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[Lynda07]

Hi

I was prescibed the Evorel Conti patch last Friday. By Sunday I was feeling quite ill - very anxious, spaced out and headachy. Yesterday I felt something was not right and took my Blood Prssure (I regularly monitor it at home - last week it was 135/92  - about what I would expect). Yesterday it was 202/115 - I was absolutley terrified - took lots more readings and they were similar - husband took his and it gave the reading (much lower) we would expect so it's not the machine.

I took the patch off and rang the GP Practice - the Nurse Practitioner rang me back a few hours later and as my BP was coming down she advised no more patches (that was never going to happen!!) and to record BP for a week.

It was back to (my) normal this morning so there is no doubt in my mind the patch caused this - I just feel so thankful I have the home monitor as I don't know what would have happened if it had stayed that high and I'd not been aware - it terrified me tbh.

Of course everyone is different but for me, I'll take the awful hot sweats over medication now. I'm only posting as I wonder if there is a link between borderline high BP - which I have - and Evorel?

Lynda x

[Nik2502]

Hi
I've just started Evorel 75 patches and took my BP and it was high. However the next day it was back to normal. I think my anxiety around HRT made an usually high reading. I do have white coat syndrome!
The GP advised me to keep the patches on and monitor my BP - so far it has been fine.
You might just need a different HRT.

N x

[Lynda07]

Thanks for that Nik2502. I have white coat syndrome too, hence the monitor at home. So it's possible that different HRT might not raise my BP? I jumped to the conclusion it was all the same. Interesting also that your BP is now fine - that's good.  I must admit I was very anxious about the HRT.

xx

[Nik2502]

Hi

I think we are anxious about HRT as there is so much conflicting information about. I would suggest doing your research and making an informed decision.  There are plenty of types to try and it can be hit and miss for a lot of women x

[Hurdity]

Hi Lynda07

Here is what it says on this website about HRT and hypertension:

Hypertension   
    Blood pressure should be measured and, if high, should be controlled prior to starting HRT. Blood pressure measurement should be repeated 3 months after starting HRT and is then usually checked at annual review. There is a very small risk of conjugated equine estrogens causing a rise in blood pressure which resolves on cessation of treatment. In the presence of controlled hypertension, HRT is unlikely to worsen control; some recommend using transdermal (patch or gel) HRT.
    Sage should be used with caution if hypertensive and St.John's Wort should be used with caution if taking antihypertensive therapy.

You should be fine with transdermal oestrogen but if it is borderline high then I presume you are taking steps to reduce it naturally anyway eg re body weight, exercise, salt, smoking, alcohol, diet - if necessary that is!? Not sure whether the norethisterone (the progestogen) has any effect? Sounds like it could be due to anxiety but important to monitor anyway as you are doing.

Hurdity x

[Taz2]

I was also going to ask what steps your GP has advised to reduce your blood pressure as it seems to usually be in the pre-high blood pressure/high blood pressure range? Also, high blood pressure gives no symptoms so the fact you were feeling ill suggests that something other than the patch might have been going on? What are your readings now? It's also worth following the instructions that came with the monitor to the letter before taking it - something that's never taken into account at the surgery I've found!

Taz x 

[Lynda07]

Sorry for the delayed reply Hurdity and Taz2 and thanks for your replies.

My bp before the HRT was 129/93 - it's the bottom number I'm trying to get down but am just borderline with having to have medication (and don't really want medication). My BP wasn't mentioned particulary with the GP, with regard to having the patch and it was me that decided to check it before and after, at home. My machine has been calibrated with the Practice Nurse's machine.

I know what you mean Taz2 about high bp giving no symptoms but I felt heady and dizzy and just wrong and that's what made me take it. It came down steadily once the patch was removed. I've been taking readings twice a day and am to submit them to the Nurse this week with my average. (So far average is 137/94). Since the episode last week I've not touched alcohol - I admit I like a drink but realise it's time to take a break for my health. I have also dramatically changed my diet this week to eat portions of fruit and veg and fish and chicken. I didn't have a bad diet but it wasn't great either. I'm careful with salt content, weigh ten stone, don't smoke and walk at least five miles most days (2 Border Collies!).

I'm hoping that this will bring about changes to my bp and also the hot sweats. I wish I'd done it earlier to be honest.

Thank you again for replying.