HRT patches falling off after pool swimming

TyneFilth · 2026-08-20T11:50:37+00:00

Does anyone else have a problem with HRT patches and chlorinated swimming pools? I swim at least twice a week, once in a pool and the other in a lake, and it's specifically pool swimming that seems to get at the adhesion of the patches. Evorel, if that makes any difference?

AuntieBiotics · 20/08/2026 12:53

Not in swimming pools, but in the sea I did. Short term holiday issue though. I suppose you could use surgical tape/plasters to keep them in place?

Talkinpeace · 20/08/2026 12:54

I wore mine on the back of my hip, inside my suit and they were fine for several days swimming a mile a day

LilyBunch25 · 20/08/2026 20:40

Use Tegaderm over the top- buy the proper 3M patches online. I absolutely swear by them, my HRT patches stay totally out in shower, pool, sea, everything now. Game changer!! I cut mine in half so get 2 uses per Tegaderm.

Doodledoggle · 22/08/2026 18:29

Mine go on my bum when my skin is dry. Usually just before I shower. Never had an Everol come off.

Make sure you don't touch the edges of it when you are rolling them on.

likeitshard · 22/08/2026 19:37

mine usually go on top. of thigh . But on holiday I ten to put them on my bum/hip so the swimsuit holds them in

Charliede1182 · 23/08/2026 17:19

I wouldn't rely on a patch I'd swam in.

Like my IVF consultant said, HRT patches were designed for much older women who aren't very active and don't wash very often.

Athletic women and swimmers tend not to keep patches on well at all, and usually are good candidates for oral estradiol which is my choice of treatment.

If you do like patches then I would accept that it needs to be changed, ideally removed before you get in the pool as medicated patches floating around in the water is barely any more considerate than dropping a log, and then a new one applied afterwards.

Doodledoggle · 23/08/2026 17:22

@Charliede1182 that's the oddest take I've ever heard!

I'm very athletic (and only 48 AND I wash all the time in order to avoid smelling!) and my patch has never come off when I swim and I swim many lengths several times a week!

Transdermal oestrogen is the safest delivery of oestrogen and oral is not recommended as a first choice.

How many years ago were you given that advice?

Talkinpeace · 23/08/2026 17:59

Like my IVF consultant said, HRT patches were designed for much older women who aren't very active and don't wash very often.
Your IVF consultant was an ageist misogynist.
Women over 50 using HRT are clean and highly active.

AuntieBiotics · 23/08/2026 18:04

Much older women who aren’t active and don’t wash? Wtf?!

Toodoloo · 23/08/2026 18:07

Do you always swim on the same day? Maybe you could switch to that day for the changeover?

Namechangingregularly · 23/08/2026 18:16

Charliede1182 · 23/08/2026 17:19

I wouldn't rely on a patch I'd swam in.

Like my IVF consultant said, HRT patches were designed for much older women who aren't very active and don't wash very often.

Athletic women and swimmers tend not to keep patches on well at all, and usually are good candidates for oral estradiol which is my choice of treatment.

If you do like patches then I would accept that it needs to be changed, ideally removed before you get in the pool as medicated patches floating around in the water is barely any more considerate than dropping a log, and then a new one applied afterwards.

Well I feel better about dropping a log last night in the pool. I was feeling dreadful but I’m going to try and use your perspective and think of it as similar to losing a hormone patch in the pool. You’ve really helped me today 🙏

isthismylifenow · 23/08/2026 18:23

Charliede1182 · 23/08/2026 17:19

I wouldn't rely on a patch I'd swam in.

Like my IVF consultant said, HRT patches were designed for much older women who aren't very active and don't wash very often.

Athletic women and swimmers tend not to keep patches on well at all, and usually are good candidates for oral estradiol which is my choice of treatment.

If you do like patches then I would accept that it needs to be changed, ideally removed before you get in the pool as medicated patches floating around in the water is barely any more considerate than dropping a log, and then a new one applied afterwards.

I'm no doctor, but I've been using patches for 4 years now, and am in a chlorinated pool at least 3 time a week.

I have never had a patch fall off.

(And I wash every day 😅)

OP try placing it higher up on your bum or hip so it's under the swimming costume.

Also don't use any lotion on the area before applying.

Sidge · 23/08/2026 18:44

Charliede1182 · 23/08/2026 17:19

I wouldn't rely on a patch I'd swam in.

Like my IVF consultant said, HRT patches were designed for much older women who aren't very active and don't wash very often.

Athletic women and swimmers tend not to keep patches on well at all, and usually are good candidates for oral estradiol which is my choice of treatment.

If you do like patches then I would accept that it needs to be changed, ideally removed before you get in the pool as medicated patches floating around in the water is barely any more considerate than dropping a log, and then a new one applied afterwards.

What a load of shite. And why would an IVF doctor be any sort of expert on HRT? Rather different client base lol.

Historically older women were issued oral equine oestrogens because patches weren’t commonly used, they only became available really in the late 80s early 90s.

Oral oestrogen has a much higher clot risk.

@TyneFilth if you’re not getting on with patches consider the gel or spray. I have patients who are triathletes that found their patches came off more easily. And some women just don’t have sticky skin!