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[CLKD]

Given that our skin is in the main, waterproof, how do patches actually transmit the hormones?

DH is researching the possibility of magnesium skin sprays having no scientific basis for actually working as the magnesium is unlikely to pass through the various layers of skin to provide benefit, in fact the top layer of course is continually shedding.

Confused?  Moi 

[bombsh3ll]

You are right in that the skin is designed to keep things out.

This is why most medications cannot be meaningfully delivered across the skin, for example micronised progesterone as the molecules are too large, and those that have been developed for this route display very high variability in absorption between individuals.

For example the amount of estrogen absorbed from a particular strength patch has been shown to vary at least tenfold between different patients. Some can apply very high doses to the skin and still have estradiol levels in the postmenopausal range.

However a lot of women and prescribers are highly motivated to struggle on with inefficient, costly and high maintenance transdermal estrogen due to greatly exaggerated concerns about the difference in thrombotic risk vs oral - tablets cause around one extra blood clot per 5,000 users - whilst risking a much more serious outcome in my opinion which is undertreatment.

Magnesium in various forms is extremely safe and effective taken orally, and whilst I don't know about any scientific studies regarding its ability to cross the skin, I have to take magnesium (and potassium) for medical reasons as I am on fludrocortisone, and I would absolutely not rely on transdermal products.

[CLKD]

 

Many years ago I swallowed high dose magnesium in order to relax the cough reflex ......... didn't realise that all the muscles would be relaxed  .  OK whilst I stayed home, it got rid of the irritating cough which had been problematic for 3 months. 

DH has read about black chocolate being good for restlesss legs ;-).  I'm not going to argue and will be the Forum's Chief Tester  .

[Padine]

Does this mean putting an estradiol patch on my buttock is going to take a long time to get into my blood stream? Would I be better putting it halfway down my leg perhaps, or my shin where there’s less muscle?

[bombsh3ll]

It's not about the length of time taken to get into the bloodstream, it's how much of it gets across.

Patches achieve a steady state plasma level by around 12 hours.

You are better choosing a warm, smooth, flat, hairless area with minimal mobility.

The lower back ticks all of these however it can be difficult to apply an adhesive dressing over the top without assistance.

The buttocks are best avoided as they aren't flat and there's too much disruption from sitting and moving so the patch is likely to become partly or fully detached sooner.

The amount absorbed depends on how good or bad your particular skin is at its job ie keeping things out.

[Cassie]

I have been on transdermal gel for over 20 yrs, it works wonderfully and definitely gets my levels up to an acceptable reading. The Better You Transdermal Magnesium Spray also works wonderfully. In fact there are studies on their website about the very subject and is absorption transdermally. I am a huge fan of transdermal.