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[Badga]

Good morning ladies.

I have to report that, after sticking problems with Conti, i have found the solution for me is to stick a Mepore waterproof wound dressing over the top.  Works a treat and the patch survives strenuous exercise, tight jeans and hot baths and showers.

On the downside, after a few months of Conti, I seem to developing headaches which are worse on a morning.

Is this likely to happen, i.e., that you do not get headaches with Conti initially, but after you have been on them a while?  I am also experiencing some bleeding too, and am sure that I have had a 'period', i.e., not just a bleed.  I have a follow-up at clinic soon, when my consultant said she would review how I have gone on.

Looking forward to hearing others' experiences and comment.

[Taz2]

Hi Badga - although the patch is held in place well by the wound dressing it could be that you are not receiving the full amount of hormone. The hormones are contained within the adhesive and if it is not fully activated then some of the effect is lost.

It's a shame you have had sticking problems as Evorel patches usually stick like glue and need to be prised off leaving sticky marks - most attractive.

The headaches could be due to other causes - morning headaches are often attributed to neck problems - you don't have to experience pain in the neck itself - so it may be worth getting them checked out by your GP just to rule out anything else.

Someone else with more info will be along soon.

Taz x

[Hurdity]

Hi Badga

Just to add that Evorel ( both conti and sequi) gave me headaches because the progestogen in them ( norethisterone) didn't agree with me - so this could also be a cause to consider along with those that Taz has suggested. I changed to a separate oestrogen patch and bio-identical (micronised) progesterone which were OK ( except during the withdrawal phase when I got pmt headaches).

Did you just start with conti straight away or have you tried a sequi version? You may not want a bleed again but using the same product on a cycle would indicate whether it was the progestogen you were reacting to - once you've ruled out other causes of your headaches?

Altenratively you could just try another HRT type eg Femoston and see if you felt any different on that one?

The problem with conti HRT for some women is that they may experience "continuous low-grade progestogenic side effects".

Hurdity x

[ann123]

I have been on Evoril conti for about a year. I don't have any problem with them sticking but I have started getting migraines about a month ago. The GP said it might be the HRT but wasn't sure, so, I have cut them in half and trying to cut back.

[Js]

Hi I have been on. Both evorel sequi and now conti patches and have had. No probs with sticking  but I have had headaches before I started the patches but was told that using patches were better and should give you less side effects as this does not go through your stomach and system it's just absorbed Into the area if you stick them around the buttock or hip area anyway I have decided to come off it for a while as I have been on hrt for about 3. Years and thought I would come off it slowly and see how I feel so now halved them and then will quarter them and see how I get on whether I feel any better I.e less headaches and mood swings probably will still have to do something about the VA though ,  if it's not one thing it's another
Js

[Hurdity]

Sorry to hear about the headaches. However there are not likely to be caused by HRT itself - the dose of oestrogen in Evorel should make you feel better. However as I said earlier if you are taking conti HRT and especially one with norethisterone, and getting headaches - I would suggest that could be the problem. Cutting them in half or cutting back will also reduce the benefits you are getting from the oestrogen and possibly bring back flushes etc that you are trying to relieve.

My suggestion would be to keep the same dose of oestrogen and either change to a different patch - Femseven has a different progestogen (although some women still get side effects from it), or go back to a cycle (you will get a bleed) but at least you would have some time on oestrogen alone  (just as in your natural menstrual cycle), or finally, change to separate oestrogen and progesterone ie oestrogen patch and micronised progesterone ( Utrogestan) which should be the least likely to cuase headaches.

Yes js patches are associated with fewer side effects but norethisterone disagrees with some women  - it did me when I tried Evorel so steer well clear of this now.

Hope this helps - nothing worse than continual headaches...

Hurdity x

[Badga]

Thanks for everyone's reply.  My neck is fine.  I forgot to add that I am also experincing some nausea, but have always had indigestion after eating fatty foods, which seem to have got worse.

I am using HRT continuously (i.e., not having a break to have a 'withdrawal' bleed).  Interesting about the opposing norethisterone Huridity!  I know for a fact that I am sensitive to progesterone orally.  I started off on Conti, then went onto Etradot with oral prog for a couple of months - horrendous!  I also have a physiologist friend who thinks it might be the norethisterone as, in addition to the headaches and the nausea, I am also cronically fatigued at the moment with fibromylagia, which was worse on the Estradot oral prog regimen.  All something to discuss at clinic, although last time I went my consultant poo-hooed the 'progesterone sensitivity' theory, even though I had legs like tree trunck, boobs like melons and was knackered!

Cheers everyone 

[Badga]

I forgot to add that since I have been using the wound dressing the the Conti adhesive as now actually staying 'stuck' to me too and I have to 'peel' it off.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Badga
Just a thought about your headaches: I find I get more headaches & often wake with a headache at this time of year when the central heating really starts kicking in.  The atmosphere in our homes becomes dryer and this can effect our sinuses and cause pain behind the eyes.
Maybe try inhaling over some hot salty water now and again.  I always breath deeply when I open my dishwasher to inhale the steam.
It's always good to look at other causes as i think we can be quick to blame HRT. DGx