Evorel Conti patches are a form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) that can alleviate symptoms of menopause. They contain a combination of oestrogen (estradiol) and progesterone (norethisterone) which mimic the original hormones produced by the ovaries.

During the menopause, oestrogen production drops. As a result of this, you may experience symptoms such as but not limited to:

• hot flushes
• emotional mood changes
• brain fog

HRT patches like Evorel Conti can ease these symptoms.

HRT can come with other benefits too. Evorel Conti patches can also help prevent and relieve ‘osteoporosis’ (fragile bones) which is a condition that is more likely to occur in menopausal women.

The patches are suitable if you are postmenopausal. They can be used after at least 18 months since your last natural period. They are also suitable if you have been postmenopausal for 6 months. If you’re not sure, your doctor will let you know whether Evorel Conti patches are suitable for you.

Evorel Conti works by replacing the hormones that your body is missing after menopause. Replacing these hormones reduces certain health risks and helps improve menopause symptoms.

Evorel Conti patches work continuously, meaning both hormones (estradiol and norethisterone) are released all the time.

How quickly do Evorel Conti patches take to work?

A clinical study showed that patients using Evorel Conti patches reported relief of their menopausal symptoms within just the first few weeks of treatment.

Evorel Conti patches work faster if you have already been taking HRT in another form before you begin to use them. 47% of women reported no bleeding for months 2 and 3 of using Evorel Conti patches.

In the same clinical study, 63% of women including both women new to HRT and those who had been previously using HRT before using Evorel Conti patches, reported being bleed-free after at least 9 months of therapy with Evorel Conti.

Note that when you first begin to use Evorel Conti, you may experience episodes of bleeding during your first month of treatment, particularly if you are using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for the first time. This should go away once your body adjusts to the treatment.

You can find out more information on our page about how long it takes HRT to work.

How effective are Evorel Conti patches?

Menopausal symptoms affect women in different ways. Depending on your symptoms, age, and other factors, the effectiveness of Evorel Conti patches can vary.

In 3 clinical trials over a year, only 16% of women reported bleeding.

During further clinical trials on Evorel Conti, a reduction of osteoporosis symptoms was reported, with a reduced risk of fractures to the hip.

Bone mineral density (BMD) improvement depends on your dosage. When using Evorel Conti, BMD in women was maintained or gained by 74%.

Wider medical research has reported HRT like Evorel Conti to be beneficial in many ways. Randomised trials showed positive effects across bone health, coronary heart disease and overall extension of life.

You must always use Evorel Conti patches exactly as instructed by your doctor. If you think your dose is too strong or not strong enough, you should speak to your doctor.

Stick your patch onto a clean, dry, healthy part of your skin below your waist, like your thigh or buttocks.

Do not put the patch:

• near your breasts
• on top of cuts, spots, or irritated skin
• under elasticated or tight clothing
• on creases or folds of your skin
• on skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight
• on skin you have used cream or moisturiser on (which could cause the patch to fall off, and also may not work correctly)

You shouldn’t put the patch on an hour before exercising as sweat can affect how it sticks. Your patch should remain in place when you bathe or shower.

When should I use Evorel Conti patches?

Evorel Conti is meant to be used at least 18 months after your last natural period or if you have been postmenopausal for 6 months.

If you are transitioning from another HRT treatment to using Evorel Conti patches, or you are unsure what HRT type of treatment you have been using, speak with your doctor. Your doctor should advise when to use Evorel Conti patches depending on your previous treatment.

If you have not been using another type of HRT, you can apply your Evorel Conti patch at any time.

After you begin your treatment with the patches, you should then follow the patient information leaflet instructions that will come with your pack. The patches will work continuously if you follow the treatment as instructed.

How often should I change my Evorel Conti patches?

Each pack of Evorel Conti patches contains 8 patches, and you’ll change them twice a week, every 3 or 4 days.

Inside your pack, you will find ‘patch change’ days that you can mark to help you remember. For example, you may choose to put your first patch on Friday and change it on Monday. Choose the best time that you feel you can remember and will have a moment to switch them over.

You can find more specific information on this in your patient information leaflet.

How long do I need to use Evorel Conti patches for?

You should use Evorel Conti for as long as you need, so long as it remains effective for you. Inform your doctor about your personal medical history and any new medical conditions or treatments you need while taking HRT.

How long do Evorel Conti patches last for?

Each individual patch lasts 3 to 4 days. Evorel Conti patches work continuously so long as you take them as instructed and change them twice a week.

What should I do if my patch falls off?

If your patch falls off, apply a new patch and ensure that you stick to your original ‘patch change’ days. If you need more patches because of this, speak with your doctor.

Can I buy Evorel Conti patches online?

Yes, you can request Evorel Conti patches with a prescription from Care Quality Commision regulated online healthcare services like Superdrug Online Doctor. Simply:

1. Fill in an online health questionnaire.
2. Our online doctors will check if Evorel Conti is suitable for you.
3. If approved, your treatment can be delivered fast, straight to your door. Alternatively, you can collect them in as little as 2 hours from your local Superdrug Pharmacy.

Can I buy Evorel Conti patches over the counter?

No, Evorel Conti is only available through prescription. However, there are alternative low-dose HRT treatments available over-the-counter, like Gina.

Some people may want to manage their menopause symptoms with over-the-counter supplements. However, since it’s not proven whether menopause supplements actually work, this is not recommended.

Can I get Evorel Conti patches on the NHS?

Yes, a doctor can prescribe Evorel Conti on the NHS. You’ll need to see your GP to get a prescription.

Like with all medications, Evorel Conti can cause side effects, but not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the listed side effects and have concerns, or they begin to affect your daily life, speak with your doctor.

Common side effects (affects less than 1 in 10 people) include:

• irritation, itchiness and rashes where you apply patch (try applying it in a different area if this happens)
• allergic reaction
• feeling depressed, nervous, anxious (mood changes)
• varicose veins
• breast pain
• flushing
• reddening skin
• diarrhoea
• stomach ache
• pain in the back or joints
• painful periods
• vaginal discharge
• irregular, heavy prolonged bleeding from the vagina
• water retention or build-up of fluid under the skin
• weight gain
• tiredness
• nausea

Uncommon side effects (affects less than 1 in 100 people) include:

• itchy skin
• rash
• swelling of hands and feet
• muscle pain
• wind
• low libido (less interest in sex)
• thrush (vaginal infections)

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you must stop taking Evorel Conti right away and tell your doctor:

• sudden swelling of the face or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, rapid swelling of hands, feet, and stomach cramps (severe allergic reaction)
• blood clots (affects less than 1 in 1,000 people) or stroke
• yellowing of skin
• liver problems
• migraines
• increase in blood pressure (affects less than 1 in 10 people)
• breast or ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer or hyperplasia (long or heavy, irregular periods)
• widespread rash with peeling skin and blistering in mouth, eyes and genitals
• convulsions or fits (affects less than 1 in 1,000)

For more information on side effects, take a look at the patient information leaflet. Or see our guide for more information on HRT side effects.

Your doctor will weigh out the pros and cons of using HRT before prescribing it to you, and usually, the benefits of taking HRT outweigh the risks. You can discuss this with them in more detail if you’re worried. They’ll also do an HRT review after 3 months, then every year if everything is going well. These checks will make sure you’re not at an increased risk of any serious side effects, such as high blood pressure.

How long do Evorel Conti side effects last?

Side effects of continuous combined HRT like Evorel Conti typically improve after 4 to 6 weeks as your body adjusts to the treatment.

If you experience:

• unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting – you should speak to your doctor if you have been using HRT for 6 months, although this is common for the first few months
• changes of mood that last longer than a few months – speak with your doctor as they may recommend an alternative HRT treatment
• muscle cramps after the first few weeks of treatment – speak with your doctor if it gets worse or continues after this

What to do if you get side effects from Evorel Conti patches

If you experience:

• nausea – we recommend eating simple foods like rice, and crackers or trying an over-the-counter anti-sickness medication
• itchy skin – try a different area of skin for your patches and speak with your pharmacist or doctor if you have persistent itchy skin that does not go away
• headaches – try painkillers (your doctor or pharmacist might recommend ibuprofen or paracetamol) – this symptom should only last for a few days

For more insight into what to do if you get side effects during your HRT treatment with Evorel Conti, check out our tips for handling HRT side effects.

It is important that you answer your doctor’s questions about your own and your family’s medical history before you start any HRT.

When you start taking HRT, you should also see your doctor for regular check-ups, such as:

• breast screenings
• cervical smear tests

Regularly check your breasts for changes and let your doctor know straight away if you notice any.

Do not use Evorel Conti if you have:

• or have ever had breast cancer
• cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens (cancer of the womb)
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• a blood clotting disorder
• liver disease
• recently had a heart attack, stroke or angina
• porphyria (a rare, often inherited blood problem)

You should take care when taking Evorel Conti if you have:

• fibroids
• endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia
• an increased risk of getting oestrogen-sensitive cancer (such as having a mother, sister, or grandmother who has or has had breast cancer)
• an increased risk of blood clots (such as a relative who has had them)
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• gallstones
• fluid retention due to cardiac or kidney problems
• thyroid problems

You can find more information on precautions for Evorel Conti in your patient information leaflet.

HRT and cancer

Clinical studies report that the risk of breast cancer increases over a long-term period of using HRT. This increased risk is low, there are around 5 cases of breast cancer in every 1,000 people who take combined HRT for 5 years.

The additional risk becomes clear after 3 years of use. After stopping HRT, this risk will decrease.

“Oestrogen-only HRT can increase the risk of excessive thickening of the lining of the womb and cancer of the womb lining. The progesterone in Evorel Conti can protect you from this extra risk. Your doctor will prescribe according to your personal and familial medical history and will discuss any risks associated with treatment before prescribing.”Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor

If you are concerned about the risks of cancer associated with HRT but need treatment, see the NHS’s guide on lifestyle changes to adapt to HRT that may reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Evorel Conti and reduced risks whilst taking HRT

There are fewer risks associated with taking HRT in the patch form like Evorel Conti. For example, patches do not increase the risk of blood clots or strokes as much as oral tablet treatments.

Alcohol and Evorel Conti

You can drink alcohol whilst using HRT patches. However, we recommend cutting your intake down to reduce symptoms such as flushing, and improve your sleep quality. Drinking less than 14 units of alcohol per week can also reduce your risk of breast cancer, which is very slightly increased when taking HRT.