Hormones and HRT
HRT risks & benefits
Worried about HRT risks? Unclear about the benefits? We answer your questions and provide expert advice.
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Everything you need to know about Evorel patches
Everything you need to know about Evorel patches
Evorel is a form of oestrogen replacement therapy used as part of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It is a transdermal patch, meaning it delivers oestrogen through the skin rather than taken through the mouth.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Liz Andrew
BMS Accredited Doctor
Reviewed: 04/03/2025 Published: 18/03/2025
The basics
Key information about Evorel
Evorel contains estradiol, a body-identical oestrogen that is chemically the same as the oestrogen naturally produced by the body.
As a patch, Evorel provides a steady release of oestrogen, avoiding fluctuations that can sometimes occur with oral HRT.
- it is applied twice weekly
- bypasses digestion, reducing the risk of stomach irritation
- lower clotting risk compared to oral oestrogen
- will help to resolve systemic menopause symptoms like hot flushes, brain fog and joint pain
Some of the key benefits of HRT patches over oral capsules are:
- Lower risk of blood clots and stroke - bypassing the liver means that they do not increase the production of clotting factors, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis of pulmonary embolism
- Steadier, continuous release of oestrogen, preventing sharp peaks and troughs that can occur with oral HRT. (Women prone to migraines, mood swings, or hormonal sensitivity may benefit from the more stable oestrogen that patches provide
- Lower risk of gallbladder disease, like gallstones and inflammation, as it is not metabolised by the liver.
However, as with all HRT, the benefits and risks are highly individual and should be discussed with your doctor. Your personal medical history will help determine whether Evorel is the right option for you.
If you have a womb, Evorel should be prescribed alongside progesterone. This protects the lining of the womb and reduces the risk of endometrial thickening.
Evorel is a safe and effective form of HRT for many women. Since it is absorbed through the skin, it bypasses the liver, which may reduce certain risks associated with oral oestrogen.
Yes, Evorel patches contain body identical oestrogen. It contains estradiol, which has the same chemical structure as the oestrogen naturally produced by the body. This makes it a well-tolerated and effective option for many women using HRT.
Yes, all our expert clinicians can prescribe Evorel patches. If you book into a consultation your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history, and talk through your options. Whilst many women do start Evorel through our service (of the strengths which are in stock), the final prescription decision will be with the prescribing clinician. We can not guarantee any prescriptions.
Yes, Evorel is available as part of the £90 medication credit on our plans. It’s a popular choice with women, and a popular prescription. If you are on a high dose of Evorel and looking to double up lower dose patches, then this will likely cost more than the £90 of medication credit.
The final prescription decision will be with the prescribing clinician who you have your appointment with. We can not guarantee any specific prescriptions.
Benefits of Evorel Patches
Replacing oestrogen with Evorel can bring many benefits, and have an impact on all 40 symptoms of menopause.
- Relieves menopause symptoms
- Supports bone health - reduces the risk of osteoporosis
- Provides a steady release of oestrogen -helping to maintain stable hormone levels
- Bypasses digestion - making it a gentler option for those who experience stomach issues with oral HRT
- Lower risk of blood clots - compared to oral oestrogen
You should expect to see benefits to your symptoms within the first 3 months. If you experience some improvements, but not significant reductions in your symptoms, your doctor will speak to you about adjusting the dose at your 3 month review.
If you have not experienced any improvements to your symptoms after 3 months then there may be an issue with how you absorb the oestrogen in the product. Your doctor may want to check your oestrogen levels with a blood test.
How and where to apply Evorel patches?
In this short clip menopause expert Dr Eloise Elphinstone explains her top tips when using Evorel
Apply the patch to a hairless area
It is important the patch is applied below the waist. Do not put the patch:
- near your breasts
- on creases or folds in your skin
- on skin exposed to direct sunlight
Do not apply creams or gels before the patch, as this can affect stickiness. Wait at least 1 hour after putting the patch on before you do any physical activity that will make you sweat as this can also affect stickiness.
This will help to prevent skin irritation.
Learn more about your treatment options
Book a complementary discovery call with our patient expert Jane James. Jane can help you by:
- Explaining the clinical pathway and how oestrogen patches can be prescribed through Menopause Care
- Offering guidance as to whether you may benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Share personal insight and other patient experiences of oestrogen treatment (non-clinical advice)
- Offering compassionate support and a safe, confidential space to openly discuss your concerns
Side effects of Evorel Patches
Common side effects include:
- skin irritation on the site which the patch is applied
- breast tenderness or pain
- bloating
- abdominal pain
- headaches
- mood changes
Many women will experience some side effects in their first few weeks of taking HRT - as your body adjusts to having different hormone levels. Side effects often settle in the first few weeks, and should have resolved fully by your 3 month review with your clinician.
If your side effects are impacting your quality of life, or they have not settled at three months, please speak to a doctor. If your side effects are severe, or you are concerned, you should speak to a doctor.
Yes, you can try alternative transdermal forms of oestrogen (patch or spray) or you could try oral progesterone.
- Women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, untreated high blood pressure, or severe liver disease.
- Those who have unexplained vaginal bleeding should consult a doctor before use.
Evorel Patches explained
Dr. Laura Cawley and Dr. Liz Andrew explain oestrogen patches l on one of our latest webinars all about HRT and testosterone products. You can watch the fully recorded webinar on YouTube.
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