Susan's Place Transgender Resources

4 days ago, I started HRT - Cyproterone with Estradiol Patches.

The instructions for the patches recommend that they be placed on the buttocks, lower abdomen, sides, hip, or lower back. However, the patch seems to like to buckle or sometimes even start to peel off when I move a lot.

I'm finding it stays on better on my upper arm, I'm just a little worried that it might affect the absorption by not placing it in a recommended spot.

Has anyone else used these, and is there any advice I could follow other than keeping the area clean and hair-free?

You could have a look here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,189624.msg1687824.html#msg1687824

There are a few different patches available...


hugs

Hi Andrea, welcome to Susan's. I started with patches and had that same issue. I didn't stay with patches in the end because of it.  I'm not sure why they say to place them there, but before using them in another spot I would consult your doctor. I look forward to seeing you on the forums. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah

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As always ask your doctor.  Any area that is hairless, is not breast tissue and not oily should be fine, but maybe the skin in the upper arm is too thick and would not absorb as well.

I use the small vivelle patch (or estradot patch), and I find the sides of my abdomen are good areas.  Also the lower back just above the buttock is good as well.  When I apply it I really work in the patch by rubbing it in from the middle to the outside.  I use some rubbing alcohol in the area first to remove any surface oil on the skin.

I have never been on patches but wanted to say welcome to Susan's.

Quote from: Mariah2014 on June 29, 2015, 05:31:56 PM
Hi Andrea, welcome to Susan's. I started with patches and had that same issue. I didn't stay with patches in the end because of it.  I'm not sure why they say to place them there, but before using them in another spot I would consult your doctor. I look forward to seeing you on the forums. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah

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Well the upper buttocks seem to be ok for many...
but it really depends on the brand.
Some are small and stick really well.
People tell here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,189624.msg1687824.html#msg1687824

And, well, there are other methods of application... implants and injections for example...

hugs

It definitely can affect absorption to use a non-recommended (or untested) spot. The good news is that manufacturers take the flexing and buckling into account, so as long as it's *mostly* in contact with your skin, it's still working.

With that said, I switched to Vivelle Dot in part because it's tiny and the adhesive stayed stuck really well...

I'm fully aware of all that and that is all true. I could have easily asked to try a different patch brand, but I chose ask to be switched to injections outright instead. I was switched to injections from them because of the issues and because I asked to switch when it came time to adjust the dosage. All I can do is share my experiences whilte attempting to answer their question while not advocating any particular method while others do the same.  Hugs
Mariah

Quote from: Laura_7 on June 29, 2015, 05:54:56 PM
Well the upper buttocks seem to be ok for many...
but it really depends on the brand.
Some are small and stick really well.
People tell here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,189624.msg1687824.html#msg1687824

And, well, there are other methods of application... implants and injections for example...

hugs

I'll echo what Jessical and Jenna said:  I switched to Vivelle-Dot because they are small and stick well to my lower abdomen.  I run a lot.  3 miles, 3 to 5 times a week.  I tried the generic ones and they were big and did not stick well through a good sweat (very frustrating).  I requested that my Dr. change the prescription to no substitutes for the estradiol patch.  She did, and I am loving it.

I came across studies showing that absorption was highest in buttocks.