Estradot patches are a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to treat the symptoms of menopause. Estradot patches contain the active ingredient estradiol, which is a form of the natural female oestrogen hormone. The patches are applied to the skin as prescribed by your doctor.

Common menopause symptoms

Women experience menopause as a natural part of aging. Menopause happens when a woman has not had a period at all for 12 months. The process usually takes months to years during which time your periods become less frequent until they eventually stop. In the UK, most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 years. During menopause, your oestrogen levels gradually reduce over time which can cause menopausal symptoms that can be difficult to manage without support. In some women, these symptoms can be very severe and may last for years, so they are usually offered HRT if this is suitable for them, as well as advice on lifestyle changes which could help reduce symptoms. HRTs like Estradot patches help to replace oestrogen levels and improve the symptoms of menopause.

Some common symptoms of menopause are:

• hot flushes
• night sweats and difficulty sleeping
• changes to periods (heavier, lighter, more/less frequently)
• tiredness
• anxiety
• fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• low sex drive
• headaches
• depression
• joint pains
• vaginal dryness

During menopause, oestrogen levels in women gradually reduce, causing uncomfortable symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.

Estradot patches contain a type of oestrogen known as estradiol, which helps to replace your oestrogen levels regularly and relieve menopause symptoms.

Estradot doses

Estradot patches look like rectangular patches with rounded corners. They are available in different doses and your doctor will advise you on the right one to start treatment with.

• Estradot 25 releases about 25 micrograms of estradiol every 24 hours
• Estradot 37.5 releases about 37.5 micrograms of estradiol every 24 hours
• Estradot 50 releases about 50 micrograms of estradiol every 24 hours
• Estradot 75 releases about 75 micrograms of estradiol every 24 hours
• Estradot 100 releases about 100 micrograms of estradiol every 24 hours

How long does it take for Estradot to work?

You should start to see improvements in your menopause symptoms after using Estradot patches for a few weeks. It may take up to 3 months to feel the full effect of using Estradot.

How effective is Estradot?

Some women find Estradot patches more effective compared to oral or gel HRTs in improving their menopausal symptoms. They are convenient to apply and have fewer side effects compared to some other HRTs.

Research has shown that HRT patches have a lower risk of blood clots than taking oral HRT alone. When used in combination with micronised progesterone, Esradot patches also have a lower risk of breast cancer than oral HRTs.

Use Estradot patches as prescribed by your doctor. Usually, your doctor will start you on the lowest possible dose for a short period of time before reviewing how well it is working for you.

You may need to increase or decrease your Estradot dose depending on how effective it is for your menopause symptoms or if you are experiencing strong side effects. You should always chat with your doctor before changing dose.

Where should I apply Estradot patches?

Estradot patches should be applied below your waistline. When replacing the patch, try to use a different site each time and avoid applying a patch on the same site for at least a week.

Before applying your Estradot patch, make sure the area is clean, dry and free of moisture, lotions or cuts.

The patient information leaflet which comes with your Estradot package contains a visual step by step guide on how to apply your patches.

When should I start using Estradot?

If you are using Estradot patches for the first time, you can normally start using Estradot on any day that suits you. If you are changing from a different type of HRT, your doctor will advise you to start Estradot patches.

How often should I use Estradot?

You should apply your Estradot patches twice a week. Each patch should be used for 3 or 4 days then replaced with another patch. Wear your patch continuously until you are ready to replace it.

It’s best to replace your Estradot patch on the same days each week, for example, every Monday and Thursday.

Women without a uterus (who have had a hysterectomy surgery), can use Estradot patches continuously on their own, every month without a break.

If you still have a uterus, you will be prescribed another female type of hormone called progestogen in addition to your Estradot patches. This helps to reduce your risk of developing cancer of the uterus. You will need to take the progestogen tablets only on the last 12 to 14 days of your monthly cycle, while still using your Estradot patches.

How long should I use Estradot for?

You should only use Estradot patches for as long as you need them to manage your menopause symptoms. Your doctor will review your health regularly while on Estradot, and you can discuss whether you still need HRT treatment.

Women with a uterus can buy Estradot patches in combination with Utrogestan online from UK registered pharmacies like Superdrug Online Doctor. Our doctors will make sure Estradot is a suitable treatment for you before issuing a prescription. You can start by completing a short, smart online medical form for one of our doctors to review.

Can I get Estradot patches on the NHS?

You may be able to get Estradot patches on the NHS if they’re right for you. You will need to book an appointment with your local GP first.

Can I get Estradot patches over the counter?

You cannot get Estradot patches over the counter because they are prescription-only treatments. You will need to get a prescription from a doctor first before you can buy them.

As with all medicines, you may experience side effects when using Estradot patches. If you experience any serious side effects or they become unmanageable, stop using Estradot patches immediately and seek medical attention.

Serious side effects include:

• sudden chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• painful leg swelling
• unexplained migraine headaches
• painful periods
• yellowing of the eyes
• any breast changes including lumps or nipples changes

Your doctor will discuss with you what bleeding pattern to expect when using Estradot patches. This will depend on whether you are also using a progesterone hormone and whether you are perimenopausal or post-menopausal. If you have any unexpected bleeding speak to your doctor promptly for advice.

Some common Estradot side effects may include:

• skin irritation at site of patch application
• headaches
• breast pain
• stomach pain
• vaginal infections
• acne
• feeling bloated
• weight changes due to fluid retention
• increase in breast size

Some uncommon/rare Estradot side effects may include:

• migraine
• vomiting
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• dizziness
• gallstones

A list of all known Estradot side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with it. As your body adjusts to the hormone changes of using Estradot patches over the first few months, most side effects should improve or go away. If you develop any side effects always discuss these with your doctor. HRT can increase the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, womb cancers and blood clots (though the HRT patches don't appear to increase the risk of blood clots, and the combination of oestrogen patches with micronised progesterone appears to have lower or no breast cancer risk compared with other forms).

Estradot patches may not be suitable for women with certain medical conditions and some medications may interact with Estradot, making it less effective or unsafe. Do not use Estradot patches if you:

• are pregnant
• have or have had breast cancer
• have or have had cancer of the womb (unless you have had a hysterectomy)
• have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• have ever had a blood clot or have a blood clotting disorder
• recently had a stroke or heart attack
• have liver disease
• are allergic to Estradot or oestrogen-type hormones, or any of the other ingredients in Estradot patches
• Have a condition called porphyria

You should always check with your doctor if Estradot patches are suitable for you to take. If you have or have ever had certain medical conditions, using Estradot patches may cause them to return or worsen. If you decide to use Estradot patches, you may need more regular checkups with your doctor. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you’ve been diagnosed with, especially if you have or have ever had any of the following conditions:

• high blood pressure
• blood clots
• fibroids
• migraines
• diabetes
• gallstones
• kidney or liver problems
• epilepsy
• asthma
• Lupus
• otosclerosis

Your doctor will also ask if you have a family history of breast, womb and ovarian cancer. Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over the counter and herbal medicines. The following are some medications that may interact with Estradot patches making them less effective:

• Antimicrobial medicines like ketoconazole or erythromycin
• HIV medicines like ritonavir
• Epilepsy medicines like phenytoin or carbamazepine
• St John's Wort herbal medicines
• TB medicines like rifampicin

The full list of all known Estradot cautions and drug interactions are in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine pack.

Apart from Estradot patches, following an assessment by our doctors we also offer the following topical and systemic HRT treatments at Superdrug Online Doctor:

Estradot vs Evorel Conti patches

Both Estradot and Evorel Conti are HRT patches used to control the symptoms of menopause. You also apply them in a similar way - twice a week, below the waistline. While Estradot contains only the oestrogen type hormone, Evorel Conti contains both oestrogen and progestogen hormones. Evorel Conti is most suitable for women who have a uterus, as it contains progesterone which is needed to reduce the risk of developing cancer of the womb.