Estradiol and Hot Flashes: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Wel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2012

Estradiol for Primary Ovarian Failure "I am in my early forties and menopause hit me at an early age. I struggled with whether or not I should go on HRT due to the risks. With that said, the symptoms were creating sheer havoc in my life (severe hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and decreased libido - my poor husband). I am happy to say that after my first application, I slept through the night for the first time in two years! My hot flashes have decreased and I don't have that foggy feeling in my head. I am on Vivelle Dot and a progesterone regimen (light doses). I began Vivelle Dot two weeks ago and would highly recommend it."

• apr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 18, 2015

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Been using estradiol patches for the past 2 years since my full hysterectomy. I am 39 years old. No side effects. Can't live without them. One day with no patch and hot flashes, fatigue, and moodiness is back."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2021

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I had a terrible vasomotor reaction. First and last time I used it, after 18 hours, the patch bottomed out, and I started having hot flashes. I was shaking, had a brain-buster headache, and severe nausea. Fortunately, I still had some of my generic Noven patches left over. I ripped off the Dotti and put on the one I usually used, and within 30 minutes, I was fine. Dotti is garbage, yet pharmacies are pushing it right now. Must be getting paid to do so."

• Ann...
• August 21, 2020

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "This patch was forced on me by my pharmacy, saying it worked the same as my other brand patches, but that was not true. After a week of using them, I started having horrible hot flashes and could not sleep. A waste of money. I went back to my regular ones and lost the money I paid for the Dotti."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2019

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "This Dotti patch doesn’t work! Provided no relief. Went from a stable estrogen level on another brand to 43 by the time I quit it. It doesn’t work. Went back to the other brand and instantly got relief from hot flashes and mood instability."

• Fab...
• March 15, 2016

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "When I first started taking estradiol, I was having a lot of issues with hair loss, hot flashes, moodiness, vaginal dryness, and bladder leakage. In short, all of the nasty side effects of menopause from my total hysterectomy. After a short time on HRT, I've noticed an improvement in all the symptoms. I normally hate taking pills, and it's hard for me to stay on a regimented course of pill taking. But the positives far outweigh the negatives in this, so I have been faithful in taking my little blue pill daily. HRT isn't for everyone, but it seems to be working for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2023

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "This patch is horrible. I have scar marks from where the patch was placed on my inner thighs. My allergies are out of control. My irritability and hot flashes are back. I’m so angry that my pharmacy switched from Vivelle Dot to this patch when I found out I switched to another pharmacy, and they also sent me the Dotti patch. My insurance pays for name-brand medication, so this is completely unacceptable. I’ve asked the pharmacist in the past if this is the same medication, and they say they use the exact same quantities of the drug as the name-brand. I do not recommend this product."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2022

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "Was on the Vivelle patch for many years and then Estradiol when it was available as a generic. Last fall, my med insurance changed and so did my mail-order prescription plan. Was automatically sent the Dotti patch. Started having symptoms I didn't relate to the patch until I made a connection and found this site - vivid, odd dreams, hot flashes, night sweats, and general irritability (hadn't had this for years on the other patches). Finally got my doctor to request the generic patch only. Of course, suddenly, it's not available through mail order, and I have to get it at a local pharmacy for more than twice the cost, and it's generic. But it's worth it."

• Mz ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 1, 2015

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I started using Eva Mist after a hysterectomy. I saw results after a week of using one spray each morning. No more hot flashes, the night sweats are minimal, the vaginal dryness is much better, and the mood swings are improved. I'm no longer suffering from insomnia. After about a year, some of my symptoms started to recur, so my doctor increased my dosage to 2 sprays each morning. I was worried about taking HRT, but my doctor evaluates my continued use, and I keep up on my yearly well-woman exam. The benefits from such a small dose have been amazing."

• no...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2015

Estradiol for Hypoestrogenism "Before Climara, my menopause symptoms were out of control, hot flashes and feeling moody. Climara changed my life and helped me enjoy it again without the hot flashes and weird symptoms that menopause was bringing on. Bye bye menopause."

• Nee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2018

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I started on Vivelle-Dot after taking several antidepressants, which only made my symptoms worse! I finally convinced doctors I did not need the antidepressants. I take Vivelle 0.375 in addition to progesterone. My postmenopausal symptoms were: hot flashes, 3-4 hours of sleep nightly, brain fog, anxiety, weight loss, and many more. I am working closely with my doctor, and Vivelle-Dot has been life-changing. It does take about 1 1/2 months for minor side effects of the medicine to go away-be patient."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2019

Estradiol for Oophorectomy "I cannot believe how terrible this patch is. I was on the 0.05 mg Estradiol Transdermal System by Noven, which was incredibly helpful after the removal of my ovaries at age 31. It eased some of the depression, anxiety, and complete lack of energy. My insurance changed, and instead of being filled at CVS, now I have to go to Walgreens, and this is the new patch. I've been on it 3 days and feeling crazy. It's a large, awkward foam patch that flapped off on the second day. The hot flashes all night are back, digestion issues, crying all day, and the emotional volatility. I'm relieved I found that I am not alone and will be attempting to switch to any other brand."

• Jlo...
• May 23, 2021

Estradiol for Primary Ovarian Failure "Last month, Walmart Pharmacy replaced my estradiol patch with the 'Mylan' manufacturer. I was shocked to see how big this patch is, it's bigger than the mouth of a colostomy bag, as thick as a regular cotton round, and it's not sticky enough to stay for days. I shower twice a day, the patch is off after two showers. Technically, I have to change my patch every day. The worst part is aside from the rashes I have now on my pelvic area because of this patch, I'm having hot flashes. It's not effective at all. I cannot do anything since my insurance already paid for three months of refill. And since I have to replace the patch every day, I have already run out of it. Now, I have to endure more 'hot flashes' for two more months. This is the worst patch I've used since my hysterectomy. Well, thank you 'Mylan' for making my life miserable for three months. I will rate negative on the effectiveness if it's available in the choices."

• Pos...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 18, 2013

Estradiol "I have been on this medicine since 1998, and as long as I replace it on time, there are no issues. Even at 53, if it is not replaced on time, I start getting agitated and hot flashes start. I always joke that it is not for my benefit that I take this, but it is for the benefit of those that are around me that I do. My only gripe is the outrageous expense."

• Pea...
• January 30, 2011

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "After having a serious reaction to the estradiol patch, I switched to Evamist. As the literature states, it may take a few weeks to feel better. I have been on it one month now and feel much better than I did on the patch. I generally get only one hot flash per day, and I can live with that. I had terrible heart palpitations on the patch. They have completely disappeared, and I feel human again. To the previous poster that gave a 1 rating, you may have to give it more time. I know when you feel crummy, a few weeks can feel like a lifetime, but using something one week is not enough. See if you can stick with it for a few weeks. My OB told me that you really can't judge how it is working until you have been on it one month. I use three sprays."

• CoC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2019

Estradiol for Oophorectomy "My new doctor switched me to this massive thick sponge from Depo Estradiol that I had been using successfully for years. I now have constant asthma and horrible hot flashes, can't sleep, and am exhausted all the time. I took it off last night, and lo and behold, for the first time in a month, I woke up without asthma! The Depo never gave me asthma. As an aside, when I opened the first one, I honestly could not believe what I was seeing. It is ridiculous. Thick, huge, ugly. It really is the dumbest, cheapest hunk of garbage out there. Mylan, you can do better!!"

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2019

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "My doctor recently took me off Premarin because I had been on that medicine for several years because of possible heart conditions that may occur. My doctor suggested Divigel. I have been using this medicine for almost two months, and the hot flashes are terrible. I cannot sleep at night and am constantly turning on a fan. How long should it take before my hot flashes get better? I don’t know what to do. Thanks."

• BRa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2020

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was switched from the Sandoz Estradiol Patch to Mylan Estradiol Patch by my insurance company. Sandoz was working fine, Mylan doesn't work well at all. I'm awake half the night with hot flashes and night sweats. This is crazy. Also, sticking problems as others have said. I will be begging my GYN for something different!"

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2019

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I had been using Mylan Estradiol patches for a year and a half. No problems. My pharmacy changed to Estradiol made by Grove Pharmaceuticals, what a mess. Within a week, HOT FLASHES all night long and no sleep. They don't stick. I found a pharmacy that carries Mylan Estradiol patches, and after two days of wearing the patches, I got my first good night's sleep without HOT FLASHES at night."

• Ree...
• October 30, 2015

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "It seemed to work just overnight. I put the patch on at nighttime and have not had any major 'hot flashes' since. Is this too good to be true? I shall see in a month or two. It stays on just fine if you follow the directions. So far, so good. I feel calmer and not irritated like I did when I was sweating like a racehorse!"

• CeC...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 24, 2019

Estradiol for Oophorectomy "Was on pills from 2002 to 2009 when I had a gallbladder removed - suspected the estrogen pills were involved. Switched to a patch - Vivelle 2/week and did fine until insurance pulled me off in 2018 mid-year - switched to Mylan - which do not work. Went back on Vivelle and all was fine until my insurance again refused and it is costing me $400+/month, so had to go back on Mylan. Started Sunday, and by Tuesday having hot flashes and put on a new patch Thursday (Sun/Th schedule), and by afternoon hot flashes were in full force. Mylan does not work."

• Fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2016

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I had a full hysterectomy years ago, leaving one ovary. About a year ago, I started having hot flashes, hair loss, feeling tired, etc. I went to my doctors, and they ran blood work. We found out I had an underactive thyroid and was going through perimenopause. I got on medication for my thyroid, but nothing for menopause. After a year of hot flashes and feeling like crap, I went to my OBGYN yesterday. He gave me Estradiol 1 mg. You have to take this with food, so we went to lunch. After lunch, about 11:30 a.m., I took my first pill ever. Last night, I only turned the fan on once, when it had been on full blast every night for almost a year. Today, I've taken my second pill ever, and I haven't had not one hot flash, and I feel a little more alert..."

• Sun...
• August 23, 2018

Estradiol for Oophorectomy "My insurance only covers the generic patches. The first 2 months of use were fine. Then I noticed the patch started to peel up at the corners and the hot flashes were trying to come back. I contacted Mylan since I was due to refill my script. They told me to try the box with the same lot number as before, and if I experienced the same issues, to let them know. I contacted Mylan, Mylan contacted the pharmacy, and Walgreen told the Mylan rep that they already swapped the lot out for me, which they didn't. I called and talked to the pharmacist, and this issue had happened to multiple customers. But the pharmacist should have verified the patient the box was swapped out for, as it was not me. Today I get a letter from Mylan pretty much stating thanks for letting us know, but we don't have a problem. I will not get another refill of Mylan nor ever use another Mylan product. Mylan worked until they didn't, and if you let them know it doesn't, it's you and not their product because they do quality checks."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2008

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been on the Vivelle Dot for 3 years after having my hysterectomy. It is wonderful and has controlled my hot flashes, night sweats, breast tenderness, and dry skin. The Vivelle Dot is a much better drug for me than Premarin. The Premarin was making my skin literally very dry and shriveled. At first, the Premarin was fine, and after several years, it started to have a very different effect on me, causing pain during intercourse and very dry skin. I changed to Vivelle Dot, and all symptoms went away."

• Joa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 3, 2019

Estradiol for Hypoestrogenism "I’m 9 years post-hysterectomy. I started out with Vivelle Dot, then changed to Minivelle Dot when it came out. Never had any trouble. Insurance change last year (2018). Since there’s now a generic for Minivelle, I can pay $15 for Mylan or pay a penalty for the brand name and pay $188 for Minivelle. With a coupon, $135. I’ve tried to deal with all the problems with the Mylan patches for a YEAR! They do NOT deliver the same amount of estradiol as Minivelle. I’ve gained 20 lbs and have gotten horrible wrinkles. I firmly believe it’s the patch and lack of estrogen. Patches fall off, which is irritating. I still have hot flashes and night sweats. My endocrinologist even did an estrogen level test, and it was lower than in 2017 when on Minivelle. If my gyno will request Minivelle, my insurance will allow it and not charge a penalty. With a coupon, it should be about $40. I’m hoping!!!"