Evorel Conti Patches

Evorel Conti patches are a combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – the patches contain two hormones, estradiol and norethisterone, which are forms of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones are also the active ingredients which relieve the symptoms of the menopause. The patches help to relieve menopause symptoms, as well as help prevent osteoporosis.

Evorel Conti patches also contain norethisterone – this a type of progesterone, and this is needed as part of HRT in women who have not had a hysterectomy. In women whose womb is still intact, oestrogen stimulates the growth of the endometrium or womb lining to prepare for pregnancy. However, if the growth of the lining isn’t suppressed by a progestogen it can lead to endometrial cancer. Norethisterone is included in Evorel Conti patches to suppress oestrogen thickening the endometrium.

The patches work by releasing hormones into the body via the skin – the menopause occurs in women usually between the ages of 45 and 55. In the UK, 51 is the average age a woman reaches the menopause. It is a natural part of ageing and during this time the female’s level of oestrogen decreases. This decline in oestrogen is responsible for the symptoms we associate with the menopause.

HRT helps to replace the oestrogen lost during the menopause – this is what helps to relieve the symptoms you may experience. The reduction in oestrogen means that a female will no longer have a monthly period and the menopause is recognised after having no periods for 12 months. The perimenopause (the time around the menopause) and menopausal symptoms lasts for around 4-5 years.

You can buy Evorel Conti online using our service – however, you need to already be using the patches. If you aren’t already using Evorel Patches, visit your doctor to discuss your symptoms and find out if the patches will be suitable for you.

Why reorder online? – if you are already using Evorel Conti, reorder them from us using our handy online service. The advantages of this are:

• Fits around your busy schedule – no need to take time out to visit a doctor in person
• You can have your medication delivered to an address of your choice
• Once you have ordered from us reordering is simple so you can keep on top of your treatment and avoid missing doses
• You don’t need to leave home to get a prescription
• It’s quick, simple and effective

Why not missing doses is important – it is important that you don’t miss a dose of Evorel Conti. If you forget to change your patch you should change it as soon as you remember and keep to your original ‘change patch days’ thereafter. However, once you have started your therapy you can use our service to reorder which means you will never miss a dose again.

Evorel Conti patches are particularly useful for patients who:

• Have experienced symptoms and they haven’t been controlled by oral therapy
• Are at a greater risk of blood clots
• Have a bowel disorder
• Have a history of a migraine
• Have experienced side effects using oral therapy
• Are already taking a hepatic enzyme-inducing agent
• Are sensitive to lactose
• Have a history of gallstones

You shouldn’t use Evorel Conti patches if:

• You have or your family has a history of breast cancer
• You have an overgrowth of the lining of the womb
• You have unexplainable vaginal bleeding
• You have recently had a stroke or have an increased stroke risk
• You have recently had a heart attack
• You have liver disease
• You have an inherited blood disorder
• You have cancer and the growth was stimulated by oestrogen
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

Using Evorel Conti – you can use Evorel Conti straight away if you have not been using any other method of HRT. The patches are clear and stick directly to your skin but not near your breasts or under waistbands. You also shouldn’t expose them to sunlight. For step-by-step instructions, see the "how to use Evorel Conti" section to the right.

You should apply one Evorel Conti patch twice per week – you will need to wear the patch for three to four days continuously and then it will need to be replaced. You can shower and bathe as usual with the patch on. If the patch falls off before it is due to come off, you should replace it and the change the new patch on your normal patch change day. Likewise, if you forget to change your patch on a usual day, then just change it on the day you remember. You should then carry on as before with your normal patch change days.

What else you can do to get the most out of treatment – alongside HRT there are some changes you can make to your lifestyle which can also help to control your menopause symptoms:

• Eat a health, balanced diet – you should try to incorporate at least five portions of fruit and vegetables into your diet every day. Swap processed fatty cuts of meat for low fat and lean versions, these are a good source of protein alongside beans, pulses, eggs and fish. It is also very important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day as not drinking enough water can result in dehydration. Aim to drink around eight glasses of water per day
• Exercise regularly – we should all be aiming to complete at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. Ideally, this should be completed over a few days, so possibly 30 mins per day for five days

Side effects – as with all medication, there is a risk that Evorel Conti patches can cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• Disturbed sleep
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach ache
• Fatigue
• Weight gain

If you do experience any of the above side effects, you should inform your doctor. They may be able to suggest an alternative therapy which you may tolerate better.

Health risks – women who use HRT are also more susceptible to certain diseases, too. For example, you may be at greater risk of the following compared to women who do not take HRT:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Blood clots in the veins of the legs
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Memory loss if you started HRT after the age of 65
• Your doctor will talk to you about your family medical history to assess your suitability for Evorel Conti.
• You should seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following:
• Swelling of the face or throat
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Migraine-like headaches more frequently or for the first time
• Convulsions or fits
• Widespread rash with peeling skin and blistering of the mouth, eyes and genitals
• Yellowing of the skin

Your doctor will talk to you about your family medical history to assess your suitability for Evorel Conti.

Emergency signs – you should seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Swelling of the face or throat
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Migraine-like headaches more frequently or for the first time
• Convulsions or fits
• Widespread rash with peeling skin and blistering of the mouth, eyes and genitals
• Yellowing of the skin