Are HRT Patches Safe To Use After Menopause?

Posted on Sun, 29 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 29 May 2016 Answered on

Fri, 1 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am 51 years old and post menopausal. My FSH is 67.8, LH is 30.2, Progesterone is 1.2 and Oestraidol is 50. I get night sweats and have had problems sleeping for about 3 years. I have a mirena coil in situ ( my 3rd mirena coil). The last coil was inserted in 2013. I am interested in HRT patches, but would like to know with the mirena still in situ what type of patch would I most benefit from.
I am in good health, no medical problems, do not smoke and have no pmx of DVT or breast problems. I am 152 cms tall, weigh 50 kg and my b/p is 115/70.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Combination patches will help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
The HRT patches are a better option than the oral hormonal replacement. With a mirena coil in situ and high levels of FSH with no periods, a combination patch- with both estrogen and progesterone will be best for you. The ones with lower doses of estrogen will be preferable. You can choose the best one for you after consulting with your gynecologist.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (8 hours later)

Thank you for your reply Dr Tayal,
As the mirena coil contains progesterone is it okay to take combination HRT patches as opposed to oestrogen only? I have the mirena in situ 3 years. Also please can you tell me with the combined HRT does a bleed occur or can It be used continuously without a break to avoid a period/ bleed.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can be used continuously.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Estrogen only patches are associated with more side effects and your progesterone levels are on lower side even with mirena coil. With combined HRT patches, bleeding does not happen and it can be used continuously.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (17 hours later)

Once again thank you Dr Tayal,
In your opinion would Evorel Conti 50/170 mcg be a good choice for me?
Also does HRT in any way affect the mirena coil as a form of contraception? I am however 51 years old and post menopausal judging by my blood results and have not had a period for many years (this is my 3rd successive mirena coil- inserted in 2013)
Many thanks for all your help.
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can use Evorel conti 50/170.

Detailed Answer:
Evorel conti 50/170 mcg will be a good choice. HRT does not affect functioning of mirena coil. But since you are post menopausal and your FSH levels are too high, conception is not likely. You can get the coil removed also.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar