Dr Gillian with a patient

HRT Patches in the UK: Types, Costs, and How to Apply Them

If you’re exploring Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to manage common menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, or brain fog, HRT patches can be an effective and convenient option. These patches deliver oestrogen (and sometimes progesterone) directly through the skin, bypassing the digestive system. Taking in oestrogen via the skin (transdermal route) carries a lower risk of developing blood clots and high blood pressure which can result in stroke. Here’s a guide to the different types of HRT patches available in the UK, their private prescription costs, and how to apply them.

Types of HRT Patches in the UK

There are two main types of HRT patches:

  • Oestrogen-only patches– used in combination with another progestogen/progesterone or alone for women who have had a hysterectomy.
  • Combined HRT patches, containing both oestrogen and progestogen for women with a womb.

Let’s take a closer look at the various brands, their ingredients, costs, and how to apply them correctly.

Oestrogen-Only Patches

  1. Evorel
    • Active Ingredient: Oestradiol hemihydrate
    • Adhesive: Acrylic-based adhesive
    • Private Prescription Cost: Around £30-35 per month
    • How to Apply: Apply the patch twice a week to clean, dry skin on your lower abdomen or buttocks. Make sure to rotate the application site to avoid skin irritation.
    • Size: Depending on the dose within the patch, it can vary in size from 4×4 up to 4x8cm- so they are quite large if you need higher doses!

2. Estradot

  • Active Ingredient: Oestradiol hemihydrate
  • Adhesive: Acrylate adhesive, can contain SOY
  • Private Prescription Cost: Around £35-40 per month
  • How to Apply: Change your patch twice a week, applying it to the lower abdomen. Due to their small, discreet size, Estradot patches are ideal for those who prefer something less visible.
  • Size: These are about 2x3cm so a lot smaller than their competitors!

    3. Estraderm

    • Active Ingredient: Oestradiol hemihydrate
    • Adhesive: Acrylic adhesive
    • Private Prescription Cost: Approximately £35-40 per month
    • How to Apply: Apply the patch twice weekly to a clean, dry area on your lower abdomen, buttocks, or thigh. Rotate the application site with each new patch to avoid skin irritation. Estraderm patches are larger than Estradot but deliver a similar dose of oestrogen.

      4. FemSeven Mono

      • Active Ingredient: Oestradiol
      • Adhesive: Silicone-based adhesive (gentle on sensitive skin)
      • Private Prescription Cost: Roughly £35-45 per month
      • How to Apply: Apply once a week to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen or buttocks. FemSeven Mono 50 is particularly suited for those who prefer fewer patch changes and have sensitive skin due to its silicone-based adhesive.

      5. Progynova TS

      • Active Ingredient: Oestradiol
      • Adhesive: Acrylate adhesive
      • Private Prescription Cost: Around £35-40 per month
      • How to Apply: Apply the patch once weekly to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen or upper buttocks. Progynova TS 50 is suitable for women looking for an oestrogen-only patch that requires less frequent application.

      6. Elleste Solo MX

      • Active Ingredients: Oestradiol
      • Adhesive: Acrylic-based adhesive
      • Private Prescription Cost: Approximately £30-35 per month
      • How to Apply: This patch is applied once a week. Rotate the patch’s position on your lower abdomen or buttocks to minimise skin irritation.

      Combined HRT Patches (Oestrogen and Progestogen)

      1. Evorel Conti and Evorel Sequi
        • Active Ingredients: Oestradiol and Norethisterone
        • Adhesive: Acrylic-based adhesive
        • Private Prescription Cost: Around £35-40 per month
        • How to Apply: Apply the patch twice a week to a clean, dry area on your lower abdomen or buttocks. Evorel Conti is for continuous use (no bleed), while Evorel Sequi is used cyclically. Remember to rotate application areas to prevent skin irritation.
      2. FemSeven Conti and FemSeven Sequi
        • Active Ingredients: Oestradiol and Levonorgestrel
        • Adhesive: Silicone-based adhesive (gentler on sensitive skin)
        • Private Prescription Cost: Around £35-45 per month
        • How to Apply: These patches are applied once a week, making them convenient for those who prefer fewer applications. Rotate the patch placement on your lower abdomen or buttocks weekly. FemSeven Conti is for continuous use, while FemSeven Sequi is for cyclical use.

      Costs of HRT Patches on Private Prescription

      For those purchasing HRT patches privately in the UK, prices can vary, with most patches costing between £30-45 per month. Prices will depend on the brand and whether you’re prescribed an oestrogen-only or combined HRT patch. The cost can also vary between pharmacies, so it’s worth shopping around or asking your GP or specialist for guidance.

      How to Apply HRT Patches

      • Start with clean, dry skin: Always apply the patch to a clean, dry area free from oils, lotions, or creams to ensure good adhesion.
      • Avoid irritated or broken skin: Choose smooth, non-hairy areas like the lower abdomen, buttocks, or thighs.
      • Rotate application sites: This prevents skin irritation. Don’t place the patch in the same spot each time.
      • Press firmly: Hold the patch in place for around 10 seconds to make sure it adheres well.
      • Be mindful of swimming or sweating: Patches can sometimes loosen with excessive sweating or swimming. If this is an issue, consider gels or sprays as an alternative.

      Final Thoughts

      Choosing the right HRT patch involves considering cost, how often you want to change it, and how your skin reacts to the adhesive. Evorel, Estradot, and Estraderm are popular choices for oestrogen-only HRT, while Evorel Conti and FemSeven Conti offer options for those who need combined HRT.

      Hopefully your HRT knowledge is a little less ‘patchy’ after reading this!