Evorel patches - any advice or comments ?

[donnie]

I had a sub total hysterectomy just recently - removal of uterus and also overies - and have been put on evorel 50 patches; so far so good, although it's only been 3 weeks.I haven't noticed anything nasty yet! I wondered if anyone else is on evorel and if they could give me some good news stories!

Also I know there is a lower dosage (evorel 25) and was wondering whether I ought to get my GP to prescribe this instead of the 50. I am 45 and am supposed to take HRT for around 5 years or until I would naturally get the menopause.

Thanks in advance for any comments!

[Lisa4771]

I started evorel conti 5 months ago after being on evorel sequi for 18 months. I am feeling much better since I started using it. I have dreadful headaches and these have almost stopped. I am also sleeping better. I have had issues with bleeding though, pretty well constant,finll y stopped now, for now at least, but apparently this can occur whilst your body is getting used to it - healthexpress.co.uk/evorel-conti

[Casaamarilla]

I wondered if there is anyone out there that has any experience with using Evorel 50 HRT patches under the same circumstances as my own?

I have just had a full hysterectomy taking everything away including the cervix due to three huge fibroids. I am 55 and have been peri-menopausal for about 5 years so my hormone levels have been dropping during this time. Prior to the surgery I had experienced night sweats as a main side effect. These were reducing and I was taking sage tablets also. Keeping a window open at night and basically laying in the cold allowed me to sleep. I had also experienced monthly blinding migraines and three bouts of bladder infections, dizzy spells now and then around the time of the migraines and a weight increase of about a stone in the last year. 3 months ago prior to the surgery I was given hormone injections to shut my ovaries down. The symptoms I experienced were horrendous. I cried at almost everything, felt I couldn’t cope, couldn’t sleep with the nights sweats that happened hourly. I was so tired I thought I was loosing my mind plus I still had the flushes happening during the day but less frequently. These symptoms subsided within 4-6 weeks of the injections ceasing and the lighter symptoms returned. Because of my experience from a medically induced menopause prior to the surgery my specialist recommended the HRT estrogen patches and also for bone density issues that may be a problem in the future. I have only used two patches which is one weeks worth so I can’t judge them yet. I hope the terrible night sweats will not return but I also worry about pilling on weight and I have read breast tenderness and swelling is also another side effect. Anyones else’s shared experiences with a similar story would be greatly appreciated?

[MOSES82]

Hi ladies I'm 4 weeks post op from ovary removal. Finally stopped bleeding 5 days agonafter bleeding for 6 months. I started on evorel hrt patches yesterday and started bleeding this morning. I'm so upset I know breakthrough bleeding is a side effect of hrt but I guess I didn't think it would affect me as I have no ovaries. Has anyone else experienced this

[twarno]

Hi there ladies... I've just started Evorel Conti patches after trying Elleste, and Kiloflem, nothing seems to help at the moment. I did have Evorel Sequi patches prescribed and Evorel Conti, so I've decided to go with the Conti Patches . How long is it before they kick in? Do they have more progesterone in them than the the sequi patches? It's all so confusing, any advice girls?

[Liquorice68]

Goodjo19. Ah thank you so much for replying. That's great that you feel so good now and that you have so much energy. You're right it's early days so I will persevere as I would like some of that energy! Hope it continues to go well for you and thank you x

[Goodjo19]

I just posted a message for you. X

[Goodjo19]

Hi Liquorice 68.
I tried to come down to the 50 patch but that was a nightmare!! My hot sweats were back and I couldn't sleep. I'm actually loving the patch now. I've got my weight under control and I have so much energy. I felt sick at the start and my bust was really sore. Don't think I could manage without it now. Keep going with the 75 and see how it goes. That's me on it 8 months. Everyone I've spoken to highly recommend it but have said the same as you that they had to up it. Good luck xx

[Liquorice68]

Hi Goodjo19. I just wondered how you're getting on with the evorel 100. I've just upped my dose from 50 to 75 after 2 years as was starting to get hot flushes and some hormonal spots. My first day on 75 today and feel a little sick. I had a total hysterectomy 2 years ago and was 47, 49 now so the doc said 75 would still be ok but don't know if would prefer 50. Anyhow just wondered what your experience was and if you stuck to 100? X

[Goodjo19]

Hi
New on here and was having a read on the Everol 100 patch. I've had a total hysterectomy 5 years ago. Suffering from low self esteem, hot flushes and sleepless nights. Doc has recommended these. After reading posts wonder why I'm on the 100 patch? Starting tomorrow so I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

[Eagerbelvoir]

Only just found this thread. I was wondering if you did try the evorel 25 and if you did, did your breasts explode again. I've just tried evorel 50 for a month and couldn't cope any longer. I went from a 34f to a 36gg in 1 month and gained half a stone. Was taking evorel for vaginal dryness????

[Mathnomica]

I've been taking evorel conti for 2 months and although menopausal symptoms have pretty much gone, my hair has started falling out a lot since I started using the patches. Has anyone else experienced this? I thought Oestrogen was supposed to stop hair falling out.

[Ollynannie2011]

I have been on Evorel Conti for x8 months which stopped the flushes and other symptoms but have been bleeding for x2 to 3 weeks at a time so my Doc changed me to Evorel Sequi 50, I've only been on these for a week and I feel dreadful, dizzy, headaches, can't concentrate, started bleeding again with breast + back ache, is this normal when you change ? Should I put up with these affects for a while or stop taking them ?? I need help ??

[Ollynannie2011]

Hi I'm new on here but find it really helpful reading everyone else's post and take comfort that I'm not on my own. I'm 53 started my menopause at 48 and the past x 2 years have been the worst in my life. I've tried tablet form HRT but just felt sick + dizzy all the time, ( I haven't had a hysterectomy, just really bad symptoms, hot sweats every 10mins, no sleep, heart palpitations, depression etc) The hospital put me on everol combi patches 6months ago on 25, at first I felt great, hot sweats went within a week , sleeping better, depression lifted, but then after x 3 months started to bleed quite bad like a really heavy period, then I started having a period every x 2 weeks which was getting me down. My doctor told me to up the patches to x 2. ( 50) but to be honest I just feel unwell most of the time, headaches, palpitations, sometimes I can't get my words out. I'm considering just quitting them but scared of going back to how I was x6 months ago .
Any advise anyone ?? Thank you

[PreservesTomorrow]

Oh I see. That's reassuring, Bellaciao thank you

[Thumper24]

That's great thanks for the information. I have an appointment with the doc on Monday. Yes I am on the oestrogen only ones. I have only had a bleed twice this year but they were nothing much and -sorry for this but..... brownish in colour. Initially I was put on the patches for the hot flushes and night sweats.

[Bellaciao]

PreservesTomorrow - if you're on "continuous combined" ie Evorel conti patches then these contain the progestogen needed to keep the womb lining thin and yes there can be bleeding especially in the first 6 months, and also if you are given them before you are actually menopausal (ie 12 months without a period). No need for any more progestogens including progesterone.

Thumper24 is talking about Evorel patches ie the oestrogen only ones - I presume - since you were talking about 25's etc? You should use 50 mcg size or above at your age to give best bone health ie protection against osteoporosis in later life. Yes go to the doc and get progesterone - I would suggest if this is a GP and you have had no progesterone for 4 years (apart form when you;ve ovulated) that you ask for a scan to check your lining as this is negligent if I am understanding your situation correctly. If you haven't had progesterone and have been taking oestrogen then your lining could have thickened although you would expect some breakthrough bleeeding if so (not like a normal period with no pms signs).

[Thumper24]

Yes that's what I am like also. I have all my female organs and after 4 blood tests later when I was 36 they told me I was perimenapause. But the doc seemed more concerned about my bone density hence I went for a bone scan. -all good.

[PreservesTomorrow]

I've just been prescribed them even though I have all my female organs. No periods for four years, age 44, several (no hormonal contraception) blood tests say post-menopause.

I've been told that bleeding can occur even on continuous.

I'm a bit worried now that I might need progesterone as well.

[Thumper24]

Not taking anything progesterone based ??Just those patches. Think I'll go to the doc for a chat.

[Bellaciao]

Thumper - yes you do need to take the oestrogen patches consistently but you do need a progestogen of some sort to protect your womb. Do you have a Mirena or are you taking some sort of tablets?

[Thumper24]

I was diagnosed with early menopause when I was 36! I was given the patches to try but back then I wasn't too bad with the flushes etc hence I came off and went back on when I went through a bad stage. Although I think that's my problem not sticking to it. The past year hasn't been too bad so I went without and I've only had a small light period. Year before I only had 2 light periods. But now my flushes are getting worse and my doctor told me to try the patches again . . Sorry for not explaining things properly.

[Bellaciao]

I am confused Thumper! Were you given oestrogen only patches back when you were 36 - and was this due to low mood and low oestrogen levels generally, or were you going through menopause?

Also when you say breakthrough bleed - do you mean while using the 25 mcg patches on and off and nothing else? Maybe you have a Mirena for the progesterone?

If you do have a Mirena and you are getting flushes/sweats then I would gradually increase the oestrogen dose if you can because you need a higher dose at your young age as I said before. Hopefully this would lessen the chance of migraines.

[Thumper24]

Still have my ovaries and no hysterectomy.....just unlucky I guess. I have my 2 boys and thankfull for them.
I'm going to sick to it this time.
I have only had 1 breakthrough bleed this year so fingers crossed I'm near the end. I went for a bone scan and everything is fine and I have to go for yearly checkups.

[Bellaciao]

Thumper - did you have a hysterectomy with ovary removal hence no need for progesterone as part of your HRT? Whatever the reason you are very young to be menopausal (even younger at 36!) so you definitely need to keep on with the oestrogen and probably a higher dose once your body is used to it. yes going on and off them is not wise and can lead tomore sdie effects. Herbal remedies will do nothing - itls oestrogen you need to protect your heart and bones and future health.

[Thumper24]

I am 40 and started with the 25 patches 4 years ago. Altho i have never committed to them I come on and off them all the time and I really should give them a chance. Anyway I did try the 50s but I get migraines with any type of hormone supplements. So I kind of have to get on with it ?? And try the herbal remedies. Not very helpful when ur not sleeping through the nights and sweating/ flushing all the time ??