Menopause can be a difficult transition, bringing hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and bone health concerns. For women exploring hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Evorel Sequi patches are often presented as a convenient solution… just stick on the patch and let it balance your hormones. But is it really that straightforward?
In this review, I’ll break down what Evorel Sequi is, how it’s meant to work, what risks come with it, and whether it actually lives up to its promise.
Key Takeaways
- Evorel Sequi is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patch system combining oestrogen (estradiol) and progestogen (norethisterone).
- It’s used sequentially: for two weeks only estradiol, then two weeks with estradiol + norethisterone.
- It aims to treat menopause symptoms (hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness etc.) and also helps prevent osteoporosis in post-menopausal women at high risk.
- It is administered via skin patches, applied twice weekly, changed every 3-4 days.
- As with HRT patches, there are known side effects and potentially serious risks. Understanding who can safely use this product is crucial.
What Is Evorel Sequi Patches?
Evorel Sequi is a sequential hormone replacement therapy patch used in peri- and post-menopausal women. It’s composed of two patch types:
- Evorel 50 (estradiol-only) patches, marked CE50, delivering ~50 micrograms estradiol per 24 hours.
- Evorel Conti patches, marked CEN1, containing both estradiol and norethisterone acetate; the combination delivers ~50 mcg estradiol + ~170 mcg norethisterone acetate daily.
The regimen works in 28-day cycles: two patches of estradiol-only for the first 14 days, then patches combining both hormones for the last 14 days. The cycle repeats.
Evorel Sequi is a prescription medicinal product, not an over-the-counter supplement. It’s used to replace declining hormone levels that cause menopausal symptoms.
How It Claims to Work
- By delivering estradiol to alleviate oestrogen deficiency, reducing hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
- Adding norethisterone in the second half of each 28-day cycle to protect the uterus (endometrium) from unopposed oestrogen, avoiding risk of endometrial hyperplasia.
- Maintaining hormonal balance via continuous sequential delivery, aiming for fewer hormone-free intervals and more stable symptom control.
Reality Check
- The hormonal doses come from years of clinical experience with HRT; estradiol + progestogen sequential regimens are well established. Evorel Sequi is one of these.
- Some symptoms improve noticeably for many women in a few weeks (hot flushes, mood swings, sleep). Reddit threads show users reporting relief of menopausal symptoms.
- However, bleeding patterns (spotting, breakthrough bleeding) are common, especially in early months. Some users find heavy or irregular bleeding irritating.
- Skin irritation at the patch site is also a frequent complaint. Rotation of patch placement, correct skin prep, etc., helps.
Red Flags to Consider
Increased Risk with Long-Term Use
Like all combined HRT (oestrogen + progestogen), risks include increased likelihood of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke), blood clots, especially in certain high-risk individuals.
Not Suitable for Everyone
Women with a history of breast cancer, hormone-sensitive cancers, active liver disease, past blood clots, uncontrolled hypertension etc. should not use Evorel Sequi.
Side Effects Can Be Significant
Aside from mild symptoms, side effects can include mood changes, nausea, breast pain, weight gain, fluid retention, and in some cases more serious problems. If persistent or severe, medical advice is needed.
Bleeding and Spotting
Because of the sequential regimen, some withdrawal bleeding or spotting between cycles is expected. For some women this is tolerable; for others it is distressing.
Patch Application & Adhesion Issues
The patch must be applied correctly (clean, dry, below the waist, not near breasts or under tight clothing). If it comes off, absorption can be affected. Skin irritation and patch adhesion failures are reported.
Does It Really Work?
Yes, Evorel Sequi works for many women in reducing menopausal symptoms when used properly. But its efficacy depends strongly on correct usage, managing expectations around side effects (especially bleeding early on), and suitability (health background, risk factors). For many, it delivers real relief. For others, side effects or risk concerns may outweigh benefits.
Alternatives
If Evorel Sequi isn’t suitable or desired, options include:
- Other forms of HRT (patches, gels, tablets) with different hormone combinations or delivery methods.
- Bioidentical hormone regimens (if available in your jurisdiction).
- Non-hormonal treatments for menopause symptoms (e.g. SSRIs/SNRIs for hot flushes).
- Lifestyle interventions: diet, weight, exercise, avoiding triggers, etc.
What To Do If You Feel You Misinformed / Harmed
- Have your health reviewed by a doctor specializing in menopause or endocrinology.
- Seek a second opinion if side effects are serious or if bleeding patterns are abnormal.
- Ensure you get the correct dose, type, and follow-up monitoring (e.g., mammograms, cardiovascular health).
- Discuss alternatives and risk-benefit if you have comorbidities (heart issues, clotting disorders etc.).
Conclusion
Evorel Sequi patches are a well-established HRT treatment for menopausal symptoms, combining estradiol + norethisterone sequentially to balance relief with protection of the uterus. For many women, they provide meaningful symptom relief. But they come with inherent risks typical of HRT, and require care in application, monitoring, and understanding side effects.
Verdict: A legitimate medical therapy, effective if you’re a suitable candidate and monitored, but not without risks. Discuss thoroughly with your healthcare provider before starting.
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