Estradot 50 patches

Estradot patches are a type of small hormonal patch that you stick onto the skin to relieve menopause symptoms and prevent bone thinning related to the menopause.

They contain the hormone estradiol, which is an artificial version of a type of oestrogen that’s found naturally in women’s bodies. Once stuck onto the skin, they gradually release oestrogen into the body. They last for 3 to 4 days and should be replaced twice a week.

The patches are available in 5 different strengths: 25, 37.5, 50, 75, and 100mcg. Estradot 50 patches provide a dose of 50mcg of estradiol every 24 hours.

Estradot patches help relieve the discomfort you may experience during and after the menopause as your body produces less oestrogen than it did before.

The reduced levels of oestrogen can cause unpleasant symptoms like:

• hot flushes
• sleep problems
• irritability
• low mood
• vaginal dryness

Low oestrogen can also lead to thinning bones that are more likely to break, a condition known as osteoporosis. Estradot can help to protect you from bone fractures and bone-related problems which may arise during the menopause, reducing risk of hip, vertebral and other bone fractures.

Estradot patches contain a type of oestrogen that can artificially increase oestrogen levels in the body, relieving all of these symptoms.

How long do Estradot patches last?

Each patch lasts 3 to 4 days, and they are to be applied twice a week. From the moment you stick your patch on, it will start to take effect.

To make sure that it stays on, you should apply it to clean, dry and hairless skin and wait at least an hour after applying it before exercising or showering.

How long do Estradot patches take to work?

Studies show Estradot patches begin to provide their full effect within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the changes they are making. It can take around 3 months to get the most out of hormone replacement therapy, like Estradot patches.

Oestrogen-only HRT is only recommended for women who have had their womb removed, as it can increase the risk of womb cancer. Taking progesterone alongside oestrogen can protect against this risk. This is why Estradot 50 patches should only be used in combination with Utrogestan capsules, which contain progesterone.

If you have had a period in the last 12 months, you should use sequential HRT. This is where you only take Utrogestan for part of the month.

If you have not had a period in the last 12 months, or you have already been using sequential HRT for 12 months, you can use continuous HRT, which means taking Utrogestan every day.

Only apply your patch to clean, dry skin on the abdomen. You should choose a slightly different location for every patch, but never apply it to your breasts.

You should wear Estradot patches all the time, changing your patch after 3 to 4 days so that you use 2 in a week. This means 1 patch will be on for 3 days and the other for 4.

You can shower, swim, and exercise with the patch on. If a patch comes off, remove any excess water and stick it back on. If it will not stick back on fully, replace the patch, but return to your original schedule of changing patches afterwards.

When applying your Estradot patch, follow these steps:

1. Open the protective pouch your patch is sealed in by tearing it at the indentation and remove the patch (do not use scissors as this could damage the patch).
2. Hold the patch with the protective backing facing you. Peel off one side of the protective backing and discard it. Try to avoid touching the sticky side of the patch with your fingers.
3. Holding the other half of the backing, apply the sticky side of the patch to a dry area of your abdomen.
4. Press the sticky side to the skin and smooth down. Fold back the remaining side of the patch.
5. Grasp the straight edge of the protective backing and pull it off the patch.
6. Press the patch firmly in place with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds.

You must always apply the patch immediately after opening.

Although many people use Estradot without any problems, it’s possible to experience side effects.

Very common side effects include:

• skin irritation at the patch application site
• breast pain
• menstrual pain
• headache

Common side effects include:

• mood changes
• trouble sleeping
• nausea (feeling sick)
• depression
• acne
• irregular vaginal bleeding
• weakness

Uncommon side effects include:

• dizziness
• increased blood pressure
• a change in liver function
• skin discolouration
• vomiting (being sick)

Rare side effects include:

• blood clots
• small growths in the womb, known as polyps
• allergic reactions
• numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• gallstone
• changes in sexual desire

Very rare side effects include:

• severe allergic reaction
• excessive hair growth
• hives
• involuntary movements which can affect the head and neck

This is not a full list of side effects. For a full list, see the patient information leaflet.

How long do Estradot side effects last?

If you experience side effects, they should get better as the body gets used to the medication, but if they continue for longer than a few weeks or they begin to impact your daily life, contact your doctor.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects that may indicate an allergic reaction, visit A&E or call 999 straight away:

• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the throat or tongue
• rapid heartbeat
• dizziness
• sudden itchiness
• confusion
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

Taking HRT long-term

Taking combined HRT for more than 5 years can increase your risk of breast cancer. HRT can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer, womb lining cancer, blood clots, and cardiovascular diseases (including heart attacks and strokes), but the risk of blood clots may be less when using a patch vs a tablet.

Estradot Patches may not be right for everyone. Certain conditions or certain medications can interact with Estradot Patches and make it less effective, or potentially unsafe.

Do not use Estradot if you:

• have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to oestrogens or any of the other components of the patch
• currently have or have ever had a cancer of the breast, endometrium (lining of the womb), or any other cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens
• have abnormal vaginal bleeding
• currently have a severe liver disease
• currently have a problem with blood clots forming in your blood vessels, or have ever had such a problem in the past
• have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• have had several miscarriages
• are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• have depression, which is not well controlled with treatment
• have had depression with previous use of oestrogen and/or progesterone/progestogen-containing medicines

Before starting Estradot, make sure to tell a healthcare professional if you have or have previously had any of the following:

• breast cancer in your immediate family
• lumps in your breast
• fibroids or other benign tumours of the womb
• endometriosis
• jaundice or itching related to oestrogen use or during pregnancy
• heart, kidney, or liver problems
• gall bladder disease
• high blood pressure
• asthma
• epilepsy
• diabetes
• migraine
• otosclerosis (hearing loss due to a problem with the bones in the ear)
• substance abuse problem
• an underlying psychiatric disorder such as post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder
• a family history of mental disorders

Estradot can also interact with other medications you’re taking, so you should always tell a healthcare professional about any medicines you take, especially:

• anti-anxiety medicines, like meprobamate
• antiepileptic medicines, such as phenylbarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine
• antibiotics and other anti-infective medicines, like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir, or nelfinavir
• herbal medicines, such as St John’s wort

Estradot patches continuously release oestrogen into the body, helping to relieve menopause symptoms without needing to apply gel or take oestrogen tablets every day. This can be useful if you think you might forget to take a tablet, although you will still need to regularly take a progesterone tablet like Utrogestan if you still have your womb.

Taking HRT via a patch helps to avoid some of the side effects of HRT, like indigestion. Patches also do not significantly increase your risk of blood clots like oestrogen tablets do.

You will need a prescription from a doctor to buy Estradot patches. You can request a prescription from your local GP, or you can request a private prescription from online services like Asda Online Doctor.

Can I buy Estradot patches online?

Yes, you can buy Estradot 50 patches online from Asda Online Doctor. We provide them in a package with Utrogestan capsules. Simply fill in the online consultation, wait for a doctor to review your order, and, once approved, your medication will be delivered to your home or can be collected from a local Asda pharmacy.

Our menopause service allows you to get a prescription for HRT without waiting for a GP appointment, and there’s no need to leave your home to get a prescription. We have a range of different options, whether you would prefer a vaginal cream or a daily tablet. Plus, you’ll get free aftercare from your doctor through your online account.

Can I buy Estradot patches over the counter?

No, Estradot patches are only available on prescription, so are not available to buy over the counter. Pharmacists may recommend alternative over-the-counter HRT medications like Gina, but this works differently to Estradot as it’s a vaginal tablet.

Can I get Estradot patches on the NHS?

Yes, if you visit your GP, they may be able to prescribe oestrogen HRT patches if they feel you would benefit from them. However, they may not be able to prescribe a particular brand like Estradot.

There are several other types of HRT to choose from, including:

Alternative HRT patches

There are other oestrogen HRT patches available, like Evorel Conti patches. These contain different types of oestrogen, but work in similar ways to Estradot patches.

Estradot vs Evorel Conti

Evorel Conti is a prescription-only combination patch, which means it contains both oestrogen and progesterone. With Estradot, you will need to take a progesterone tablet (Utrogestan) as well as putting the patch on.

This means with Evorel Conti, there’s no need to take any tablets, but you will only be able to use patches if you have not had a period for 12 months. Like with Estradot, you only need to apply a patch twice a week. Side effects for Estradot and Evorel Conti are similar because they are both patches.

Evorel Conti is available to purchase online with Asda Online Doctor.

Estradot vs Estraderm

Estraderm is a prescription-only HRT which contains an artificial version of oestrogen, like Estradot. You can take Estraderm if it has been at least 12 months since your last period.

Like Estradot, Estraderm is applied twice weekly. Estradot is slightly smaller in size and is a newer medication than Estraderm.

Depending on your medical history, your doctor will be able to advise if Estraderm or Estradot is more suitable for your needs. Asda Online Doctor does not currently stock Estraderm.

Alternative HRT treatments

Tablets

There are a range of HRT tablets available at Asda Online Doctor if you do not think patches are right for you, such as:

• Elleste Duet Conti
• Kliovance
• Tibolone
• Kliofem
• Femoston Conti
• Veoza

Vaginal tablets

Vaginal tablets are a topical form of treatment for HRT. They may be more suitable for you if you experience side effects when taking HRT tablets or patches. Vaginal tablets available at Asda Online Doctor include Vagirux.

Vaginal creams and gels

Vaginal creams can be applied directly to the vagina to ease vaginal menopause symptoms. These are effective if you are mainly experiencing vaginal dryness as a result of the menopause.

Available vaginal creams at Asda Online Doctor include:

• Ovestin
• Estriol