patches vs creams.

[kariann330]

So I'm seeing a doctor now and she is giving me the option of patches or creams. The patches I think were Evlor and the cream is Biest 80/20. I'm wondering from those who have been on both which was better? Which provided the best and faster results?

I'm just wondering because my other option is to try Estradiol again and that was way too taxing on me and made me rather sleepy...but that also could have been the Spiro making me tired.

Thanks for yalls thoughts.

[Naturally Blonde]

So I'm seeing a doctor now and she is giving me the option of patches or creams. The patches I think were Evlor and the cream is Biest 80/20. I'm wondering from those who have been on both which was better? Which provided the best and faster results?

I'm just wondering because my other option is to try Estradiol again and that was way too taxing on me and made me rather sleepy...but that also could have been the Spiro making me tired.

Thanks for yalls thoughts.

I've tried both over the years and they have had very little effect on me. It's probably the Spiro that's having the effects on you.

[Leila]

So I'm seeing a doctor now and she is giving me the option of patches or creams. The patches I think were Evlor and the cream is Biest 80/20. I'm wondering from those who have been on both which was better? Which provided the best and faster results?

I'm just wondering because my other option is to try Estradiol again and that was way too taxing on me and made me rather sleepy...but that also could have been the Spiro making me tired.

Thanks for yalls thoughts.

In terms of application, patches are stick on and forget for 3 to 7 days. The downside to patches is not all brands stick to the skin effectively especially if you are hot and sweaty. Also not all brand of patches are the same surface area for the same dosage, so you will get some massive ones and some more discrete sized ones. If you have to change large patches every 3 days, you soon have to get inventive where to place them as you are not recommended to place them on a recently used spot.

Gels and creams will need application at least once a day (or more depending on dosage) and may cover a large amount of skin (also depending on dose). There is potential for wastage with gels and creams as you will effectively have some left on your hand after application. Most gels and creams are absorbed into the skin within an hour, but you are advised to let gels dry on the skin for 5 minutes before covering up the skin.

[Jenna Marie]

I've only used patches (and very low dose with no anti-androgens, to boot), but hopefully one anecdote will still be useful : I haven't been misgendered since 6 months into HRT, and I'm a 42DDD now.

I don't know that brand of patch, though, so I'll just second the advice that some work better than others - and AVOID the generics if you can. (The Vivelle patch I'm using is tiny, about an inch square, and sticks very well.)

[mrs izzy]

Years ago i used hmmm think Izzy think.... they where Climara, Estraderm patches. OMG they where huge and never stuck. I had to tape them on all the time.

Now due to my age and they seem not to like injecting estrogen here in Quebec i have been using Estradot

They are smaller and have been good sticking on as long as i keep the peach fuzz clean from the area of use.

My mother in law uses them also for her menopausal symptoms and her doctor gave here buterol in the form of a asthma inhaler. Something about it helps it stick better??

I have them for my asthma but have never used or tried them so have no clue if they work.

Good luck on your choice

[Just Ole Me]

Vivelle patches are amazing and so worth the extra money. Luv them!

Hugs

Kay

[Brenda E]

Generic patches here.  They stay on for about two days, then the adhesive starts to fade; the thing practically falls off after five days, no matter how careful I am, and I find myself constantly pressing it back against my skin.  Not impressed.

That said, they're cheap, and since I'm not going through insurance for that particular medication (it's a dead giveaway and will raise huge red flags with my therapy and other meds, all of which insurance does cover right now), generic works well enough for me.  I'm definitely getting some estradiol into the system - less than one month in and the effects are noticeable.  I can make do for now.

Brand name patches seem to have much better staying power.