What does HRT patches do?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches deliver estrogen and/or progestin directly into the bloodstream through the skin. They are used to treat symptoms related to menopause like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and sleep problems in cisgender women. HRT patches can also provide relief of low testosterone symptoms in cisgender men.
Some key things to know about HRT patches:

Delivery Mechanism

• HRT patches contain either estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin. The hormones are embedded in an adhesive patch that sticks to the skin, usually the abdomen, back, hips, or buttocks.


• The patch continuously releases a low, steady dose of hormones through the skin into the bloodstream over 24 hours.


• Avoiding the digestive system, patches deliver a more consistent hormone level compared to oral HRT.

Benefits

• HRT patches are very effective at relieving menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness when used properly. Studies show patches can decrease hot flash frequency by up to 85%.


• Patches provide more stable hormone levels compared to creams or oral HRT. This leads to better symptom relief for some people.


• Applying a patch weekly is more convenient for some people compared to remembering to take a daily pill.

Considerations

• Skin irritation at the application site is common. Rotating patch placement sites can help minimize this.


• Occasionally the adhesive does not stick well for the full week. Regular skin exfoliation and careful site selection helps.


• While low, there are still risks like blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer associated with HRT. Discuss your personal risk profile with your healthcare provider.

For personalized guidance on whether HRT is right for you, schedule a consultation with the experts at Hormone Harmony Clinic. As leaders in diverse and ethical care, we take the time to understand your health history, goals, and risk factors to create a customized plan. Book today to start balancing your hormones and feeling your best again!

Types of Patches

There are a few different formulation options when it comes to HRT patches:

Estrogen Patches

• Contain estradiol, the main type of estrogen postmenopausal women need


• Available in different doses to suit one's individual needs


• Often preferred by women without a uterus, as there is no risk of endometrial hyperplasia


• The most common type of patch for relieving systemic menopausal symptoms

Estrogen Progestin Patches

• Contain both estrogen and progestin


• The progestin protects the uterine lining from overgrowth


• Necessary for women with intact uteruses to lower endometrial cancer risk


• Can be dosed month-to-month or continuously based on provider guidance

Testosterone Patches

• Help treat decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction some cisgender men experience


• Also sometimes used as an "off-label" option to boost low testosterone levels in women or non-binary people

Reach out today to learn more about which formulation may be best for your hormone therapy goals. The specialists at Hormone Harmony Clinic are always happy to provide science-backed information so you can make informed decisions about your treatment path.

How to Use Patches Effectively

To get the most out of your HRT patches:

• Choose an area of lean skin without much hair - popular sites are lower abdomen below the panty line, upper buttocks, lower back, or hips


• Exfoliate and clean skin at the application site to remove any creams, oils etc. that could decrease adhesion


• Apply patch by firmly pressing on all edges for 10 seconds


• Leave patch on for the full week, changing it at the same time each week


• Check daily that patch edges are still adhered; reinforce with medical tape if needed


• Avoid using creams, oils, powders or hair removal products on the site during wear


• Keep a symptom and side effect log to review with your provider at follow-ups


• Be patient - it can take 2-3 months to experience the patch's full effects

Reaching an optimal hormone dose that relieves your symptoms without side effects may take some trial and error. Let the experts at Hormone Harmony Clinic guide your dosing journey - we'll work closely with you each step of the way until your symptoms are properly controlled and you are feeling balanced again.