Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Dana_W on August 06, 2009, 05:38:43 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Estrogen Patch Fell Off - Tips?
Post by: Dana_W on August 06, 2009, 05:38:43 PM
Post by: Dana_W on August 06, 2009, 05:38:43 PM
Hey all,
I just started on estrogen patches recently. And for the most part they stay on fine. I can shower and sleep with them on, etc. But this morning as I was getting ready for the shower I noticed I had lost one, presumably from tossing and turning in my sleep. I put another one on, and figure I can readjust my schedule to stretch out the remaining patches until my next doctor appointment but... these things are expensive, so I can't really afford to have them randomly falling off very often. Are there any tips out there from those with some experience how to avoid this?
I just started on estrogen patches recently. And for the most part they stay on fine. I can shower and sleep with them on, etc. But this morning as I was getting ready for the shower I noticed I had lost one, presumably from tossing and turning in my sleep. I put another one on, and figure I can readjust my schedule to stretch out the remaining patches until my next doctor appointment but... these things are expensive, so I can't really afford to have them randomly falling off very often. Are there any tips out there from those with some experience how to avoid this?
Title: Re: Estrogen Patch Fell Off - Tips?
Post by: LordKAT on August 06, 2009, 10:27:22 PM
Post by: LordKAT on August 06, 2009, 10:27:22 PM
Be sure to not place them where you have a belt or tight clothing on them. Be real sure to seal the edges of the patches to your skin evenly and thoroughly. Do not place them where your skin has a natural fold or crease.
Beyond that, I don't know.
Beyond that, I don't know.
Title: Re: Estrogen Patch Fell Off - Tips?
Post by: Mister on August 06, 2009, 11:42:22 PM
Post by: Mister on August 06, 2009, 11:42:22 PM
Before you put on a patch, shave the area. wait until area is completely dry and press patch into skin w/ palm for at least 30 seconds. if patch starts to curl up at corners, tape them down with paper tape.
Title: Re: Estrogen Patch Fell Off - Tips?
Post by: V M on August 07, 2009, 12:09:52 AM
Post by: V M on August 07, 2009, 12:09:52 AM
Duct tape cures everything and is great for removing unwanted hair :laugh:
But seriously, sometimes things that should stick, don't. Especially in summer. But yeah, make sure the area is dry and hair free when you apply the patches. You can also center a large bandage over the patch or use medical tape. A friend of mine kept wearing a bandage on his arm. We wondered what kind of injury. No injury, he just didn't want use to know he was wearing nicotine patches :laugh:
But seriously, sometimes things that should stick, don't. Especially in summer. But yeah, make sure the area is dry and hair free when you apply the patches. You can also center a large bandage over the patch or use medical tape. A friend of mine kept wearing a bandage on his arm. We wondered what kind of injury. No injury, he just didn't want use to know he was wearing nicotine patches :laugh:
Title: Re: Estrogen Patch Fell Off - Tips?
Post by: Audrey on August 07, 2009, 01:04:31 AM
Post by: Audrey on August 07, 2009, 01:04:31 AM
i had that problem but it was caused by my super sensitive skin reacting to the adhesive. the skin would weep causing the patch to come off. needless to say im not on patches anymore.
Title: Re: Estrogen Patch Fell Off - Tips?
Post by: Hannah on August 07, 2009, 02:24:23 AM
Post by: Hannah on August 07, 2009, 02:24:23 AM
I used them at first, and had to use medical tape to make them stick. It felt icky and gooey and just all around very unappealing. After a couple weeks of that I decided to hell with it and went back to the doc for estradiol tablets.
A while back someone was talking about implantable estradiol pellets and that had me intrigued, but nothing ever really came of it. I wonder how they are working out for those girls.
A while back someone was talking about implantable estradiol pellets and that had me intrigued, but nothing ever really came of it. I wonder how they are working out for those girls.
Title: Re: Estrogen Patch Fell Off - Tips?
Post by: GinaDouglas on August 07, 2009, 03:54:01 PM
Post by: GinaDouglas on August 07, 2009, 03:54:01 PM
The literature says that people can initially have difficulties with the patches, that subside as the body gets used to them. I got some pretty annoying rashes at first, but I have no problem now.
The Physician's Desk Reference entry for Climara patches sites a couple studies that show that the most effective location for the patch (in terms of optimum absorption of estrogen) is on the upper buttocks, and the second best is the lower abdomen. With both of these locations, underwear prevents them from being abraded off by clothing.
The Physician's Desk Reference entry for Climara patches sites a couple studies that show that the most effective location for the patch (in terms of optimum absorption of estrogen) is on the upper buttocks, and the second best is the lower abdomen. With both of these locations, underwear prevents them from being abraded off by clothing.
Title: Re: Estrogen Patch Fell Off - Tips?
Post by: katherine on August 08, 2009, 07:21:38 AM
Post by: katherine on August 08, 2009, 07:21:38 AM
I've just started using Climara, as recommended on the upper buttocks area. I exercise regularly and work up quite a sweat. Even with that and a shower it has stayed in place....so far. When I applied my first one I accidentally folded over the top edge just a bit. I used surgical tape from my first aid kit to seal it. It worked great. I imagine 4 small strips on the edges might keep it in place for you.