodot - estrogen only you can take Norethisterone as tablet . That's the same progestin that is in the combined patch. So you could increase your estradot to 100 and take Norethisterone daily. (I used it on a cycle for 6 years.)

If you feel you've drawn a blank is seeing a consultant privately an option, even just to get a 2nd opinion on some of what you've said here.

Edited

Hi JinglingSpringbells. Thanks for your reply! To answer your questions:
I was on Utrogestan for nearly a year and tried Dydrogesterone for a little over six months. Unfortunately, I had to stop both due to heavy bleeding and persistent headaches—even when taking Utrogestan vaginally, I was still bleeding every two weeks.
Next, I’m going to try Estradot Conti, which contains Norethisterone as you mentioned. I prefer topical absorption over oral treatments to help minimize potential side effects or complications.
Regarding private care: I’m currently on the NHS but considering going private. I’ve been following Dr. Newson online, a private menopause specialist in London, though she isn't taking new patients right now. Interestingly, I noticed she advocates for many of the same treatments my NHS doctors recommend anyway.
Are you located in London, and if so, do you have a recommendation for a private consultant you’ve been happy with? Thanks!

OP posts:
SweetnHi · 07/08/2026 15:20

KatyMac · 07/08/2026 10:35

I have 2 conti twice a week but my consultant and I agreed I could use half a day (so each half gets replaced every 4 days)

I was struggling with the boost of hormones then the drop - consistent is better for me

Hi KatyMac. Did you have any side effects from Estradot conti? How long have you been on it?

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 07/08/2026 16:28

Hi @SweetnHi I'll message you about recommendations.

SweetnHi · 07/08/2026 16:45

JinglingSpringbells · 07/08/2026 16:28

Hi @SweetnHi I'll message you about recommendations.

Thank you!!

OP posts:
KatyMac · 07/08/2026 18:21

I think nearly 2 years, I have random small reactions to the adhesive but everything else seems pretty stable

It is prescribed off book but with regular checks it seems ok

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