Estradiol Patch vs Pill

[hilah.hayley]

How can I compare dosages between patch and pills? My doctor and referred to a specific website when considering patches to determine which patch to use. It indicated that the patches and the pills were equal despite the fact the the patch's MG's are far lower than the daily dosage I was on.

I can't actually ask my question clearly because i've been moderated our of the details.

[Sarah Louise]

8. The discussion of hormone replacement therapy(HRT) and it's medications are permitted, with the following limitations:


A. Advocating for or against a specific medication or combinations of medications for personal gain is strictly prohibited.
B. Discussing the means to acquire HRT medications without a prescription, and self medication without a doctors care is prohibited.
C. Discussing dosages is strongly discouraged to prevent information obtained on this site from being used to self medicate.

We can not in good conscience condone the self administering of these medications. Not only may self medication be illegal, but HRT medications can cause serious health problems, and many have the potential for life-threatening side effects that can only be detected and prevented with proper medical supervision.

[K8]

Please don't self medicate.  Double-dosing, such as wearing two patches, is particularly dangerous.  We'd like you to be able to stick around so that we can get to know you.

- Kate

[FairyGirl]

The patches milligrams are lower because transdermal delivery is much more efficient than pills, which get filtered through the liver first. With patches more of the hormones go straight into your bloodstream. Even so, I was on patches for over a year up until my surgery after which I started having my surgeon manage my hormones and she switched me to pills. I never did get used to wearing the patches; they were troublesome to keep on, especially in bath or shower, and always made my skin break out underneath. I prefer the pills.

But your doctor can give you more information about dosages.

[Nicky]

Well, as fairy girl mentioned, the delivery is different. You don't need as much from patches to get the same effective level of estrogen in your blood.

The only real way to know is to get a blood test. Also more estrogen is not always a better thing, it can actually be bad for your development or your health if you have too much. I don't think there is a standard dose that fits everyone.

I quite like my patches. I only have to change them once a week. Aside from being a little unsexy, they are convenient for me.