Weight gain with Evorel 50 patches anyone?

I have had occasions, usually 2 or 3 days long where I feel off balance. a bit like room spinning. Never related it to the HRT patches. Just another perimeno symptom.

If it continues maybe worth a mention to your doctor, especially if you've never experienced it before.

I've been on Evorel Conti for approx 4 months after suffering with horrific night sweats along with losing my Mum and husband within 5 weeks of each other. Contributed to the lack of any semblance of sleep and felt like I was losing the plot! Anyways, the sweats virtually stopped within 2 weeks and I got some decent sleep at long last and also able to function at work.

I have however noticed (not all the time) that if I'm out walking I have dizzy, light headed spells but have put this down to either a symptom of the menopause or an inner ear problem as I'm thinking it was happening a wee bit before I took Evorel?

I will keep an eye on other posts to see if anyone else is having the same symptons. I'm reluctant to go to the Dr's as other than this the patches suit me and don't really want to start messing about with other stuff. x

hi sue did you find out if it was an inner ear problem sounds like something i'm going thru atm ?

Hi Susan. My understanding is that Evorel 50 is oestrogen only and is for use by women who have had a hysterectomy (no womb) or to be used along side progesterone by pill or cream if you still have a womb.

Evorel Conti is a combined patch of oestrogen and progesterone delivered in a continuous dose for women who's periods have stopped.

Evorel Sequi are patches for women who still have monthly periods.

When I started Evorel Conti patches I feel I gained a little weight and had breast tenderness. This soon settled and then the weight can be managed by your own diet and exercise. The sweats and other symptoms stopped within 3 to 4 weeks.

Persevere if you feel you are on the correct patches. 

There is evidence that hrt delivered by patches or creams (transdermally) has less risk regarding breast cancer. 

Hope you feel the benefits soon.

Thanks, I will see how it goes for a month as I need to sort it out before I go back to work, have you ever heard of Wellsprings creams?

Hi Susan39619. Yes I have heard of that cream. I even bought some a couple of years ago but never used it as I was unsure if it was the right cream/hormone for me and the method of applying seemed a bit hit and miss. There are some reviews of it on mumsnet. Then I got hrt from my doctor and prefer the patches as it's a measured dose. 

Are you confident you are on the correct patches. Evorel 50. Have you had a hysterectomy? If not then you need progesterone too.

Keep active, walking, yoga and reduce your daily calorie intake slightly and any weight gain should be marginal.

Super strength sage was the first remedy I took for night sweats and it helped for a couple of months. Have you tried sage? Has to be super strength.

Hi, I am new to this discussion but not to the site.  Im 45 and have been feeling my perimenopausal symptoms snow balling over the the last 6 months.

I am due to see my GP this week regarding starting on some HRT particularly for my low mood, anixety and general apathy (I've had to take time off work for reocurring utis but also my mental health has really struggled) I was able to speak to a UK support group menopause Matters and the founder really was informative about the range of options out there. One being using Evorel patches (Im still menstrating) really hoping that patches will elevate my symptoms so I can get back on track particularly for my 9 year old and of course getting back to work.

Do you think the good out ways the bad in using these patches I know it all individual experiences. Im just hoping and praying for some relief soon.

Hi Elaine. Hope you don't mind me commenting. Firstly I would say a lot of GP's try to prescribe anti depressants for peri meno symptoms. They may work for some but we are not depressed! It is the lack of and fluctuating hormones making us feel this way. Just wanted to warn you before your appointment.

If you are prescribed the Evorel patches they should be a pack of Evorel Sequi. As you are still having periods. Or, as I use, Evorel 50 or 75 along with a progesterone pill. This allows for a period break.

Vagifem pessaries may help you with the UTI's. A low dose oestrogen easily inserted in the vagina.

I feel the benefits definitely outweigh any small risks. Any weight gain is easily managed and soon settles. (It's similar to any weight you gain when starting on the contraceptive pill if this is something you have experienced). But I feel it's a small price to pay for feeling so much better. You should feel better in 4-6 weeks. In the mean time, get fresh air, do yoga/stretch, read and make time for yourself. it helps to clear the mind.

Good luck with your GP, take care x

Thanks for replying maisie. Of course, I don't mind at all.

Luckily, I changed my GP in January as I was becoming increasingly disappointed with my previous GP when trying to get help with another health matter (Costochondritis) that he decided to prescribe me Amitriptyline 10mg which I never took thank god. Looking back on my symptoms over the last 18 months, I think signs of perimenopausal kicked in around 43/44 years as I recall the stiffness in my hands particularly early in the morning and sometimes around my hips. I did have FSH bloods done but they came back in normal range I now know that FSH blood test are not reliable as our hormones are always fluctuating. Back to October to date; WOW !! by November I was crashing heavily with fatigue I just don’t know how I managed getting to work up until xmas (I work in the NHS and have to commute daily 3 hours a day into South West London from Hertfordshire ) Joint pain and headaches were becoming ever more increased and noticeable anxiety was really starting to show; particularly in my commute by tube and crowds became too much!! Oh, and my finger nails vastly changed ridges and breakage and dry skin.... I’m adding to the list to date. Then beginning of January was just awful I started with 2 UTIs consecutively and courses of antibiotics this just set me back and the low low mood kicked in tearfulness every day for the most. It’s a mess!!

On Monday I saw female locum GP who I thought just might understand and help me. It was like pulling teeth I went armed with lots of information that had been kindly given to me by the founder of Menopause Support in what treatment I should be entitled too. Begrudgingly didn’t like the knowledge I had found and firstly denied being aware of Bio identical HRT? She sent me out of the room to do a urine sample to make sure my uti had cleared and when I came back in there was a prescription waiting for Ovestin 1mg and Urtogesan 100 mg and sent me on my way. I instincts told me not to collect the treatment and I referred to the Menopause support founder who told me that these were completely wrong treatments and would not work in balance. She advised (like you Maisie) that Everol Sequi patches would be more appropriate Thank god I did not collect them

I raised my concerns with the practice and how the locum treated my symptoms that are quite frankly debilitating and stopping me having a life right now. I have now been offered an appointment on Saturday morning with a dedicated time to go through my treatment.

Sorry about my rambling Maisie and thank you also for you this information I have made a list for my appointment and have included your suggestions too.

Weirdly I have been dealing some weight loss between November to January its odd my appetite has just gone I am having really force myself to eat I've had a CT scan and all came back fine. It could hormonal tied up with anxiety as well.

I really appreciate your feedback about your experiences of HRT. I am willingly to try this if I can get some relief from these symptoms I need to get back on track.

Thanks again. I will certainly post another update.

Take Care Too X

Can I ask if you had blood tests before being put onto HRT. I have had bloods recently and they all came back fine although I have so many symptoms. I worried my symptoms wont be taken seriously now because blood profiles have come back normal.

Hi Elaine

Originally when I first went to my GP she accepted my request for it as I was 57 and having irregular periods, as well as all sorts of other symptoms. Evorel Conti, which was probably the wrong type. Then due to spotting every two weeks and after lots of tests I was told by gyne to stop the HRT as it was causing the bleeds. I have small fibroids. 

I paid to see a private menopause specialist last December and she said there's no reason to stop HRT and changed me to Evorel 75 and Utrogestan pills for the progesterone. I paid for blood tests at her suggestion and they came back as low oestrogen and low testosterone. (These were done at the time of the consultation and will be checked again when I go back in May) She prescribed testosterone gel and I've been using that with caution! Others using it have reported great results so I don't know why I'm a bit wary. 

So far I've been happy with the change of HRT and only had one small instance of spotting so I think that was the right decision.

You are right that hormone levels fluctuate so it's hard to prescribe just on that basis. If you tell them you've done your research and believe that you need to try HRT they should respect your wishes. Start writing your list of symptoms now so you don't get flustered in the consultation room.

Thanks again.

Yes I've got a list together and just recieved via post today a Meno Score sheet that i've completed and will also take into my consultation.

Are you UK based Maisie just wondered why private specialist this should be avaialble on the NHS ?

Really appreciate you getting back to me. Although my bloods have been tested they still didnt do estrogen is my understanding its ridiculous but neverthless I am experiencing symptoms are making me feel just awful.

Thanks for the tip of passion flower too

I've been also taking Meno Serene for about 3 weeks now -  how do you rate this supplement?

Also taking Starflower & Evening Primrose combined and Vit D2 and D Mannose to ward of UTIs

Sometimes I think I taking too many things??

Yes I remember now I did complete a meno score sheet with the private specialist too. I've yet to find a meno specialist on the NHS. The lady I saw is a practicing GP in Birmingham who runs a separate menopause clinic privately.  I'm in the northwest UK. After seeing two NHS gyne female doctors, who both advised me to stop taking HRT due to the spotting, I decided to pay for a specialist opinion.

I took menoserene for about 2 years hoping to ward off any perimeno symptoms and I'm pretty sure it helped and I felt good taking them. Then the night sweats started as my periods became erratic, I survived taking super strength sage for a few months, then the anxiety and doom and gloom, brain fog, no self worth, extreme fatigue, hit me and I asked for HRT.

I wouldn't worry about taking too much, any your body doesn't need will be pee'd out of you. Your stomach will complain if they don't agree with you. Evening primrose gives me headache.

I currently take magnesium, vit D3, rosehip, feroglobin, and occasional multi vit, silica or biotin. It's remembering to take them, some with food some without! I've just started making a concoction of apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, manuka honey and lemon juice mixed with warm water. Hoping this may help shrink fibroids. Oh and just started taking turmeric after reading the many benefits. 

Its ridiclous why getting the right help seems impossible Maisie its great that you persisted with supplements for sometime.

I really relate as I'm right now tackling anxiety/crying spells daily, brain fog, self critisim and extreme fatigue (waking at the minute at 4.30 am and unable to get to sleep again) tough enough before adding in the pains that swirel around my body and general sense of not feeling psychically strong I am only 45.

I desparate to get ball rolling with some treatment I have some reservation as I'm also scared for any side effects that come with HRT but I need a resolution to enable me to go back to work and give my 9 year old daughter a better quality mother.

My period is due in a few days my emotions are at there peak right now.

Your probably right about the supplements lol, I guess this is nothing compared to what some people take right. Its interesting about EP giving you headaches I might pause taking them for a day or 2 and see whether my headaches improve (trail and adjustment I guess).

Yes I like the ided of the ACV cocktail I've heard good things about ACV and turmeric too. Are you still taking Passion Flower or has HRT resloved anixety issues for you

I'm really suffering eye discomfort in left eye and  plugged ears did you ever experience these at all.

Thanks again for replying.

I only use the passionflower occasionally now as I'm sleeping better since using the latest HRT with progesterone seperately. I take the progesterone at night as can cause drowsiness. Bonus! The passionflower packet advised to take at night also as can cause drowsiness so that's what I did and I woke less anxious.

One thing I forgot that helped, and still does, is rescue remedy. I like the pastilles and chewing gum. Someone on here swears by them and I was grateful for the tip. Helped me through my daughters wedding a couple of years ago. Even if it's in my mind I don't care. If I'm facing a situation I'm not comfortable with/don't want to go, like a night out or even going to the supermarket, I suck a couple of pastilles or chew the gum. Seems to help.

My left eye waters sometimes so I put a little vaseline on the outer corner and it stops the watering.

My ears get itchy and seem full sometimes and I have otomize ear spray for that. Prescription only. I've blamed my hair products, it's like mild eczema. Never related it to peri.

I'm like a walking chemist!

I'm not far behind you in the chemist line !!

Thanks I'll look into rescue remedy and try the tip of vasline.

I went to my gp this morning and talked through again my periM symptoms although quite understanding initially when I brought up using HRT patches he was not of the view and steered me to the main stream HRT that he was willingly to give to me straight away? He then went onto suggest Red Clover supplements (I thought these were mainly hot flushes which are the lesser symptoms for me right now). He felt running more bloods for my hormones needed to be done (FSH already). My view is that I now 45.3 months and should able to have HRT ??? Ok run more bloods but I've completed a meno score test and showed him (he acknowledged the symptoms on paper) but why not HRT patches? Oh he wanted to explore whether I was depressed Bingo!! 'were not mad'.

I feel Im getting no where fast in helping with my treatment I need to get back to work (another 2 weeks signed off ) I really want just get on with my life.

My menstural came today I having lots of clots I just feel so drained due to poor nights sleep. I just want help now. I plan to go back to the gp next week as soon as bloods have been done and will not let this go until I am offered the HRt I feel comfortable with.

These symptoms are truly awful and putting a hold on my life.

Im glad you getting relief with HRt Maisie

Great to know you and others are giving back Xx

Have you had your iron/ferritin levels checked recently? They could be low if you are having heavy periods. Anaemia can make you feel drained and cause you a lot of symptoms similar to peri. That’s what happened to me with clots and flooding. It felt like a double whammy of peri and anaemia. I’d not heard of peri till I came on here to investigate my low iron. I was taking Omeprazole for gastritis (another peri symptom I discovered) and the Omeprazole inhibits the absorption of iron!!  My GP never warned me of that when she prescribed it. 

Hope you are having a good day x

Hi Maisie

Not to worry I know we are all replying as soon as we can. I think my visit just revealed how limited GP's knowledge is when it comes to supporting women. Weeks down the line and still no treatment I finding this too much to bare really. He seemed least opposed for me taking the (horse urine) HRT but did agree with the patch. I will challange this of course as the previous GP made up a prescription for the cream and tablet that are available on the NHS... I'm going to have my blood tested for Oestradiol LH (FSH) but once this is done I will be requesting HRT again for sure.

Just finished my cycle that was 2 days worth of clotting (no flooding) and cramping. Acutally I have alot of what feels like burning in my stomach acid maybe? and I feel short of breath off and on.

I've been an emotional wreck and snapping at my 9 year all weekend. My neck pain and shoulder have been really painful and this morning I woke up with the worst diarrhoea. I'm starting to think there's no help out there for me.

Its half term and I thinking how am I going to get through it with how Im feeling when I should be thinking ok what can I plan for my child.

I'll check  out the iron/ferritin levels (it may have been done in the most recent blood tests).

Thanks Maisie going to pursue this for sure x

Take care

Just had back my latest bloold test estrogen was extremely low (43) but LH and FSH normal. I didn't know whether to feel relief or a sadness. I've now been referred to a gyn clinic as my gp want to ensure the correct preporation of Hrt is done (I really don't won't to wait any longer). Its taken 5 weeks already to get to this stage!!

Its probably the case levels have been in decline for a few years as this was the first time I had estrogen tested.

I think you should try some Hypomellouse eye drops you can buy in the chemist.  I think you have what is called 'dry eye'.  I had the same symptoms and use the drops when my eyes water at the sides.  I also got lumps of dry wax falling out of my ears.  I just feel like I'm really dried out internally and externally.  I think taking fish oil or a combination of oils may help.  Make sure your body is not building up toxins as these show up on your skin also.

How long have you been using the Evorel patches? Have you had any spotting or bleeding while using them?

It's all a bit confusing as the Sequi are the 50s:

EVOREL SEQUI is a transdermal therapy comprising

a) 4 EVOREL 50 TDSs, each containing:

3.2 mg of estradiol hemihydrate

b) 4 EVOREL CONTI TDSs, each containing:

3.2 mg of estradiol hemihydrate

11.2 mg of norethisterone acetate

I'm 53, and my night sweats are hideous and really affecting my mental health 😦

Haven't tried my patches yet just because it's the summer and I don't want to get fatter atm. Might try them in the autumn. It just feels like I'll be swapping night sweats for weight gain.