Estradiol for Oophorectomy User Reviews

• susan
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 11, 2023

Climara (estradiol) "I have been reading these reviews on Climara patches and I noticed that women are having trouble keeping the patch on. I have been on Climara for over 20 years with no issues. I had trouble keeping them on in the beginning. I had a wonderful female gynecologist who advised me to take a hairdryer on a cool setting and thoroughly dry my skin, then apply the patch and use the hair dryer again on the patch, then press down on the patch with my hand for a minute or two. I don't use any of the fancy soaps that have a lot of moisturizer in them. I only use bar soap. I never have a patch come off. I do hope this helps you."

• Switc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2020

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "I have been on the Mylan estradiol patch only since March 2020 and have patch-sized round burn like spots in every single place I’ve used this patch. The medication itself works fine for me but it hate the patch! It’s on the larger side and is thick and catches in clothing easily. If it gets wet at all it’ll peel right off. The material it’s made of holds moisture and halfway through the week it’s wet underneath no matter how long it has been since I’ve been in the water. I started putting tegaderm over it first thing but even still when I take it off it’s wet underneath and smells. It is unfortunately the only one my insurance will cover, however my dr is working in changing it to a combo patch. Hopefully insurance will approve it because I’m so tired of this one!"

• Annoyed
• June 2, 2020

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "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 20lb weight gain, pitting edema in my legs, hot flashes, and headaches. Went to my Dr and all bloodwork was normal. Thyroid function is ok. 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."

• KDS
• October 8, 2020

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "After my hysterectomy, I was having post-menopausal symptoms. My gynecologist mentioned options and I chose the transdermal patch. Initially, I used Climara because the generics were not on the market. Climara was great. Eventually, I was switched to Sandoz-manufactured patch which also worked great. This year, my prescription was filled with the Mylan-manufactured patch and those patches just fall off. It is ridiculous -- a HUGE waste of money plus all of the symptoms returned. So, I asked my pharmacy if they could get the Sandoz brand but it was on backorder until I believe this month (Nov. 2020). They recommended I check with other pharmacy chains so I did. I eventually found a pharmacy with Sandoz patches in stock. Each pharmacy that did not have the Sandoz brand told me it was on backorder. So I was lucky to find a pharmacy that had the Sandoz brand available. As soon as I started wearing their patch again, my symptoms vanished. I do intend to report the Mylan brand to the FDA."

• godde...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 19, 2013

Vivelle-Dot (estradiol) "I had ovarian cancer and had an oopherectomy, my oncologist wanted me to use this drug for at least 10 years, started with higher dose and have gone down to 0.05, have tried dropping it to 0.025, but noticed I was having the hot flashes and lack of sleep at night, gone back to the 0.05 and enjoy it so much more, although I am now going on my 12th year of taking it. Trying to wean off of it but without the ovaries it is hard. Love this patch!!"

• SEA
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2023

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "I'm an RN who has worked in OB/GYN and has used bio-identical hormones and has been wearing patches since having an oophorectomy in 2006. Twice I have tried generic estradiol patches after running out of Vivielle dot, and just recently ran out due to the pharmacy not sending my Climara 0.1mg on time. Both have worked very well for me but they don't sit well if I've bathed or worked out. Tegaderm may be the best answer. Here is my big concern. Each time I have tried the generic (recently) MYLAN brand which is generic, I've had an instant return of low estrogen migraine with the added side effects of extreme agitation. So it is worse than nothing. Why!!??. If a drug company can't make something that helps them why make it at all? Furthermore shouldn't they consider the adage in the medical field "first do no harm"?? Why is this okay? Shame on MYLAN company. Disgusting. I'm very disappointed. Oh, and to add insult I wasted $155 dollars- the cost of the med. Beware. Please use brand name products."

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

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "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."

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2017

Climara (estradiol) "At the age of 43 I had a complete hysterectomy due to out of control endometriosis. One week after surgery my doctor prescribed Climara and almost 21 years later I'm still using it. I never have hot flashes or any other symptoms of menopause. The patches have occasionally come off but that's my own fault if I don't make sure to get it firmly attached. If you rub it on there really well it'll stay put all week. I don't ever plan to stop using them. I also skip using my insurance and order them from a Canadian Pharmacy and pay out of pocket. Cost with insurance in the US=$400 per month. Cost from Canada=$40 per month. It's the exact same thing, manufactured by Bayer."

• HateM...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 13, 2019

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "I’d been using estradiol patch (generic for Climara) I think, after reading these comments) for years but my pharmacy said they stopped carrying it. They didn’t tell me it was discontinued! WHY? It was small, transparent, practically invisible. The Mylan patches I get are white, huge, thick, itchy and unacceptable! Does any generic drug company make a small transparent patch? I‘ve asked pharmacists and they don’t seem to know."

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

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "I cannot believe how terrible this patch is. I was on the 0.05mg 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."

• Entre...
• January 11, 2019

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "This review focuses mainly on the Mylan brand weekly patches as a generic for Climara. They are awful. Cons: They don't stick They don't deliver a consistent dose of estrogen They don't appear to deliver the advertised level of estrogen They are huge They are thick foam They are stiff foam They show underneath your clothes Pros: They seem to be the only available patch in my local market, possibly due to a surplus because they suck and nobody will voluntarily buy them if given a choice so they are easy to find. I have been on Vivelle Dot for 10 years with no issues, but switched to a weekly patch for a smoother delivery. I used the Alvogen brand generic for 2 years with no problems, but was switched to Mylan 12/2018. My first patch fell off in 24 hours. My second patch stuck, but I was experiencing non-stop hot flashes. I decided they sucked and drove 45 minutes to the nearest pharmacy that still had a box of Alvogen brand. My symptoms stopped within an hour."

• CoCo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2019

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "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 low 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 at the dumbest cheapest hunk of garbage out there. Mylan, you can do better!!"

• Cornel
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 23, 2020

Vivelle-Dot (estradiol) "After a total hysterectomy I was miserable, irritable and low energy. Excessive sweating at night and dry skin was depressing. My gynecologist tried me on different patches and nothing worked then she gave me a free sample of .05 viville-Dot and the symptoms were gone. I have been on it since 2010 and the only side effect is weight gain but I can manage this than the alternative."

• CeCe
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 24, 2019

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "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."

• Sunny...
• August 23, 2018

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "My insurance only covers the generic patches, The first 2 months of use.They 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, 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."

• Linda...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 6, 2019

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "I have been on a Estradiol Patch for 19 years since I had a full hysterectomy and ovaries removed. I have other issues that warrant me to continue to stay on the patch for now. I was lucky the last few years to use the Estradiol Transdermal System 0.05 mg patch from Alvogen filled by CVS pharmacy. Unfortunately my insurance has changed and I have to use Walgreens now. They are filling my prescription with the Estradiol Transdermal System 0.05 mg patch by Mylan. Mylan is the worst! With 19 years experience, it falls off ALL THE TIME! In hot weather, after a shower, just because. I am going to try to find a pharmacy in my network that does not use Mylan brand and see if I can get back to use Alvogens brand. Alvogen is the best by far. Mylan brand should be off the market, it is the WORST!"

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2013

"I've been using Vivelle Dot 1.0, and other forms of estrogen replacement, since my ovaries were removed six years ago. The patch is very convenient and works well to manage my menopause symptoms. While using estrogen my lipids stay normal, my skin isn't as dry or thin, I can sleep well with the addition of some progesterone and I have a much nicer mood. I need to add vaginal estrogen to avoid vaginal atrophy. I cover the patch with a waterproof skin cover to keep it attached better and avoid the black glue residue. After doing much research I have determined estrogen is safe for me in fact important to my overall health particularly my bone health. I intend to continue to use estrogen for many years to come to maintain my good health."

• Epatch
• June 9, 2009

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "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."

• Diane
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2020

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "I was started on an estradiol patch after my hysterectomy. It was working well, and most of my symptoms had disappeared. My insurance made me switch pharmacies, and I was then given the Mylan estradiol patch. I had nothing but problems with it. It would not stick, and my symptoms starting returning. I then started having a reaction to the patch. I would get large red welts (hives) where the patch was placed, and they would itch terribly. This is an allergic reaction, not a "common side effect" like they list it as. I ended up switching to pills that don't seem to work as well as the original patch that I was started on."

• Biking...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 24, 2015

"Here's what I had done when I was 38 years old, , a surgeon removed my ovaries and fallopian tubes, this is called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or BSO. (Together with a total abdominal hysterectomy this is referred to as a TAH/BSO). He left me with a gash about 8 inches long and told me I'd be on HRT the rest of my life, but I would be fine. The one thing I know for sure is I CAN NOT be without medication, believe me I have tried and the results are unbearable hot flashes, insomnia, mild headaches and the list is long. Started on oral HRT and eventually switched to a patch. The only patch that I have been successful with is the Mylan patch. I use 0.05mg/day and if I am consistent it works well. I am 63 so thats 25 years on HRT."

• Beth
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2019

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "I did great on the previous estradiol patch! This one almost cost me my job! Angry, crying fits, hot flashes, not to mention the stiffness and itching from the patch! I'm so glad to see others have had the same issues! I want my old patches back!!!"

• MoMom
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2019

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "I was on the Alvagen patch. Worked like a charm. This past week, my plan/pharmacist switched me to the mongo, tangerine-sized Mylan Estradiol patch. Mylan? All other dysfunctional aspects aside...who would want to wear that thick, monster patch on their skin all day? As it turns out, I'm also really allergic to whatever material gives the Mylan patch such bulk & heft. My skin flared within a day -- and the red, itchy rash lasted a full week, even after I pulled that sucker off. And I reckon that this didn't do much to deliver my estrogen fix, either... Earlier reviewers pointed out that clearly a dude must have devised the Mylan patch, and I can't disagree. A flaming misogynist, I suspect. :) Avoid."

• TeeEm
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2015

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "Been on Mylan Estradiol transdermal 0.1mg 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 its 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!"

• DeDe
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 14, 2019

"Hot In Texas: I have been on Minivelle for 8 plus years. Recently, my insurance refilled my last minivelle refill with a generic by Mylan. Horrible. I called Minivelle to see if they still had the voucher program. It has been ended, but the rep told me that Minivelle (Noven) has a subsidiary that is their generic division/company. It's Grove Pharmaceuticals. They sell their same Minivelle patch as generic. It is ETS (estradiol transdermal system). It is an (keyword here) AUTHORIZED GENERIC...not just any generic. An authorized generic is when a brand makes available their name-branded product as a generic and labeled under a different name. It is 100% the same. So, please check into getting it. "

• Gaily
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 30, 2021

Estradiol Patch (estradiol) "Been using this patch for almost 20 years now.It has helped me tremendously!!! No hot flashes! No weight gain!!! No bad mood swings. After my surgery when I was 29 this patch has made my life through the years so much better thankful us ladies have this when our bodies can't make what it needs too."