Estradot patches are a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that contain estradiol, a type of naturally occurring oestrogen. They are used to treat the symptoms of menopause and are applied directly to the skin as prescribed by your doctor.

During menopause, the body produces less oestrogen which can cause symptoms such as mood changes, hot flushes, and sleep issues. The benefit of HRT (like Estradot patches) is that it can help to manage these symptoms. They can also reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, which often develops during menopause and can cause weak and fragile bones.

Estradot is an oestrogen-only form of HRT that can be used by women who have had their womb removed (hysterectomy). Estradot should be used in combination with a progesterone HRT for women who still have their womb. At Superdrug Online Doctor we offer Estradot in combination with utrogestan progesterone tablets.

During the menopause, the body produces less oestrogen, the main female sex hormone that plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle.

As the levels of oestrogen drop, it causes many of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with the menopause. So, Estradot patches work by restoring your oestrogen levels to relieve menopause symptoms.

Just like the ovaries do before menopause, Estradot patches release estradiol in a continuous and controlled way.

How quickly do Estradot patches take to work?

It can take a few weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms when using Estradot patches. A doctor should prescribe a low dose of oestrogen to begin with, which can then be increased depending on how well it works and if you get any side effects.

How effective are Estradot patches?

Research shows that oestrogen skin patches have several advantages over oral oestrogen, including:

• better absorption
• less risk of side effects
• doesn’t increase the risk of blood clots in veins
• no increased risk of stroke

Studies also show that using oestrogen skin patches like Estradot provides relief from menopause symptoms within just a few weeks.

Patches like Estradot can also be used to improve bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, where the risk of osteoporosis is higher. One study showed that bone mineral density increased by up to 3.7% when transdermal patches were used with few side effects being reported.

You should use Estradot patches exactly as your doctor has prescribed. You’ll usually be started on the lowest dose possible to see how your body reacts to the increasing oestrogen.

Estradot patches are available from Superdrug Online Doctor in the following doses:

• 25 micrograms (mcg)
• 50 mcg
• 75 mcg
• 100 mcg

Depending on how effective the Estradot dose is for you, it can be increased by your doctor to strengthen the effects or lowered in response to side effects.

If you are still getting regular periods, you should apply the patch on days 1 to 5 of your period. If you have had a hysterectomy or your periods have stopped or are not frequent, you can apply the patch at any time.

To apply an Estradot Patch:

1. Choose an area of skin to apply the patch below your waist, such as your thigh or buttocks.
2. With the protective backing facing you, peel back half of the backing strip.
3. Apply the open half of the patch to your skin. Remove the rest of the backing paper and press down firmly on the rest of the patch. Press the patch with the palm of your hand to make sure it is stuck firmly to your skin.
4. Wait for an hour after applying the patch before doing any activity or exercise that will cause you to sweat, as this may cause the patch to peel off.
5. You will need to replace your patch twice a week or every 3 days. You will find a calendar checklist on the back of the pack to help you keep track.
6. You can wear the patch continuously until it needs to be changed even while bathing, swimming, exercising, or showering.
7. Each time you change the patch, you should change the area you stick it to. This will reduce the risk of irritation.
8. When you need to change your patch, peel an edge of the patch away from your skin and pull until it is fully removed.
9. Fold the used patch in half so the sticky side sticks to itself.
10. Throw the used patch in your household rubbish, out of reach of children and pets.
11. You can use baby oil to remove any remaining adhesive from your skin.
12. Repeat steps 1 to 4 to apply a new patch.

If you still have your womb intact, you will also need to take a form of progesterone (utrogestan) alongside using the Estradot Patch. This is usually given as a tablet, known as micronised progesterone or through the Mirena coil.

When to apply Estradot patches

Estradot patches need to be applied:

• on days 1 to 5 if you are still regularly getting your period
• anytime if you no longer get your period, your periods are irregular, or you have had a hysterectomy

How often to apply Estradot patches

Estradot patches should be changed twice a week or every 3 days. The patches should be changed on the same days each week and at around the same time.

How long do you need to use Estradot patches for?

It’s common to take HRT for 2 to 5 years to treat menopause symptoms. How long you take it for is a personal decision and is one that should be discussed with your doctor depending on your situation.

If you have premature menopause, your periods stop before you are 40, or early menopause where your periods stop before you are 45, you’ll usually need to use HRT until you are at least 51, the average age of menopause in the UK.

How long will an Estradot Patch last?

An Estradot Patch will last for 3 to 4 days before it needs to be changed.

Estradot patches are available on prescription-only so you will need a doctor’s approval before getting them. You can request Estradot patches from online services like Superdrug Online Doctor without the need for a face-to-face GP appointment. Estradot patches may also be available on the NHS.

Can I buy Estradot patches online?

Yes, Estradot patches can be requested online from Superdrug Online Doctor by completing an online health questionnaire for one of our doctors to review.

If they think that Estradot patches are a safe and effective treatment option, your order will be delivered in discreet packaging next-day or will be made available for collection from your local Superdrug Pharmacy in as little as 2 to 3 hours. If Estradot is not suitable for you, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with alternative treatments.

Can I buy Estradot patches over the counter?

No, Estradot patches are not available without a prescription, so cannot be bought over the counter. Gina is a type of HRT tablet that is available without a prescription in the UK but can only treat vaginal symptoms as the tablet is inserted directly into your vagina.

Can I get Estradot patches on the NHS?

Yes, Estradot is available on the NHS but you will need to make an appointment with your GP to find out if it is suitable for you to use.

Like all medicines, Estradot can cause side effects but not everyone will get them.

Common Estradot side effects (affecting more than 1 in 100 people):

• headaches
• breast pain or tenderness
• feeling sick (nausea)
• unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting
• mood changes
• leg cramps
• itchy skin or rashes
• diarrhoea
• hair loss

If you experience any of the following serious Estradot side effects, call 999 or go to A&E immediately:

• chest pain or breathlessness
• difficulty speaking
• difficulty moving your arm or leg
• your face has dropped on one side
• swollen lips, face, or tongue
• your throat feels tight or it is difficult to swallow
• severe confusion
• skin, tongue, or lips turn blue, grey, or pale
• fast breathing or struggling to breathe

How long do Estradot Patch side effects last?

Estradot Patch side effects are more common in the first few months of starting them. They usually improve as your body gets used to the hormone changes taking place.

What to do if you get Estradot Patch side effects?

If you experience Estradot side effects and you are finding it difficult to manage them, speak to your doctor for advice.

Mild side effects can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications, like paracetamol, if needed, for headaches or pain.

Estradot patches may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not use Estradot patches if you:

• are or think you might be pregnant
• have or have ever had breast cancer
• might or have oestrogen-dependent cancer such as endometrial cancer
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• have or have ever had a blood clot
• have untreated endometrial hyperplasia
• have a blood clotting disorder
• have angina or have had a heart attack
• have or have had liver disease
• are allergic to any of the ingredients in Estradot patches
• have a condition called porphyria

Before using Estradot, tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you are taking, especially those used to treat epilepsy.

Estradot and alcohol

Although you can drink alcohol while using Estradot patches, reducing how much you drink during menopause is recommended to reduce flushing symptoms and improve sleep.

Does Estradot cause weight gain?

There is no evidence that taking HRT that contains oestrogen will make you gain weight. However, it is common to gain weight around the time of menopause because of the hormone changes that are taking place.

Is Estradot the same as Vivelle-Dot?

Estradot and Vivelle-Dot are similar because they are both oestrogen-only HRT patches, but Vivelle-Dot is not available in the UK. They are also made by different manufacturers.

What is the difference between Estradot and Estraderm?

Estradot and Estraderm patches are available in the same dosages and work in the same way except Estraderm is a larger patch, approximately 44 cm squared compared to the 10cm squared Estradot patch.