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[Peggles]

Newbie here. Last period 8 years ago.
VA sufferer since peri.

I used Estriol for about 6 years then moved onto Vagifem about two years ago. Wasn’t keen on idea of using HRT as I felt I was past that stage (Regret that now!)

Just over a month ago I had a terrible flare up of VA - the worst ever.

I did a reload which didn’t really help and my GP suggested systematic HRT.
I opted for Evorel 25 patches alongside Progesterone 100mg nightly.
I’ve so far used two patches and I’m having trouble with them peeling.
I’ve followed instructions and have sought advice from a friend who uses them.
I mentioned it to GP two days after using the first one while I was at an appointment and they said some people can’t get them to stick and if it continues I could try gel.
Does anyone have any tips to help the patches stick. Positions, placements, etc? Or should I give up after another couple of weeks and try the gel?
I’m using micropore tape today until it’s time to change it on Tuesday. They seem to start peeling after one day.
Thank you

[Booroo]

I used tegaderm from Amazon it helps x

[Peggles]

Thank you, I’ll give it a try 😊

[sheila99]

I use tattoo film which seems to work just as well for a fraction of the price of tegaderm dressings (spot the cheapskate!). I found top of thigh was best for evorel but you need to try different sites and see which is best for you. Some say butt cheeks but that don't work for me.

[Peggles]

Thanks, I’ll try that too.
GP said I shouldn’t have to stick them on, as that defeats the purpose of patches, but I’m happy to try it if it’ll work
I’ve  tried front outer upper thigh and middle upper thigh.
When placed they seem to wrinkle within a few hours then peel in 24hrs.
I’ve stuck them on ‘square’ but friend suggested to stick them on as a diamond, so will try that too

[Snowcat]

Hi.  I’m using Estraderm patches and sometimes they don’t stick very well but mostly they’re ok, although they do go a bit crinkly after a day!

I’m sure you know all this but I read that they must go into dry unmoisturised skin, below the waist eg, buttocks just below the waist, lower abdomen or hip. And not to use exactly the same place each time. I use the buttocks but I haven’t really got any firm, fleshy areas to stick them!

I press them on and press round the edges and hold my hand flat & firmly over the patch for 10 seconds.  That tends to work but it is a faff so I might ask about the gel at some point.  Also the Estraderm patches are rather large and increase in size with each dose - by the time I’m on 100mg patches it’ll be like sticking a sheet of A4 to my backside! 🙄

[Peggles]

Thank you. I did wonder if they increased in size depending on the dosage and if that would make adhesion easier. I’m guessing I may need a higher dose eventually (due to age/hormone levels must be very low).

I’ll try the buttocks next. Although there’s plenty of flesh, it’s not that firm… as long as it’s not A3 size we’ll be okay 🤣

[bombsh3ll]

I used patches for IVF and picked up the following tips:

Clean the skin with rubbing alcohol first to strip the oils

Use heat eg hand warmer or hairdryer to bond the patch to your skin.

I applied a square of hypafix dressing cut a bit larger than the patch, stuck over the top.

Time baths or showers to coincide with patch changes where possible.

Accept that very few people can keep a patch on for half a week with real world use, and that changing more frequently may be necessary to maintain consistent delivery.

Finally a 25mcg patch is a very low dose and hardly worth the faff. I ensured the above for about 4 months because I was desperate to have a baby. There's no way I would make that my life and I will personally be sticking with oral estradiol for hormone therapy.

At 8 years postmenopausal you are absolutely a candidate for a therapeutic dose of systemic estrogen, and most women do not need to fear taking oral estradiol tablets which are much more convenient and reliable.

[Peggles]

Thank you for the tips 😊

[Shirazette]

I'm on Estradot patches and the only time I started having problems was with one batch after a change of manufacturer to Sandoz. I used tattoo film over them which fixed the problem but they must have sorted the glue out because the next batch were back to normal and stick very well. I don't do anything special when I stick them on just peel the backing off and apply. I've never had a bath in one but they don't come off in the shower. They're also very small which is a bonus - the 25mcg is tiny!

[Snowcat]

Oooh I must ask for Estradot instead if Estraderm! I thought they were in short supply … I’m sure my doctor always gives me the cheapest thing available whenever I go! I understand as the NHS is in dire straits but if they don’t work it’s false economy.

[sheila99]

Oooh I must ask for Estradot instead if Estraderm! I thought they were in short supply … I’m sure my doctor always gives me the cheapest thing available whenever I go! I understand as the NHS is in dire straits but if they don’t work it’s false economy.

I would check on the supply before you ask to switch to estradot, some patch sizes are more difficult that others. Have you tried evorel? They're smaller than estraderm and usually stick well.

[Snowcat]

Hi Sheila.  No, I haven’t tried Everel - thanks - I’ll ask about them.  At the moment I’ll take anything that works! 😂

[Uma17]

Hi Peggles

Thighs never worked for me. I really like Evorel and stick the patches on my bum. They last well. I change them every 3.5 days (Thursday am and Sunday pm).

Thanks, I’ll try that too.
GP said I shouldn’t have to stick them on, as that defeats the purpose of patches, but I’m happy to try it if it’ll work
I’ve  tried front outer upper thigh and middle upper thigh.
When placed they seem to wrinkle within a few hours then peel in 24hrs.
I’ve stuck them on ‘square’ but friend suggested to stick them on as a diamond, so will try that too