Evorel Conti Patches

[Sparklingsunshine]

I'm currently on HRT oral tablets and have been for a number of years but wanted to try a more bio identical type. I've now been prescribed Evorel Conti patches and just wondered if anyone had used them and what they thought.

[J972]

Yeah I’ve tried them, tbh it’s the only form of HRT that I can really tolerate. The problem is that I’m not completely convinced that I really *need* HRT at the moment so can’t really vouch for its efficacy. I’m still optimising my thyroid meds so I need to focus on resolving symptoms that way, and then I’ll reconsider HRT.

HRT is important for bone, heart and brain health, besides other things, so I like to resume at some point.

For info, everol conti isn’t considered bio or body identical, that description is reserved for utrogestan (progesterone) and the likes of oestrogel (estradiol). I personally found utrogestan ghastly, despite its body-identical status, but many tolerate it well.

It might be useful to know that you can top up your everol conti patch with up to 2 pumps of oestrogel, if required. Obviously your GP should be able to advise you on that. And I personally found that the position of the patch was crucial to eliminate side effects: always affix to a buttock!

All the best 🙌🏼

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to J972]

Thanks, I've been on oral HRT with no issues for 7 years but being adopted I'm mindful of the unknown risks of cancers, plus transdermal HRT is supposed to be safer. I'll try the patches out and see. If they dont suit I've got plenty of other options. Thank you.

[J972 in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

You’re welcome, all the best x

[Insomania]

I use these HRT patches. I haven’t used anything else so can’t really compare. I noticed my mood lifted, I felt less agitated and angst.

[Gruij]

I was using Kliofem brand (estradiol) with positive results but got switched to evorel patches about 4 months ago by a female GP who put me on HRT in the first place years ago (late 40’s). Seems some GPs have some knowledge and interest about thyroid and oestrogen interaction ( her focus is female health). I have a very good GP service and experience so I know I am lucky to have that. Personally I have not noticed a difference - switch was good for me. I place the patch at the top of my thigh as instructed and alternate thighs when patch is changed. But everyone’s chemistry is slightly different. Good luck

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Gruij]

I'm a bit of a sweaty Betty, particularly when I exercise. I'm a bit concerned it'll fall off lol. Are the patches durable against sweat and showers. I'm going to give them a go but I do have some reservations.

[Gruij in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Hi, I haven't had any issues. Instructions say to put on dry skin - ie don't apply immediately after a shower. I have on numerous occasions put the new patch on before going into the shower and they don't budge. They are quite sticky and as a result, particularly with dark clothes, leave an outline as the glue around the edges attracts the fibres off clothes. I gently remove the outline with a pumice stone. So definitely no problems in the patch stickiness department.

[Flamingo60]

hi Sparklingsunshine I started my HRT journey with Everol Conti. They controlled my symptoms well but unfortunately caused post-meno bleeding so I had to switch. After much trial and error (patches, gel, Utrogestan) I am now on an oestrogen only patch with a mirena coil which works for me. I understand everol to be a body identical form of HRT. Bio Identical is usually more bespoke but unregulated. As with most things hormone related it’s a very personal experience and takes time to see results. All you can do is try for 3 months and see if they work for you.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Flamingo60]

Thank you. I tried Mirena years ago for contraception and hated it. So much so I insisted they remove it. Its funny how we are all so different 🤣

[Hennerton]

I have been on them for years and they are fine but do leave a bit of sticky glue where they have been. I remove it with nail polish remover. My GP asked me to slowly reduce the dose a few years ago, with a view to stopping completely. I had a hysterectomy and ovaries removed in 1997 and figured I still needed it and indeed as I reduced the dose, I felt worse and worse and had awful night sweats. I complained to my GP and she sent me to a consultant for a second opinion. She took two minutes to read the very clear letter I had written and then said that of course I needed it for my bones. She wrote to my GP who resumed my prescription but I expect it will come under scrutiny again one day, when they are trying to save money.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Hennerton]

Thank you.

[SarahJane1471 in reply to Hennerton]

I will take HRT til the day I pop off! There is no such thing as the “end” of menopause…….. once you loose estrogen and progesterone it’s for ever and needs replacing. You wouldn’t stop Thyroid hormones so why stop HRT ( other hormones)😀

[Hennerton in reply to SarahJane1471]

Absolutely agree but try telling that to someone who doesn’t understand, for instance a male GP.

[csj113]

Agree with other posters, Evorel Conti is not body identical - that is to say the progesterone part isn't as its a synthetic called norethisterone.

Bio identical HRT is not regulated/not subject to quality control (so you don't always really know what you're getting) as said above, and is usually private clinics - I'd steer clear personally.

I use Lenzetto and Utrogestan, it's a reasonably convenient combo though I have to mark on my calendar what days to take the Utrogestan as I'm not on continuous, and I'm fine with it. Utrogestan is body identical. There is also a new body identical tablet available called Bijuve but I don't know how easily you can get from GP yet - worth asking?

You maybe need to communicate what you want again to your GP?

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to csj113]

I've been using Femoston conti tablets for 7 years, plus 1mg estradiol. My menopause was very abrupt and weird honestly. The Femoston on its own wasnt controlling symptoms so my GP added the extra oestrogen.

I was never offered patches or gels but maybe they werent available then. I've been reading that transdermal HRT has fewer side effects and as I'm adopted I have no idea about genetic cancer risk. Also I got diagnosed with vestibular migraine 2 years ago and wondered if my current HRT regime was contributing to those.

I'll try these patches but if I dont like them I've got the option to switch back or try something else. Thanks for your reply 😄

[csj113]

Yeah I think with HRT there can be a lot of trial and error finding the right product and dose that works for you. Best of luck!

[Buddy195 Administrator]

They did work for me but I found them a nightmare to remove as I’ve got sensitive skin and ended up blotchy. I’ve found the gel suits me better. It is very much trial and error to find what works best for you SS. Good luck!

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Buddy195]

I've got delicate skin as well, the joys of having EDS, mind you l'm more concerned at it falling off at an inopportune moment, I didnt know if it was sticky enough 🤣

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Yes, there was an incident when mine was floating in a hotel pool…. Luckily I managed to retrieve it! 🤣

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Buddy195]

That made me wonder, if quite a few people had that happen, would the hormone content of the pool rise enough to affect swimmers?

(The real answer has got to be that the volume of the pool is so great, it is extremely unlikely. But the thought fleeted regardless.)

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to helvella]

Interesting thought!

I reckon the application of sun cream might undermine the adhesive quality of the patch. It’s only happened to me at 30 degrees C.

[Lorrena24 in reply to helvella]

I stop going to swimming pools because not only patches but also all other hormonal gels can swim along🤦‍♀️ not worried much about myself but for my kids I just don’t want to find out

[Stills]

been using Everol conti patches for years without problems , they don’t come off if applied properly even after days on the beach etc

[Chunipet]

Hi

I’ve been on hrt tablets for years. A couple of years ago my gp suggested trying a gel as it is considered safer. I had no problem with this but the gel just didn’t work for me and I went back to the tablets. This year it was suggested I try hrt spray - lovely to use but again just didn’t work for me even after increasing to the max number of sprays. I’m back on the tablets again. Each time I switched, my thyroid levels went haywire. I still don’t think I’m back to where I was. Not sure why I have issues with transdermal products but I do which is a pity as I’m sure they’re safer. Fortunately my gp was happy for me to switch back.

[Caffeinefreezone]

Hey! Evorel patches worked a treat for me (also have a merena coil) until early last year when I suddenly became allergic to them. After running out of non-blistered skin, I was given the gel pump, which is better for me. I'm not sure if it was just me or something changed in the patches - even tried a different type to make sure. Transdermal definitely better for you than tablets. One day we may even get testosterone patches - for women! Good luck 👍

[Meno56]

I have been on Evorel 75 patches, with Mirena coil for endometrial protection, since coming off oral combined HRT.

They worked well for me for a couple of years but last year, I started to notice a lot of joint ache, developed a frozen shoulder and had many injuries from playing tennis - pulled my glute and had plantar fasciitis in my foot.

I was having some blood tests for my Thyroid meds and asked for an Estrogen check which was found to be low. My GP was reluctant to increase the patch strength so instead prescribed a different patch Estrodot, which I had heard was more expensive (they always start you on the cheapest) but has been associated with the shortages recently so is difficult to get hold of sometimes.

I rolled my eyes at the time, thinking that a higher strength would have been better, but on Estrodot 75 I’ve noticed my aches disappear and my frozen shoulder is virtually gone - still can’t quite do up my bra strap. I’m obvs absorbing better. I’ve since watched a Louise Newson video connecting low HRT specifically Estrogen to aches and pains and even from shoulders, Lupus, And other conditions, so it seems my experience is not unique.

I think Evorel are ok - I would just recommend heading straight for Estrodot if you can!

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Meno56]

Thanks, I'm a bit wary tbh but concerned about oral HRT, as I'm on extra oestrogen as well as Femoston conti. I thought transdermal HRT might be safer. As ever its a case of trying it out.

Its funny I had plantar faciitis years ago, so blooming painful and frozen shoulder, both whilst undiagnosed as hypo. I never knew until I joined this forum that they are hypo symptoms. Appreciate your reply 😀

[Meno56]

I started on combined oral HRT too and that all went awry for me after a year or so with lots of bleeding, but all the recent reports suggest it’s so much better using transdermal as Estrogen is body identical and doesn’t get absorbed into your digestive system. Have a look at the Balance app for more info.