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HRT Patches new one not working

Posted , 5 users are following.

geraldine81414
geraldine81414

Hi needing a wee bit of advice had a Hysterectomy and BSO  on 19th January I am 47 op was performed due to extrem PMS. I was given Estradiol 50 patches (once per week) was still having hot flushes 2 weeks ago so doctor upped the patches to the same type but 100 strength I then saw the consultant on Thursday for post op check up mentioned I was still having the hot flushes and waking most nights she decided to change the patch to Estraderm MX 50 a twice a week patch.  she advised to try it for 6 weeks before looking to increase it if need be : here is my problem I got the patches on Saturday (as they had to be ordered no chemist keep them in stock) and I have had the most horrendous 48 hours the flushes are just like one after anothre I have had litteraly no sleep, been crying its so bad - to the point i have removed it and put one of the other ones back on and feel if I go to my GP to discuss she will say I never gave it a chance but surly these patches should help your symptons not accerbate them am so down today and confused was hoping to get back to work but really feel I cant until I get this under control - Am I expecting too much from the original patch it defo was better than the new one the flushes were still there but not to this unbearable level. HELP PLEASE x

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  • maria58274
    maria58274 geraldine81414

    Posted

    Estradiol is the generic name for the hormone you've been given - there are various makes that contain the same hormone, including Estraderm.  Some patches contain enough hormone for a week, some half a week but the number indicates the dose per day.  It seems you were given 50mcg - upped to 100 when these weren't effective.  I think 100 is pretty much the highest dose available on patches but you probably need to give them more than 2 weeks for your system to get used to them, so I don't understand why your consultant has instead, cut the dose in half again!   I assume (given the dates) you had given the 50s at least 6 weeks before upping your dose?  I'd go back to your doctor and explain this.  Trying a different brand can be helpful (Estraderm also has 100mcg versions) but cutting the dose in half may well cause you to get those dreadful symptoms back.

    Good luck with your GP and hope you get some releif soon!

    • geraldine81414
      geraldine81414 maria58274

      Posted

      thank you Maria yeh that does seem a bit daft to half it if its the same I have taken it off and gone back to the original one it was not brill but was defo better than this all I am doing is crying (and I havent cried once since the op) and the heat is incredible yes I did give the 50 good 7 weeks before going on to the 100 x am too scared to call the doc in case she is annoyed with me think thats just how am feeling this past 48 hours x
    • maria58274
      maria58274 geraldine81414

      Posted

      Please go back to your doctor and explain this - I'm sure she won't be annoyed.  Getting the right dose of HRT can take some time as everyone is different.  Upping the dose then halving it again, doesn't make sense.  It's your body after all and if you were staring to feel better on the higher dose, it may be what your body needs.  You may well find after a few more weeks on the higher dose, your symptoms disappear - but you are best speaking to your GP.  You've just been through a major op and your body is bound to be affected - I'm sure your doctor will be sympathetic to that.
  • caroline_19506
    caroline_19506 geraldine81414

    Posted

    Perhaps you could go your doctors I'm sure they should be understanding it could be your body trying to adjust from one to another patch I take a gel which I rub into my arm I still get a few flushes but I'm alot better I know it's a clinche but if it was me I would take the patch for a bit longer to get into your system but still go to the doctors for advice
    • geraldine81414
      geraldine81414 caroline_19506

      Posted

      Thanks Caroline I have reverted back to the old patch a feel daft going back to doc so soon as I think she will tell me to persevere but I need to get back to work and I cant go back like burning up all the time and averaging 3 hrs sleep a night get rid of one demon only to face another
    • caroline_19506
      caroline_19506 geraldine81414

      Posted

      No your not daft you need to get it right for you the doctor won't mind they get it all the time
    • geraldine81414
      geraldine81414 caroline_19506

      Posted

      I have called to speak to the nurse was interested in Maria who responded about the dosage looks like the consultant has halved it again will speak to nurse have put the old one back on and hope for the best thanks for getting back to me am a bit of a cry baby today feeling sorry for myself

      x

    • maria58274
      maria58274 geraldine81414

      Posted

      You've been through a big op and a disruption to your hormones - you are entitled to feel a bit sorry for yourself!  Good luck and let us know how you get on.
    • geraldine81414
      geraldine81414 maria58274

      Posted

      Thanks Maria I have called the practice Nurse see what her thoughts are on it.
  • c66059
    c66059 geraldine81414

    Posted

    Hi,

    As you've gone back to your old ones, you should check how often you should be changing them. I also have Evorel (50) and have to change them twice per week...are you sure you shouldn't be doing the same? I'm no expert, but if you are changing them once per week, surely the dose you're getting wouldn't be high enough?

    • geraldine81414
      geraldine81414 c66059

      Posted

      Hi C thanks for getting back well that is the thing the consultant did not think the first patches would last a week but your only allowed to change them once per week so hence the reason for changing the patch to the twice a week waiting on the practice nurse to call me back ave put the old ones back on  a dont really see what harm it would do to change it twice a week as if it falls off at is often does in the shower I need to apply anothr one god its so confusing lol x
    • c66059
      c66059 geraldine81414

      Posted

      It could be worth giving your gp a call just to check? I just looked at my evorel 50 box and it says 'change your patch twice a week and keep to the same two days each week'

      You're right about it being confusing!

    • geraldine81414
      geraldine81414 c66059

      Posted

      i think it depends on the manufacturer if its once or twice a week. The estradiol 50 / 100 were once per week that new one estraderm mx50 2 times per week waiting on the nurse calling back x
    • maria58274
      maria58274 geraldine81414

      Posted

      The patches are supposed to be designed to release the hormone at a steady rate and should give the stated dose daily, for the time stated.  Mine have always been twice weekly but a friend had weekly ones.  With time you should get used to applying them in the best place where they won't fall off - preferably the flattest part of your behind and not where you'll catch it with your underwear.  I think some makes may stick better than others - some are certainly bigger than others.  When I had an issue getting my normal brand (Elleste Solo), I got an equivallent dose of another brand -Estradot - these were much smaller patches, even though they were supposed to be the same dose..  My chemist has always had to order patches for me - they tend not to stock them, as they have a shorter shelf-life than tablets and there are so many brands.  they always arrive withinn 24 hours.

      Did the original ones have a brand name?  Estradiol is the generic hormone name and is the same ingredient used in most of the Estrogen patches.  

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