HRT - Oestrogen Only

When to start treatment

• If you are currently not using any form of HRT (patches or tablets), or if you have been using a continuous combined HRT product (where oestrogen and the progestogen are given every day without interruption), you can start to use Estradot on any convenient day.

• If you are changing from a cyclic or sequential HRT treatment (where the progestogen is added for 12-14 days of the cycle), you should start to use Estradot on the day after you complete your previous cycle.

When to apply Estradot

• An Estradot patch should be replaced twice weekly (every 3 to 4 days). It is best to always replace it on the same two days of the week (e.g. Monday and Thursday). Your Estradot pack contains a calendar checklist on the back to help you remember your schedule. Mark the twice-a-week schedule that you plan to follow. Always change the patch on the two days of the week you have marked.

• Estradot should be worn continuously until it is time to replace it with a new patch.

Any adhesive that might remain on your skin can be easily rubbed off. Then place the new Estradot patch onto a different area of skin.

Women without a uterus

The Estradot patch is applied continuously without a break. Additional use of another type of hormone called progestogen is not required, unless you have a condition where the lining of the uterus also grows outside the uterus (endometriosis). When to take special care with Estradot. Women with a uterus

Your doctor should give you another hormone called progestogen in addition to Estradot to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus. While Estradot is applied continuously without a break, the progestogen tablet should be taken for at least 12-14 days every month/28 day cycle. You may have some irregular bleeding or spotting during the first few months of treatment. If you have heavy bleeding or continue to have bleeding or spotting after a few months of treatment, tell your doctor so that the treatment can be re-evaluated if necessary.

Where to apply Estradot

Apply the patch to the lower abdomen, below the waistline. Avoid the waistline itself, since clothing may cause the patch to rub off. Do not apply the patch to the breasts or any area near to the breasts.

When changing your patch, based on your twice-a-week schedule, apply your new patch to a different site. Do not apply a new patch to that same area for at least one week.

Before you apply Estradot, make sure that your skin is:

• clean, dry and cool,

• free of any powder, oil, moisturiser, or lotion,

• free of cuts and/or irritation.

• if you have or have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it

• if you have cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it

• if you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding

• if you have excessive thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia) that is not being treated

• if you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism)

• if you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S or antithrombin deficiency)

• if you have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina

• if you have or have ever had a liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal

• if you have a rare blood problem called “porphyria” which is passed down in families (inherited)

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to estradiol or any of the other ingredients of Estradot

The following diseases are reported more often in women using HRT compared to women not using HRT:

• breast cancer;

• abnormal growth or cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia or cancer);

• ovarian cancer;

• blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism);

• heart disease;

• stroke;

• probable memory loss if HRT is started over the age of 65.

Very common, may affect more than 1 in 10 people:

• Headache

• Skin reactions at the patch application site (including irritation, burning, rash, dryness, bleeding, bruising, inflammation, swelling, skin pigmentation, hives, and blisters)

• Breast tension and pain

• Menstrual pains

• Menstrual disorder.

Common, may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Depression

• Nervousness

• Mood changes

• Sleeplessness

• Nausea (feeling sick)

• Indigestion

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal pain

• Bloated feeling

• Acne

• Rash

• Dry skin

• Itching

• Breast enlargement

• Heavy menstrual periods

• A white or yellowish discharge from the vagina

• Irregular vaginal bleeding

• Severe uterine contractions

• Inflammation of the vagina

• Abnormal growth of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)

• Pain (e.g. back pain, arms, legs, wrists, ankles)

• Weakness

• Fluid retention (oedema) in the extremities (hands and feet)

• Weight changes.

See other oestrogen only HRT products 

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7225.pdf