Estradiol Patch and Headaches: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 5, 2019

"TEGADERM!!! - won't help with Mylan generic because the patch is horrible - worthless. For years, I've had hormonal headaches. No headaches for 10 years while on the estrogen patch. Headaches were back almost immediately after applying the Mylan patch. Sandoz generic seems to work okay. TRICK!!! I learned as a hospital nurse. Use Tegaderm (clear/transparent film patches). Clean the skin with alcohol and then rinse with warm water, and dry it, warm, and dry the skin slightly with a blow dryer. Apply your patch and hold for 10-15 seconds. Then apply the Tegaderm patch over your estrogen patch. Amazon has all sizes, and it's cheap. So worth it. It keeps your patch secure. My jeans don't rub it off, and swimming or bathtubs are no problem. (Submerged in hot water/jacuzzi does increase estrogen delivery with the patch, and it may not last as long - so I've been told)."

• Ann...
• June 2, 2020

For Oophorectomy "I had a hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy in February 2019. Immediately after surgery, I had hot flashes and high blood pressure. I was put on Climara, and everything was better. My employer changed insurance providers 1/2020, and they no longer covered Climara. They substituted Sandoz. I started Sandoz in March 2020 after Climara ran out. I noticed right away that the Sandoz patches do not stick. After being on them a few weeks, I’ve had a 20 lb weight gain, pitting edema in my legs, hot flashes, and headaches. I went to my doctor, and all blood work was normal. Thyroid function is okay. The problem is the Sandoz patches. They are faulty. They curl even under hydrocolloid dressings. The inconsistent hormone level is wrecking havoc on my body. I filed a complaint with Sandoz. I now have to pay $150 for Climara instead of the $25 for Sandoz. If Sandoz isn’t working for you, file a grievance with the company. They are putting out an inferior product. I’m also filing a complaint with the FDA."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2016

For Oophorectomy "After using Vivelle patch for a number of years following a complete hysterectomy, my insurance company refused to pay for it at the same level due to the Mylan generic. Within a few weeks of switching to the generic, I began to develop adverse symptoms (insomnia, breathing difficulties, anxiety, constant headache). When I made the connection and switched back to Vivelle, the symptoms subsided. Unfortunately, my insurance company refuses to pay for the brand name at the same level, but this is not the same drug. Now instead of paying $40 for a 3-month supply, my cost is over $150 to obtain the brand name product."

• Epa...
• June 9, 2009

For Oophorectomy "I have been on the patch for a month now, and it works. No more hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings. It stays on all week, and the only side effect I have experienced is mild headaches. The convenience of weekly application is great."

• kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 6, 2018

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Vivelle Dot worked for me for hot flashes, headaches, and general crankiness, but the cost! $144 a month is considerable and annoying, given what it's made of. BTW, these coupon ads do not reflect reality, in that I have taken them to all the pharmacies listed by them, and not once were they worth more than $3.00, and most of the time, nothing at all. I did try Minneville and Estrodal patches, and neither one did a thing for my symptoms, and every time the pharmacist would tell it, 'it's the same thing.' Quite obviously, the generic is not the same thing."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have used a patch for over 30 years with no issues. Recently, when I had my prescription refilled, I was given the Mylan patch. Absolutely the worst results imaginable. The patch will not stay on. I am not getting the medicine that I need. Suffering from hot flashes, headaches, irritability, etc. Cannot get another prescription filled because I can't afford to pay out of pocket, and insurance won't pay for another three months. How this is on the market is a puzzle to me. So very frustrated. Wish I could give it a zero."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2021

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "For about 1 year now, I've been taking natural menopause supplements. Unfortunately, my hot flashes and fatigue were still there. I went to a gynecologist, had blood work done, and she explained to me that I am in post-menopause. She put me on the estradiol patch, and after 2 days!! POOF, NO MORE HOT FLASHES, FATIGUE, OR HEADACHES."

• PBa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 14, 2021

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "From my understanding with the pharmacy, this is the generic for Climara transdermal patches. I am so allergic to this Mylan patch. Not all generics are the same! This foam patch breaks my skin out with blisters, plus the headaches are unbearable. I am now having to pay out of pocket since my Medicare insurance was billed for this brand that I cannot use. I have been on the Climara patch for years. Now on Medicare, and they only pay for generic. I did find the one made by Sandoz manufacturing, and it works great. But in a small rural town and limited."

• 50y...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2016

For Hypoestrogenism "I used the patch for nighttime hot flashes that wake me up every 2-3 hours. The size was great, and it stuck just fine. That's where the happy union ended. By the second day, the hot flashes seemed to triple, occurring all day and all night. And the flashes were hotter! I also began to have terrible headaches that woke me up earlier than my alarm clock and hung around all day. I never have headaches, so I removed the patch after only 4 days, and the symptoms all went away. Now I'm back to square one, better able to deal with my original symptoms, knowing things could be worse. I'm going to give the name brand Vivelle Dot a try and see what happens."

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I used Estradot for exactly 1 hour and a half. I took it off because it made me so sick-so nauseous and a massive headache. I took it on a Friday, and it is now Friday again, and I am still nauseous, it won’t go away. I am in tears because I feel sick all the time."