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[Deedle]

Hi, Im post menopausal and started the Estradiol patch maybe 10-11 months ago.  At first i didn't have any issues, then i started getting itchy where the patch was applied.  I read about applying an antihistamine spray like Flonase, let it dry, apply patch and that seemed to help but that was short lived.  I now develop small white bumps, rash, itch.

I'm considering switching to a gel or spray and wondering if any of you have experienced this and switched to something else and if so what, and Id like to know how your transition was?  Was it a smooth switch, any start up side affects,

[CLKD]

If U R getting a reaction it's time to give your skin a rest.  Hopefully some1 will be along with sensible advice  as there are other ways to deliver HRT.

[bombsh3ll]

I found the patches itchy when I used them for IVF.

For me it was a short term issue and worth it to have my daughter, but I have chosen to take oral estradiol for my long term health.

I found that the longer a patch remained on, the more angry the site became, so changing them more frequently can help but obviously costs more.

Additionally is it just the patch itself that is causing the itching or the dressing/tattoo film etc that you are using to keep it on? I felt that the hypafix also contributed particularly if it had got wet.

If so, using something else might help.

Also there are several different brands of patch available now, so you might find another suits you better.

I have never personally used gel as in my opinion it is unreliable and too much faff, plus I need to be able to measure my plasma level reliably to ensure osteoporosis prevention, however I know others are happy with it.

I would just say don't be afraid of oral estradiol though - so many women struggle with transdermal treatment despite skin irritation, poor absorption, waiting ages for gel to dry and having it dictate when you can wash, get dressed, exercise etc when the difference in clot risk is absolutely marginal for healthy users of oral estradiol.

[sheila99]

It sounds like an allergic reaction to me in which case you should use a different product. I developed an allergic reaction to the glue in evorel patches after several months use but I have no reaction to gel, estradot, estraderm or femseven.