Estradiol Patch and Insomnia: What Users Say

• 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."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2023

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Had mild menopausal symptoms and confirmed menopause. Since I was under 40, the doctors insisted on HRT and this patch. I was reluctant due to the risks, but I followed doctors' orders. This patch opened a new door in life for me. My sex drive is back and stronger than ever. A gentle gust of wind induced arousal, and I have never felt more pleasure. This is all because of the increased estrogen. All other symptoms stopped. I am not sure if insomnia stopped because I now wake up every 3 hours to touch myself or hope my husband is awake or able to 'sleepwalk' to relieve me. Wow. Hope this stays like this forever. Highly recommend."

• AZN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was prescribed the mylar estradiol patches 0.5 mg twice weekly. I've had no issues with adherence, except 1 patch, and that was user error. It definitely improved my symptoms of night sweats and vaginal dryness. I'm also taking 200 mg of progesterone to combat insomnia. I had an ovary-sparing total hysterectomy in January this year and noticed an increase in symptoms. Labs show ovaries still working, but levels up and down, consistent with perimenopause at 45 years old. Don't suffer needlessly, there's help!"

• Tee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2015

For Oophorectomy "Been on Mylan Estradiol transdermal 0.1 mg for 4 months. Apparently, it's the generic version of Vivelle Dot. Well, it's been great in handling the symptoms of surgical menopause. No headaches or migraines, no more brain fog, lots of energy. However, I have gained weight, have trouble sleeping (never had that issue in my life!), and feel like scratching my skin off everywhere I affix the patch. No matter how dry my skin is, this large, thick, ugly patch has trouble sticking, and moisture always gets under it. I end up with an angry, itchy red ring that lasts for a week after it's gone. So I'm switching to name brand Vivelle Dot. I hope to get the same benefits with a smaller, less ugly patch, and hope it resolves the irritation!"

• Lau...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 11, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been using the Estradiol patch, generic for many years by Mylan, and it has worked fine. My pharmacist recently changed to Grove Pharmaceuticals, and it is awful. They don't work, and they don't stick well. Hot flashes are every 10 minutes, and disrupted sleep. I called the pharmacist and requested a special order to go back to the Mylan brand."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 26, 2021

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I've been on this Estradiol patch since I had a full hysterectomy in 2003. No issues until my pharmacy ordered the Sandoz patch manufactured by 3M Drug Delivery Systems instead of the one from Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Both are 0.0375 mg/day. The 3M patch is much larger, doesn't stick, causes a rash, causes hot flashes, bad breast tenderness and growth, migraines, and loss of sleep. I had to cut the patch since it was too much estrogen. The Noven patch seems to be identical to Vivelle Dot and works as directed for me. Beware of the manufacturer! I rate 3M a ZERO and Noven a 10."