The active ingredient in Evorel is estradiol, delivered at four available strengths: 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75 mcg, or 100 mcg per 24 hours. Estradiol is a body-identical oestrogen, chemically identical to the oestrogen naturally produced by the ovaries. The patch matrix also contains inactive ingredients including duro-tak adhesive and a polyester backing film. If you have any known allergies to adhesive or patch components, you should mention this to your clinician before starting treatment. Evorel does not contain any progestogen. If you have a womb, a separate progestogen will be prescribed alongside it.

Yes, Evorel is a well-established and effective HRT option. It provides consistent hormone delivery through the skin, which many women find convenient and well-tolerated. The patch format means you don't need to remember daily medication, and it bypasses the digestive system, which may reduce certain side effects associated with oral HRT.

Evorel is popular because:

• The patches have excellent adhesive properties
• They stick well, even during exercise and showering
• Twice-weekly application is convenient
• Provides steady hormone levels throughout the day
• Available in multiple strengths for flexible dosing
• Bypasses the liver, which may reduce certain risks
• Widely available and well-established in the UK

Evorel contains oestrogen only, while Evorel Conti is a combination patch delivering both estradiol and norethisterone acetate (a synthetic progestogen). Evorel Conti is designed for postmenopausal women with a womb who want a single patch providing both hormones, without monthly bleeds. The norethisterone in Evorel Conti is synthetic and not body identical.

Both Evorel and Estradot are transdermal oestrogen patches used in HRT. They contain estradiol, which is body identical. Evorel and Estradot have some differences in size, adhesion, and tolerability for sensitive skin.

The best choice depends on individual factors such as skin sensitivity, patch size, and how well it sticks to your skin. Evorel may adhere better for some women and is often praised for its strong adhesive properties, while Estradot patches are smaller, which some women prefer. It is completely up to you.

25mcg patch

Dosage level: Provides 25mcg of estradiol per 24 hours. This is considered a low dose.

How often should you change your patch: Every 3-4 days (twice weekly)

50mcg patch

Dosage level: Provides 50mcg of estradiol per 24 hours. This is considered a moderate dose.

How often should you change your patch: Every 3-4 days (twice weekly)

75mcg patch

Dosage level: Provides 75mcg of estradiol per 24 hours. This is considered a moderate to high dose.

How often should you change your patch: Every 3-4 days (twice weekly)

100mcg patch

Dosage level: Provides 100mcg of estradiol per 24 hours. This is considered a high dose.

How often should you change your patch: Every 3-4 days (twice weekly)

Additional information: As this is a higher dose of oestrogen, higher doses of progestogen are needed, if you still have a womb.

Your dosage level of Evorel can vary depending on the individual. This should be explained clearly by your doctor before starting medication and also throughout your treatment if you are making any adjustments.

No, you should not change your dose without speaking to your clinician first. Adjusting your dose without guidance could mean you are taking more oestrogen than is appropriate for your needs, or that a change in your symptoms warranting a clinical review is missed.

If you feel your current dose is not controlling your symptoms adequately, it may be a sign that your treatment needs adjusting. Here’s how to tell if your HRT isn’t working. If you are experiencing side effects that concern you, contact your Voy clinician. Dose adjustments are typically reviewed at your three-month appointment, though you can reach out sooner if needed.

Evorel patches can be cut in half, but this is off-label and should only be done if your doctor or nurse has specifically recommended it for you. Where possible, it is preferable to change to a higher or lower strength patch instead. The manufacturer advises against cutting the patches, as this may affect how well the patch sticks and therefore could lead to less predictable dosing. However, in practice, off-label cutting of patches is sometimes used, particularly during medication shortages.

There is no direct link between Evorel and weight gain. However, some women may notice changes in body composition and metabolism when going through menopause. When starting HRT, some women also experience fluid retention which can feel like weight gain but will eventually settle.

Menopause itself can lead to weight redistribution, particularly around the abdomen, but this can be due to hormonal changes. Some women find that HRT helps them maintain a stable weight. If you have concerns about weight changes while using Evorel, speak with your doctor to ensure your treatment is right for you.

Evorel on its own (oestrogen only) does not cause withdrawal bleeds. If you are prescribed Evorel alongside a progestogen as part of sequential HRT, some regular, predictable bleeding is expected. If you are using continuous combined HRT and experience irregular bleeding in the first few months, this is relatively common during the adjustment period. However, any unexpected or heavy bleeding, particularly if you are postmenopausal and on oestrogen-only therapy, should always be reported to your clinician promptly. Do not ignore unscheduled bleeding; it is important to rule out other causes.

Evorel is suitable for many women, but not everyone. It may not be appropriate if you have:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• A history of certain cancers (particularly breast cancer - discuss with your specialist)
• Current or previous blood clots
• Severe liver disease
• Untreated high blood pressure

Your doctor will assess your medical history to determine if Evorel is right for you.

Voy clinicians can prescribe Evorel. If you book a consultation, your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history, and talk through your options. Whilst many women do start Evorel through the service, the final prescription decision will be with the prescribing clinician.