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Just started HRT treatment

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teresa2545
teresa2545

Just started Estraderm MX 25 patches today.1st patch fell off within a couple of hrs.Leaflet said to replace it but it will be costly if you have to keep throwing them away.It is now held in place by plaster.

just wondered how other ladies find these patches.Even though it is only day one I am not sure how quick they take to have any affect and if I am going to get on with them

0 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • stell_a
    stell_a teresa2545

    Posted

    hahah Teresa, you can't attach it with a plaster smile I think that if the film is compromised (and it is since it's not sticking to your skin) then the drug is not released. If it were the TS version then it would be different because the glue would only be around the patch, but for the MX the glue is all over and it has to be all attached well to the skin it's almost as if the drug were released via the glue (although I'm not sure about this)
  • jean44299
    jean44299 teresa2545

    Posted

    I am using the Estraderm MX50, used to be on the 100, but I have never had any trouble with them coming off and had the patches for 25 years.

    I keep alternating to each side of my hip where there are no creases, I make sure the skin is dry and carefully peel back the backing put it flat on the skin without creasing it and then put my warm hand on top of it and keep it in place for about 10-20 seconds. It sticks perfectly well until I replace it twice a week.

     

    • teresa2545
      teresa2545 jean44299

      Posted

      Morning,

      I had put my patch on my hip and it still didn't stick.

      xxx

  • TeresaJS
    TeresaJS teresa2545

    Posted

    Hi Teresa, I'm Teresa too biggrin. Maybe it's us Teresas: my patches kept falling off as well, so much so that instead of using 1 a week I would have to change them 3 or more times a week (came out very expensive too). Then I searched for alternatives and found a prescription bioidentical estradiol gel which I suggested to the gynecologist. He said yes, "okay, I'll prescribe that" and now I'm doing just fine on it. I also take bioidentical progesterone capsules for 12 days (to balance estradiol effects), and use estriol cream (Ovestin) in vg area for lubrication, skin restoration, dryness, etc. X
    • teresa2545
      teresa2545 TeresaJS

      Posted

      Great to hear that you had the same problem.I have to use 2 a week and i have been given a months supply.Yesterdays still came off with it being held on by plaster.I therefore had another restless night.I am not seeing my doctor for 2 weeks so i might have to phone her to get something else if this carries on.I have read thst some doctors don't like to prescribe the gel.
    • TeresaJS
      TeresaJS teresa2545

      Posted

      Hi Teresa.

      As I said I'm very happy with the gel. You just rub it on your inner forearms and inner thighs. If you can't adapt to patches then your doctor must find an alternative. They sometimes just give in to pharmaceutical marketing. In my experience, I wasn't having enough oestrogen because the patches were always falling off (proven by blood tests) and that was contributing for hormonal imbalance. I feel I’m much more stable now. So, in my experience,  the sooner there's an alternative the better. X

    • teresa2545
      teresa2545 TeresaJS

      Posted

      I am on patch number 3 but my pharmacist told me to stick some micropore tape over it.I did this yesterday and it has stayed on.How quick do the patches take to work?When I see my doctor on June 1st I will ask for something else.How much gel do you put on,can you use too much and do you put it on the same place each time?

      Thanks Teresa

      xxx

    • TeresaJS
      TeresaJS teresa2545

      Posted

       

      Hya Teresa, lots of Qs lots of As: As I said before in my experience, because the patches kept falling off I continued having low oestrogen. I felt some mild improvement but not a lot. I also believe I got more benefits from the oral progesterone (bioidentical too). Now that I’m putting the gel I feel things are steadier. With the gel I would say it take about a week to feel some improvement. That said it doesn’t mean I feel fab, amazing, etc.  I simply feel bit better. 

      The tube comes with an easy dispenser (no mistakes): each pump = 0,5 mg of bioidentical estradiol ( pea size). People normally use between 1 and 3 pumps. Usually no more and the dose is recommended by the doctor. There may be some adjustments to make as “time goes by”.

      Now how much of it: I put on one pump, that is 0,5 mg of estradiol/day during 21 days.  I’m using Estreva which is from OM laboratories – I’m in Portugal.  I believe in the UK you have Estrogel  so you’ll have to check how it is dosed.

      Where to put it: inner arms, alternate, inner thighs alternate (so at least 4 places). The gel absorbs in 1 minute. Why?  It’s not recommended to put the gel near the belly (because of body fat) or anywhere where there’s fat because estradiol builds up.  On the other hand it should not come anywhere near the breasts. It also causes some topical “fatigue” after long term use  and it becomes less effective. It’s therefore better to rotate the place you put it on.

      You can’t put too much f it?  I mean it would be quite difficult. But if you by accident pump 5 times instead of 1 or 2, well hell, you may have a great day!

      Are you using progesterone as well? It might help you a lot! And if you have any vg. discomfort then Ovestin (bioidentical estriol cream) might help.

      I hope I’ve answered you questions. XX

  • sue02
    sue02 teresa2545

    Posted

    I could have written the exact same as Jean. I am on theEstraderm MX50 patches. Have been on them 17years and no problem with them adhering to the body. If it is any consolation, I had a break from them for 10 months, now back on and told I need at least three months to begin to feel any benefit again. Had been having awful hot flushes, anxiety, panic attacks, feeling tired and low since withdrawal. Now, Into second month of being back on them and slowly but surely I feel I am turning a corner. Hope you begin to feel some benefit soon.

    Regards

    Sue.x

    • TeresaJS
      TeresaJS sue02

      Posted

      You've been on them for 17 years?? What about the 5 year rule? 

       

  • dianna20043
    dianna20043 teresa2545

    Posted

    Hello Teresa2545

    I had patches and I found they hurt my arm so I stopped using them.

    • dianna20043
      dianna20043

      Posted

      Gee I agree with TErese JS thats a very long time.  Me think it is time for you to review.  I was on Premia 2.5 Continuous for 5 years and am now been weened off.  May be get a second opinion from specialist.  All the best with your health issues it is  a pain in the bum  xx
    • teresa2545
      teresa2545 dianna20043

      Posted

      When i asked the pharamist where most people apply the patch she told me the arm but when i read the leaflet it states anywhere below the waistline especially the buttock,thigh or abdomen.
  • stell_a
    stell_a teresa2545

    Posted

    Dermestril has a stronger glue, but it left me a mark, so I wouldn't take it any longer
  • dianna20043
    dianna20043 teresa2545

    Posted

    T2545

    You might be surprised with a second opinion, some doctors become complacement.  Have you had any blood test to see what you are.. the truth is in the blood.

    good luck.

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