Estradot

Estradot patches are a form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to treat menopausal symptoms caused by low oestrogen levels, such as:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Sleep problems caused by hormonal changes
• Vaginal dryness, irritation or discomfort 
• Mood swings, anxiety and low mood
• Reduced energy and concentration. 

Estradot patches deliver estradiol (a natural form of oestrogen) directly through the skin into the bloodstream at a steady rate. This raises the body’s oestrogen levels back up again so that the symptoms of menopause are alleviated.

Estradot patches should be changed twice a week with a 3-4 day interval between replacing patches. 

For example, putting a patch on Monday would mean replacing it on Thursday. 

This schedule helps keep a steady level of estradiol in the bloodstream as each patch is designed to continuously release estradiol over a few days. Changing the patches regularly (on a biweekly basis) ensures consistent hormone absorption and prevents the dose from wearing off too soon. 

The best places to apply Estradot HRT patches on the body are areas of clean, dry and smooth skin, especially with no-to-little body hair. This is usually on the lower abdomen (below the waist line), buttocks or thighs. 

The lower abdomen (below the waistline) is usually a good spot to apply Estradot patches. Choose a spot on the lower abdomen (below the belly button) and away from the waistline/ areas that may rub against tight clothing. 

You can also apply the Estradot patches on the upper, outer buttocks region. This is another good option, as the skin on the abdomen tends to be a bit more sensitive. 

Avoid applying Estradot patches to areas like the breasts, areas of broken, irritated or oily skin, and areas of tight clothing.

Try rotating the patch to different sites each time you apply it. Patches are usually applied twice a week with a 3-4 day interval in between. Rotate the patch to different sites to ensure that the local skin does not get excessively irritated.

Estradot patches are water-resistant- you can shower, swim or exercise while wearing these patches. 

Avoid hot saunas, very hot baths or long steamy showers as the heat in these situations can loosen the patch and cause it to fall off. 

If the patch falls off in any eventuality (due to water, for example), reapply the same one if possible. If this is not possible, put on a new patch and keep your normal schedule but do not double up (take two patches a day).

If your estradot patch falls off early – do not worry – this is a common scenario and easily remedied. Here’s an overview of how to handle such a situation:

Try and reapply the same patch right away. Make sure the skin is clean and dry before doing so. Press the patch and the surrounding areas firmly for 10 seconds to make sure the patch sticks. If the patch holds – this is usually a sign that you can continue using it until your next scheduled patch change. 

There are instances when the patch won’t stick or is damaged:

Do not reuse the patch if:

• The sticky surface is contaminated (for example, with dust, hair or clothing fibres)
• The patch has lost its stickiness
• The patch has been folded, wrinkled or torn 

If you encounter a situation where the same patch cannot be reused”

• Apply a new patch immediately 
• Keep your normal patch-changing schedule (apply your patch to a new location). 

If the patch has been off for less than 24 hours, reapply the same patch or a new patch and carry on as normal.

If the patch has been off for more than 24 hours, apply a new patch immediately and restart your weekly cycle, taking that day as day 1.

Estradot patches can be considered safe for long-term use when it is prescribed appropriately and it’s use is monitored regularly by a healthcare professional. 

Estradot patches provide a continuous stream of estradiol (natural oestrogen) directly to the bloodstream through the skin. In doing so, this method of hormone delivery bypasses the liver and its metabolic effects. This, in turn, lowers the risk of certain side effects such as blood clots (caused more by the oestrogen tablet). 

Any long-term Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) requires ongoing medical review. Extended oestrogen use, particularly when combined with progesterone input (for women who still have a uterus), can increase the risk of blood clots, breast cancer, strokes and sometimes heart attacks. 

A woman who uses HRT within 10 years of experiencing menopause or before the age of 60 generally experiences that the benefits of HRT greatly outweigh any risks. 

For safe and effective long-term use, it is often advisable for your healthcare provider to prescribe you the lowest effective dose of HRT (including Estradot) for the shortest period of time. This should be supplemented by regular health checks every couple of months, to ensure that you are in continued good health. 

Estradot and Evorel are both oestrogen-only patches that are used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. 

Both patches deliver estradiol to the bloodstream transdermally. They are both patches which use only oestrogen and are often used for women who have had a hysterectomy/ situations where oestrogen only is indicated 

Both Estradot and Evorel patches are available in doses of 25, 50, 75 and 100mg over 24 hours. Both patches are applied twice a week (every 3-4 days in standard use). 

The differences between Estradot and Evorel include:

• Estradot is smaller and more discreet than other patches, including Evorel. This sometimes makes it easier to wear and stick on as opposed to Evorel.
• Estradot can sometimes be more expensive than Evorel due to the inactive components in the HRT. 
• Some users report differences in adhesion, skin irritation and patch size between the two transdermal HRTs. Due to Estradot being smaller, it is preferred by some users. 

For a more specific answer between which one is better for you: Estradot or Evorel, please consult your healthcare provider. 

Yes, Estradot can cause weight changes and mood changes; however, these changes are usually mild and temporary. It is also important to note that not everyone experiences these changes:

Estradot can sometimes cause weight gain, not due to excessive fat accumulation in the body. However, because its key component is oestrogen, excess oestrogen causes the body to retain extra water. 

The excess oestrogen in the body can cause increased weight gain – especially in the first few weeks. This can cause the body to feel bloated or heavy for a few weeks as it adjusts to the hormonal changes; however, this settles over time, and the fluid retention/ weight gain side effect tends to diminish.

Hormones tend to influence the brain chemistry and hence the mood; hence, you may experience mood changes (especially in the early HRT treatment). These changes and symptoms can include:

• Feeling more emotional or irritable
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Headache or sleep/mood disruption  

However, after a few days of continuous Estradot use, the hormone levels in the body stabilise and women report more mood and emotional stability as well as relief from other menopausal symptoms. 
If you feel that there is a persistent/ uncomfortable weight or mood change with Estradot (or any HRT usage), please speak to your healthcare provider.

Estradot patches usually begin to work within a few weeks of one using them, but the exact timings of their effects vary from person to person, individual hormonal levels and the dose of HRT prescribed. 

The early effects of Estradot are shown within the first few (1-2) weeks.

Some women notice improvement quickly, especially with hot flushes and night sweats.  As oestrogen/Estradiol levels start to rise again in the body with the use of HRT, women feel fewer hot flushes, better mood and concentration as well as improved sleep. 

Within the first few months (1-2 months), there is moderate improvement in symptoms such as:

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Mood swings and low mood
• Sleep disruption 

Long-term benefits, such as bone density protection, take a few months (3-6 months) of consistent Estradot patches use. 

There are individual variations in hormonal levels between different women. Variation also depends on how soon after menopause treatment is started and the dosage of the medicine. 
Please follow up with your doctor a few months after initially starting HRT treatment with estradiol (Estradot patches). Depending on how you are progressing with your symptoms, your doctor may adjust your dose or your regimen.