Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Liz on June 27, 2013, 06:35:10 AM
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Hi - just changed to Estradot 50 from Femseven Sequi and tried to put one on my bum cheek, but I've found it wrinkles up quite a bit on the cheek. Think I may go back to the outer thigh. Just wondering where you find it best to put your patches? :)
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I've been on Estradot 50, 37.5 & now 25 & can't say I've had any wrinkling problems. You do have to put on carefully, then hold your hand over them for no less than 10 seconds to ensure adhesion. I put on bum, tum, hip. Just make sure you put on below waistline so there is no friction from waistbands.
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There is no reason why you can't put the patch on the back of the shoulder or even at the top of the arm, or upper thigh.
After all it is suggested that you apply Estrogel to the shoulders, The estrogen goes into the blood stream (or it wouldn't work) and travels to all parts of the body.
The reason its suggested that the patch is put on tummy and buttocks is that that where it was place in the first trials, I have read that estrogen was first tested on men!
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That's interesting SL as I had always thought a patch had to go below the waist.
I prefer to hide mine as it always gets fluffy round the edges and does not look nice at all.
Honeyb
X
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Meno consultant told me it had to be round lower torso. Never thought to ask why mind you.
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I was told by my GP below the waist to keep it away from my breasts.
Can't really see why though.
Honeyb
X
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Not sure, but when it's close to the boobs, there may be more of an issue with causing breast cancer.
Presumably same with upper arms?
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There is no difference applying Esrogel or a patch, neither would be recommended near or on the breasts, but as I said it all goes into the blood stream wherever its applied.
Even vagifem can effect the breasts , its all absorbed, which ever method you use and where ever you choose to apply it.
Its the dose that's important and making sure the breasts are not stimulated by too much estrogen.
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One of the reasons for not putting it on the arm is that the patch must not be exposed to sunlight I believe.
Taz x
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Oh well it would be ok in Scotland. Sunlight is a very rare thing these days.
;D
Honeyb
X9
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;D ;D ;D
Although we had some warm sunshine today in our neck of Scotland. Unusual, as we're usually getting blown off the map or shrouded in haar .
Silly question coming up, sorry. What would happen if patch exposed to sunlight?
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You are in danger of blowing up. ;D
Seriously....perhaps it would release too much hormone or not enough. Can't see it would be anything else.
Taz will be able to tell us I would think.
Honeyb
X
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I only know it because it says it on the instructions in the pack but... I did find this on the MD website
"Patch warning. Direct sunlight or high heat can increase, then decrease, the amount of hormone released from a patch. This can give you a big dose at the time and leave less hormone for the patch to release later in the week. Avoid direct sunlight on the hormone patch. Also avoid using a tanning bed, heating pad, electric blanket, hot tub, or sauna while you are using a hormone patch."
Taz x
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Well I asked for that one HB! ;D
That wasn't answer I was expecting Taz. I thought it might have been more to do with skin burning more under patch. Must read leaflet! Mind you as I am never likely to be in a bikini ever again, I reckon I'm safe enough. ;D
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:lol:
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In the book I am reading at the moment "Menopause A-Z Staying in Control" by Joe Kabyemela MD she says that hot baths are not a good idea when wearing the patch and says it interferes with the way the estrogen patch works.
She suggests showering and having a bath on the day you change the patch. As I don't have a shower and bathe daily , I put the patch higher so it is above the water line.
I think the top of the arm is best for me as I very rarely go sleeveless. Also as the directions for applying Estrogel is applying on alternate arms from shoulder to wrist I can't see what harm there is, the principle is the same.
If you go to Hystersisters some of the ladies say that their surgeons place a patch on the back of the shoulder while in the operating room after the op.
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The things I'm learning about patches. I like a bath, though only have one once or twice a week. Showers the rest of the time. Can't say I've noticed any difference on bath days.
Used to use gel on upper arms, hated legs sticking together if I put on inner thighs. ;D