Instructions at the start of a treatment for Estradot will depend on a number of things. For example, if you’ve not been using HRT previously or the treatment was continuous and combined (containing two hormones), you can start using Estradot whenever you want.

If you’ve been using a cyclic or sequential treatment, you should start using Estradot on the first day of your cycle, which is the first day of bleeding. If you're not sure what type of HRT treatment you’ve been using, speak with your clinician, who will be able to advise you.

Estradot patches should be applied to the lower part of the body and never on the breasts. The area of skin should be bare (no hair) and it should not be placed on an area where you might wear elastic, such as the waist or lower legs. Avoid using the same patch of skin more than once in a week. After use, fold the patch onto itself (so the sticky side is completely covered) and throw in the bin. You should never flush your HRT patch down the toilet.

The patch needs to be changed twice a week, so the day on which you start your treatment will inform the schedule. For example, using the patch for the first time on a Monday will mean your patch changes will take place on a Monday - Thursday - Monday. For other days, follow the same pattern for those days. For instance: Wednesday - Saturday - Wednesday. You can write the day the patch will be used on the calendar checklist that comes with Estradot to keep track of your use.

If you forget to change your patch on the scheduled day, simply change as soon as you remember and go back to the normal schedule after this, no matter how short the time you’ll be using it. So, for example, if you forget to take the patch on the Monday and remember on Wednesday, use the new patch for one day and go back to the Thursday - Monday - Thursday schedule.

You should not cut the patch in half. If you believe the dose you are receiving is too high you should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Getting the right amount of hormones in the body can be tricky but with a little patience you should be able to get the right treatment for you.

While side effects for the HRT patch are listed as very common (more than one in ten patients) they tend to subside as the body gets used to the treatment and are not usually serious. If you notice any side effects that are persistent, you should let your prescribing clinician know as they may need to adjust your treatment.

The most common side effects for Estradot include: local skin reactions where the patch is applied, headaches, breast pain and menstrual disorders.

Although unlikely, HRT does increase the risk of certain serious conditions, so it’s important to be aware of what these are. They include: cancers of the breasts, womb, and ovaries, heart disease, strokes and blood clots.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention: unexplained vaginal bleeding, chest pain, a pain that spreads to your arm or neck, changes in the appearance of the breast (including the nipple), migraines, painful periods and yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Allergies to Estradot are very rare, but as is the case with any medication, there’s a risk of a serious reaction occuring. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following: problems breathing, hives or severe rashes and itching and swollen lips, face, throat and tongue.

Estradot and weight gain is highly contested, despite the fact that it’s a commonly reported symptom. Some studies have found no evidence that weight gain occurs on HRT and rather the hormonal changes of the menopause itself are likely to be the cause of weight gain.^[3] That isn’t to say that weight gain on HRT isn’t possible, so if you have any concerns about this, speak with your prescribing clinician.

Not only are there many different brands to choose from for HRT, but there are also different types, containing different hormones and combinations of hormones, not to mention dosages and forms that the treatment comes in (such as patches, gels and tablets). This may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but that’s where our subscription model helps, with our clinicians offering a range of relevant products to choose from.

Estradot is a solo (oestrogen only) HRT. As previously mentioned, it’s suitable for women who have had a hysterectomy and are postmenopausal, as well as women who are taking a seperate progesterone treatment. Other brands that contain the same active ingredient include Estraderm, Elleste Solo, Evorel, Oestrogel, Progynova, Sandrena, Premarin and Zumenon.

Estradot and Evorel are two of the most popular oestrogen only HRT, but is there any difference between the two in their effectiveness? In short, no, and the same goes for all the other oestrogen only treatments listed above. Other than dosages and the form the treatment comes in (Estradot and Evorel are patches, while Oestrogel is a gel and Zumenon is available as a tablet) the only difference is branding and price.

Lifestyle changes are always a good option for almost any condition, although they’re not a ‘cure’ as such. If your symptoms are on the mild side, they may reduce the need to take HRT and can have a significant effect alongside such medications. 

Regular exercise can reduce hot flushes, improve your mood and maintain healthy bones.^[4] A simple, balanced diet can also help maintain healthy bones while managing changes in weight. Quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol consumption have also been proven to have a positive effect on hot flushes, as well as reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Most alternative therapies show little evidence for reducing the symptoms of the menopause, although there’s some evidence that St John’s Wort (which shouldn't be taken with HRT), ginseng and primrose oil can reduce hot flushes. You should always ask your clinician about any alternative treatments.