Estradot

What is Estradot?

Estradot is a HRT medication, or more specifically, a continuous form of HRT. That means it’s a patch that you wear every day (replacing the patch with a new one twice a week), so that the hormone in it is released into the body continuously.

Estradot is just one brand of one type of HRT, with various dosages available. This allows treatments for every phase of the menopause, as well as different strengths of medication that are prescribed depending on severity of your symptoms.

In other words, there’s a treatment for almost everyone going through the menopause.

What is Estradot prescribed to treat?

Estradot is prescribed to control hormone levels when you’re going through the postmenopause. The menopause is a time of life when your hormones begin to fluctuate, signalling the end of menstruation and fertility. It’s a natural process but it can have a significant effect on your life and wellbeing.

The postmenopause describes the time after your period has stopped, while the perimenopause describes symptoms experienced while you still have bleeding.

How does Estradot work?

As the menopause and its symptoms are caused by falling hormone levels, by “replacing” them, the treatment works by levelling out these effects on your body.

The theory is straightforward, but getting the right amount of hormones can be a little tricky to begin with. Thankfully they’re a proven, effective treatment for the majority of women that use them.

What to do when you start using Estradot

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.

Where to apply Estradot patches

Estradot patches should be applied to the lower part of your body and never to your 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 your waist or lower legs. You should also 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 it in the bin. You should never flush your HRT patch down the toilet.

When to change your Estradot patch

The patch needs to be changed twice a week, so the day on which you start your treatment will inform your 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 instance: Wednesday - Saturday - Wednesday. You can write the day the patch will be used on with the calendar checklist that comes with Estradot to keep track of your use.

Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on August 02, 2022.

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