Menopause is a time of transformation. Your hormone levels shift, your body changes and your energy can feel different too. While this stage is completely natural, symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings can make it difficult to feel like yourself.
If you are exploring hormone therapy for menopause, you have probably come across Evorel and Estradot, two of the most common hormone replacement therapy HRT patches prescribed in the UK. Both are forms of transdermal HRT, meaning they deliver oestrogen through your skin rather than your stomach, offering a gentle, effective and non oral way to relieve menopause symptoms.
So which one is best Let’s look at what they have in common, how they differ and how to choose the patch that fits your lifestyle, skin and comfort.
Understanding Hormone Patches for Menopause
Hormone patches are small medicated stickers that release oestrogen and sometimes progesterone into your body through the skin. They are a key option for managing menopause symptoms and a great example of non oral HRT solutions, convenient, discreet and effective.
When placed on clean dry skin, the hormones are absorbed steadily into your bloodstream. This helps smooth out fluctuations that can lead to hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety and brain fog. Because patches bypass your liver, they may have a lower risk of blood clots compared to tablets.
According to NHS Menopause Treatment HRT patches can reduce symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, protect against bone loss and improve sleep and mood.
Many women also notice benefits for their skin, energy and overall wellbeing. This approach to oestrogen therapy for hot flushes is a simple long term treatment option that helps you feel balanced and in control again.
Evorel vs Estradot The UK’s Most Common HRT Patches
When it comes to estrogen patches for menopause, Evorel and Estradot are the two names most women hear first. Both deliver bioidentical hormone therapy in the form of oestradiol, the same type of oestrogen your body naturally produces, but there are a few key differences worth knowing.
Size and Feel
One of the biggest differences between Evorel and Estradot is size.
Evorel patches are larger which makes them easier to handle and apply, but some women find them a bit more visible or less comfortable under fitted clothing.
Estradot patches are smaller and thinner, making them more discreet and almost invisible once applied.
Both work equally well, but your preference might come down to comfort and lifestyle. If you are active or wear form fitting clothes, Estradot’s smaller size might suit you better. If you prefer something sturdy and easy to place, Evorel’s larger patch might feel more secure.
Adhesive and Stickiness
The adhesive or glue used in the two brands is different and that can make a real difference to your experience.
Evorel’s glue is slightly stronger which helps it stay on even during hot flushes or workouts, but it can sometimes feel stickier on removal.
Estradot uses a gentler adhesive which some find kinder to skin although it may lift sooner if applied to damp or oily skin.
Because hormone absorption through skin depends on how well the patch adheres, ensuring it sticks properly is vital. If a patch lifts or peels at the edges, your hormone dose may not be absorbed evenly and symptoms such as flushes and night sweats might return.
Frequency and Dosing
Both Evorel and Estradot are applied twice weekly meaning you change them every three to four days. Your doctor may recommend specific days for consistency.
Each brand offers multiple strengths allowing your healthcare professional to tailor the dosage to your needs. Some women start with a lower dose to ease into HRT while others require gradual adjustment to achieve full menopause symptom relief.
This flexibility also makes it easy to adapt over time. Your GP may increase your HRT dosage during perimenopause and lower it later as symptoms settle.
Types of Hormones
Both Evorel and Estradot are oestrogen only HRT options but Evorel also comes in combined forms, Evorel Sequi and Evorel Conti, which include progesterone. These are suitable for women who still have their uterus as progesterone protects the womb lining from unopposed oestrogen.
If you have had a hysterectomy, an oestrogen only HRT like Estradot or standard Evorel may be sufficient.
Skin Sensitivity and Comfort
Some women find one patch brand feels smoother on the skin. If you experience irritation, itching or redness, try rotating your application sites and switching brands. Often simply changing from Evorel to Estradot or vice versa solves the problem.
Both are classed as skin friendly HRT options but because every woman’s skin chemistry is unique, the best patch will depend on your body.
Applying Hormone Patches Correctly
How and where you apply your patch matters just as much as which brand you choose.
Best placement for HRT patches
Lower abdomen
Buttocks
Outer thigh
Avoid areas where clothing rubs and always apply to clean dry hair free skin. Press firmly for 10 to 30 seconds to ensure full adhesion and smooth down the edges.
Tips for best results
Do not apply moisturiser oil or body lotion before putting on a patch
Avoid hot baths steam rooms and saunas immediately after applying
Rotate patch sites to prevent skin irritation
Replace patches on schedule usually twice weekly
If your patch falls off early, reapply it if possible or put on a new one and note the day. Consistency ensures steady hormone levels and helps with reducing hot flushes and night sweats.
For more detailed instructions visit NHS guidance on applying HRT patches.
Safety Effectiveness and Long Term Use
Like all treatments, hormone replacement therapy HRT has benefits and risks. For most healthy women the benefits such as treating menopause symptoms, protecting bone density and improving quality of life outweigh the small risks when prescribed correctly.
Research suggests transdermal HRT patches gels and sprays may have a lower risk of blood clots than oral forms because it bypasses the liver. According to the British Menopause Society transdermal options like Evorel and Estradot are considered safe for long term use for most women, even those who cannot take oral oestrogen.
Common side effects can include mild redness, breast tenderness or nausea but these usually settle as your body adjusts. Serious side effects such as risk of breast cancer are small and linked to long term use of certain combined HRT types not the oestrogen only patches.
If you are unsure which hormone therapy for menopause is right for you, always speak to your GP or a menopause specialist. For independent advice visit Balance Menopause.
Which Patch Sticks Best
It might sound simple but stickiness really matters. A patch that does not adhere properly will not deliver hormones effectively.
Evorel tends to stick more firmly due to its stronger adhesive and larger surface area, making it a solid choice if you are active or prone to perspiration. Estradot on the other hand is more delicate, some women love its comfort, others find it lifts sooner.
Here are a few quick tips to improve adhesion and ensure optimal hormone absorption through skin
Apply to cool dry skin not after a shower or exercise
Avoid oily or moisturised areas
Hold the patch in place for 30 seconds when applying
Press down edges if they lift
If you struggle with sticking issues, it does not mean your HRT is not working. Discuss alternative placements or brands with your healthcare professional.
Managing Skin and Adhesive Residue
Even with careful use, patches can leave behind sticky residue or mild redness. Over time that build up can irritate sensitive skin.
While soap and oil can help, a faster cleaner way is to use Nudi Spray™ designed especially for removing HRT patches and other adhesives gently. The vitamin E enriched formula dissolves glue residue without scrubbing, keeping your skin calm smooth and hydrated.
After removing your patch, spray lightly, wait a few seconds and wipe away residue. Follow with a fragrance free moisturiser to soothe and protect the skin barrier.
Healthy skin helps patches stick better and ensures steady hormone delivery, a win for comfort and consistency.
Considering Natural Support
Many women like to complement HRT with natural menopause treatments. Options such as black cohosh, magnesium and soy isoflavones can sometimes help with symptoms such as hot flushes though evidence is mixed.
If you prefer to combine HRT with natural options, discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no interactions. Remember that balancing hormone levels naturally is best supported by good nutrition, hydration, sleep, movement and stress management alongside HRT.
Choosing the Right Patch for You
When deciding between Evorel and Estradot, consider
Your skin type sensitive dry or oily
Availability in your area
Comfort and visibility
Patch adhesion and residue
Sometimes it takes trying both to see which fits better. Your GP can easily switch prescriptions so do not feel locked into one brand. The goal is to find a patch that feels natural, sticks well and keeps your symptoms in check.
If you are new to HRT or considering switching from another form such as tablets or gels, speak with your healthcare professional about the HRT patch vs pill discussion and which route fits your medical history and daily routine best.
Conclusion
Both Evorel and Estradot are excellent choices for managing menopause with HRT. They deliver steady reliable relief from flushes night sweats and mood changes while being gentle on your body and easy to use.
The right patch depends on your skin comfort and preferences. A patch that adheres well fits your lifestyle and feels kind to your skin is the one that will serve you best and the one you will actually enjoy using.
For smooth removal and happy skin make Nudi Spray™ part of your HRT routine. It is a small step that makes patch care effortless kind and confidence boosting just as every part of your menopause journey should be.
FAQs
How long does it take for hormone patches to work
Most women feel improvement in two to four weeks. Full benefits develop over two to three months.
Can I shower or swim with a hormone patch
Yes both Evorel and Estradot are water resistant. Just avoid soaking or scrubbing the patch area.
What should I do if my patch falls off early
Replace it immediately with a new one and note the day. If it happens often try switching brands or sites.
How can I reduce irritation from hormone patches
Rotate sites apply to clean dry skin and use Nudi Spray™ for gentle residue removal.
Are there risks with long term HRT use
For most women the benefits outweigh the risks. Discuss any personal health concerns such as breast cancer or blood clot history with your GP.
