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[Jaz]

Hi Ladies
I've been on Evorel patches for just over a year with great results, however recently my symtoms have come back in the form of sleep disturbance, joint pains, lack of energy and low mood, mild palpatations.
Had some hot flashes but they were never my main symtom.
I've had a sub total hysterectomy in 2008 and still have ovaries so no womb or progesterone needed, I'm 55 now and previously was on Elleste solo 3mg which  again was very effective but also stopped helping as much after a similar period of time.
I had to increase my patches from 50 x 2 to 75 x 2 as my skin was not initially absorbing and blood tests confirmed this.
 I have one patch on each bum cheek and replace both twice per week and careful to change to new area of skin each time. Is it possible the area of skin is no longer absorbing the patch due to long term use and should I try another part of my body?
I can't understand why my symtoms have returned and wondered what other options there could be.
Would appreciate any of thoughts Ladies

Jaz

[CLKD]

Could your ovaries be having a party?  I'm sure someone will be along or maybe put the name of the product into the search button to see if anything comes up, given the time and everything 

[Hurdity]

Hi Jaz

In the absence of a cycle it is difficult to comment but that does seem to be a very high dose of oestrogen. However if you say that your levels have been tested and you have not been absorbing properly and still getting symptoms then that must be happening. The answer re application site - is that you don't need to change the area it is applied to although each time you change it should be stuck to a slightly different area - in other words don't re-apply to the same part of your bum cheek when you change the patch and then clean the residue from the area you have removed the patch from. Then fine to go back to the same area the following patch change.

I have used patches for 10 years and also apply to bum cheek - but I use Estradot which are much smaller and stick well - although there are some supply issues. I can't see that the difference in patch would make a huge difference - given the dose you are using.

My suggestion re the HRT would be to ask the doc again for a blood test and take it half-way through the patch change period - not straight after a patch change or just before. Then if necessary and levels are very low - maybe try oestrogen gel - women differ in how well they absorb oestrogen from the different methods. Return of hot flushes usually indicate oestrogen deficiency.

If you are lacking in energy and have low mood - it could also be reduced testosterone, especially if you ovaries have now failed, and a good clue to this would be your libido - if absent, then this is a sure sign. It can be difficult getting this on NHS but it is worth a try with your GP and if not maybe ask for a referral to a menopause clinic if there is one in your area?

Have you had other blood tests to rule out other conditions too?

Hope this helps

Hurdity x

[peri]

Hi Jaz,

I use evorel patches too and find them very good.   I echo what Hurdity says about testosterone, it may just be the missing link so do try it if you can, it's helped me with energy, mood and libido.

Re application site, I stick mine on my lower abdomen, changing sides and position slightly each time.  I tried them on my backside but didn't feel as though I was getting any oestrogen at all.  Just a suggestion but maybe try lower abdomen.  Much has been made about size of the patches in the past but in fact they're only an inch square and easily fit under the knicker line, unless you wear thongs maybe (I'm a 12 and don't have problem).  Keep us posted how you go on x

[Jaz]

Thanks for your responses, I have to say my libido was sky high on the patches till recently so maybe it is to do with testosterone, I'm just bit concerned about putting another hormone into my body when I'm already oh a high dose of Estrogen.
I have been getting a strange pain on my side of the stomach and was referred for a scan it showed there were some cysts on my ovary but apparently this can be normal. I have been referred to gynaecologist to check it out again in September which will be two months since last scan. Doctor said it could be due to ovulation, I didn't think I could still ovulate without periods. I'm wondering if this could also be connected in some way (the pain seems to happen around the same time of month).

Just also wanted to check.. my blood test was 115 pmol/l on 1x75 patch which Meno clinic said should have been more given dosage. Six weeks later after increasing patch to 75 x 2 blood d tests showed 556 pmol and improvement in all my symtoms. I know we're all different but be intersted to know what other people have found as GPs are reluctant to use blood test as a measurement and go on just symtoms.

I'm going to go back to Meno clinic as they initially advised GP about blood test and doseage. I did have blood tests for everything else at the time and all came back normal.
Jaz