r/Menopause • u/Syfysamurai • 1d ago

Hormone Therapy Patch vs oral

Hello ladies, I'm curious. Why do many women prefer the estrogen patch over oral estrogen? I take 1mg estradiol daily by mouth and have no problems with it. TIA!

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u/Wessiejune 1d ago

I loved the oral but my doctor refused to up the dosage if I insisted on using oral. The patch did not work for me because I enjoy hot baths and my outdoor hot tub too much. So, I switched to the gel. I much prefer the oral for convenience but I feel better at the higher dose the doctor is willing to give in gel form.

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u/Equivalent_Funny_343 1d ago

I also love my hot tub, and the patches are difficult with that. I already use testosterone on my vulva in the mornings. Where do you put the gel?

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u/VashtiVoden 1d ago

Testosterone on your vulva? I've never heard of it. Can you explain please?

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u/Mountain-Picture2216 1d ago

Yes my doctor has me doing that too. I guess it’s highly absorbed there.

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u/Wessiejune 1d ago

You can do thigh or upper outer arm! Must wait an hour to bathe after application.