Hi Flossieteacake,
I have actually just found this regarding patches:
It is important to keep in mind that you should not rotate between abdomen and buttocks or abdomen and thigh, as absorption is 20% higher on the buttocks and thigh than it is on the abdomen.
Something important for estrogen patch users to be aware of is heat and estrogen patches do not mix well and thus patches should not be exposed directly to heat. The reason being that direct exposure to heat causes the patch to release more estrogen, more quickly. This effect is known as “Patch Dumping” and can result in the patch quite literally dumping its estrogen content into your body at an accelerated rate
So I was putting it on my tummy, I used to wear it on my bum, however given from this hrt website it seems to indicate that actually wearing it on bum absorbtion is 20% higher, and I also wondered I went in the shower yesterday, it was quite hot and I'm wondering if that caused the patch to 'dump' at an accelerated rate. I've covered it now with a breathable dressing.
Thanks for your reply Flossieteacake, I always enjoy a chat with you xxx