Estradiol and Hot Flashes: What Users Say

• Pit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2023

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "This experience has been extremely unpleasant. All of my cardiac, vaginal, urinary, sleep, agitation, and hot flash symptoms have returned. I strongly believe that this medication should not have been approved by the FDA for use in the United States. The prescribing information says that 'No studies were conducted,' yet the medication uses a different adhesive to hold the micronized estrogen and has smaller dimensions than Vivelle Dot. As a retired pharmacist, I am angry that I am having to go through this situation again. It is frustrating that despite the ratio of surface area, mg's in the 'glue,' and dose being a 1:1 relationship, this medication was still allowed on the market with all of these differences. I have already made a formal complaint to the FDA, and I encourage others to do the same. Please call 1-800-FDA-1088 or report online at accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/. The struggle is real, and action needs to be taken."

• FLK...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2013

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Estradiol oral 5mg is the best decision I could have made. It was with much consideration due to all the bad press for hormone replacement in the past decade. I work full time, have a home and a life, I had to find something, nothing 'natural or organic' was working. I started suffering night sweats 5 years ago, daytime hot flashes began 3 years ago. I was not sleeping through the night, tossing off the covers then putting them back on. I was exhausted, moody, and snarky. Within a month of starting Estradiol, I was sleeping soundly, the hot flashes were manageable, and not nearly as frequent. I'll use it for a year as prescribed and then take guidance from my doctor, but I truly am a new person."

• Tho...
• November 8, 2020

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I would not recommend generic estradiol patch by Mylan. It is a total waste of money. I was given Vivelle-Dot after surgery. It worked great, the brain fog and the mood swings disappeared. I could tolerate myself and my family. My husband and kids would tell me that I seemed happier. I really felt like a brand new person. Over the years, the cost, even with insurance, just gradually went up and now my insurance doesn't pay at all. So the pharmacy switched me to Mylan, the generic. This patch wouldn't stay on for more than a couple of hours before I had to tape it on. The feelings of being on edge, anxiety, mood swings, anger, fatigue, and hot flashes were unbearable. Vivelle-Dot by Novartis is the only one I have found that I can take. I'm now having to have my doctor put brand name only so the pharmacy will fill it, and I have to pay out of pocket for them at $206 a box. The pharmacist keeps trying to switch me back to generic. I keep telling them it's like throwing money away if it doesn't work."

• Iha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2021

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "At the start of this year, my pharmacy began sending me Dotti patches instead of the ones I had been using. Gradually, my symptoms reappeared: unprovoked bouts of anger and irritability, mood instability, hair loss, and extreme skin dryness. Then came bouts of darker depression. I wondered if it was the change in patch manufacturer, but brushed it off. Then came the hot flashes and the night sweats; these progressed to full-on night drenching. Finally, I knew this wasn’t normal, began researching, and that led me to this review site. I am so grateful other women are reporting this because I was starting to think I was crazy! Thank you to the women who took the time to post experiences here. I just picked up patches from my old manufacturer, thankfully, and slapped one on. For years, the other manufacturer gave me relief. I’m so happy to be back on that. Dotti was completely ineffective for me."

• Hap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 2, 2013

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "Was on Vivelle-Dot 0.05 plus Prometrium for 4.5 years; felt great. Stopped for 1 year because I worried that being on HRT for 14 years (Prempro for 10 years) total was risky & maybe I was now 'beyond' the hot flashes, etc. Well... I felt lousy the entire time I was without HRT (1 year)... hot flashes, sleepless nights, brain fog, etc. Now I'm back on Vivelle-Dot & Prometrium... feeling so much better! I don't think I'll ever give up this. Plus, the estrogen helps my osteoporosis & vaginal dryness."

• Spi...
• November 21, 2017

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I recently stopped bioidentical pellets and decided to try Vivelle-Dot 0.05 mg. It totally stopped my migraines; however, this dose did not help with insomnia or hot flashes, and I suspect my GP will increase the dose. Now, my insurance will not cover the cost at all because I am over 65. Through a friend, I found that the manufacturer Novartis makes this patch in Europe under the name of Estradot. I ordered it online with a prescription. The difference is $32/month compared to $286/month for Vivelle-Dot in the US. When I opened the packet, they appear identical and work the same. Once my dose is adjusted, I think these will be fine."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 25, 2025

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I'm 56, been postmenopausal since I was 46. I'd suffered such terrible hot flashes since I was 42. I just figured it was par for the course...but the hot flashes were so bad that I'd never had a full night's sleep since they started. Lack of sleep snowballs into a myriad of bad symptoms, brain fog, crappy memory, mood swings, zero libido...etc. I even lost my job because my memory was that bad! This went on and on until I seriously couldn't live like that anymore. So almost 2 years ago, I gave in and talked to my gyno, who immediately started me on the lowest dose Estradiol patch along with a progesterone gel cap. I felt relief after the first week! Hot flashes went away, and I felt like I had my life back. My dosages had to be tweaked along the way. Now the patches aren't strong enough, and I'm starting on a 2 mg estrogen pill. HRT is NOT the horrible drug they assumed back in the 70s. It's a lifesaver! And it's covered 100% by Wellpoint Insurance (NJ Medicaid), so there's no excuse!"

• NJ ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2015

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "This refers to the Mylan estradiol twice weekly patches. After 16 comfortable years using Vivelle Dot estradiol patches, I was supplied by Express Scripts with the new, supposedly 'generic' Mylan estradiol transdermal dot patches in the same strength, 0.025 mg. During the 4 1/2 weeks I used the Mylan product, I developed hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, and urinary tract infections. I could not understand what was wrong until I recalled that my symptoms began when I started the Mylan product. I found out that Vivelle Dots are still under patent. Mylan patented its own competing transdermal patch in order not to infringe the Novertis patent. It is NOT the same product. A return to Vivelle Dots solved my problem."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2012

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have gallstones. This medication bypasses the liver because it is topical. I also lost 4 pounds after only a week and a half. I started on the lowest dose. Next week, I will try a slightly higher dose. Although my night sweats have decreased, I am still experiencing some hot flashes. Sleeping through the night is great, no more getting up three times to pee. It works great for vaginal dryness and urethral atrophy. Thanks, Divigel!"

• Hap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 20, 2015

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "What a godsend! After menopause at 50, I first thought 'Yes, no more periods!' Then the fun started: night sweats, hot flashes at the worst times like during business meetings. My doctor started me on the patch .50, and within 2 days, it was like a miracle - I could sleep without a towel on my pillow, and the hot flashes disappeared. After a year, he dropped the dose to .375, and it's still working. If you are having to fight the sweats and flashes - talk to your doctor. This stuff works!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 27, 2021

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "Femring 0.1 is the only thing that has really worked for all my symptoms, especially moodiness, depression. After trying everything else, I was so pleased to find it. However, it definitely doesn't last for 90 days. I've noticed the past year it has lasted 8 or 9 weeks at most. This round it lasted 6 weeks, and I immediately know when it's not working. I literally feel terrible overnight - hot flashes, irritable, depressed, food cravings. I'm desperate to somehow stockpile it! I wish the company making it could address this. But like so many women's health issues, it's not that important to anyone but us."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 23, 2020

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I started having hot flashes that were preventing me from sleeping, and my hair was falling out at my temples, and I had had a headache for 6 months. My skin actually hurt. I read the book *Estrogen Matters* to get ready to talk my doctor into giving me hormones. If your doctor believes the scam *Women's Health Initiative* study that says HRT is detrimental, you would probably find a different doctor. I started out at 0.5 and felt some relief. I moved quickly up to 0.75, more relief, and now I am at 1 mg, and I would say I have almost total relief. Hair is even partly coming back. I have a uterus, and so I am also taking progesterone, and periods are coming monthly-who cares? I sleep again, I have maybe a hot flash a week, and they are mild, and I plan to take this medication forever."

• tan...
• May 6, 2015

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Brilliant, was having low mood, terrible hot flashes where I didn't want to venture out the door!! By fights with hubby! Mood has improved. Hope to keep on this long term. I had a hysterectomy at 41, refused to take it because of the cancer risk at first, but my symptoms were awful so I decided the benefits outweigh the risks."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2023

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "My pharmacy changed to Dotti brand manufacturer at the end of November 2022. I loved how the estrogen patch was smaller and less visible. However, my postmenopausal symptoms started back within three weeks of beginning the Dotti patch. I had increasing hot flashes, dry skin, brain fog, and fatigue. I scheduled an appointment with my OB/GYN in February to have my hormone levels rechecked. She discovered I had almost NO estrogen in my system. NONE. She said my body was not absorbing the medication. However, I have not had problems absorbing any other brand over the last 4 1/2 years. The Dotti brand estrogen patch was useless for me. I had to switch pharmacies to use a different manufacturer."

• Dis...
• October 26, 2016

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I started with perimenopause symptoms at 45 years old, beginning with heart palpitations and mild hot flashes. Shortly thereafter, all hell broke loose. Night sweats, hot flashes, crying, major insomnia, and an 18-pound weight gain in less than one year. I had no quality of life, so I went on the estradiol patch. I now feel human. Sleeping great and no night sweats. An occasional hot flash, but I can live with that. I went off for about a year, and almost everything came back with a vengeance. I'm back on!"

• Ann...
• June 2, 2020

Estradiol for Oophorectomy "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 20 lb weight gain, pitting edema in my legs, hot flashes, and headaches. I went to my doctor, and all blood work was normal. Thyroid function is okay. 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."

• Hot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2019

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was using Vivelle Dot and then Minivelle for 10+ years. Due to the cost and no insurance, I switched to the generic patch. It does NOT work. The change in my estrogen levels was drastic... as if I wasn’t getting any at all. The hot flashes and night sweats returned. These patches are trash. I will be paying the outrageous price for Minivelle to get my hormones balanced again."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2013

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been experiencing hot flashes for 3 years, but I could take it no more. I finally caved and asked for the hormones! My doctor prescribed the Vivelle Dot at 0.05, and 3 weeks later, I called and asked when I could expect some relief from these awful hot flashes. It had cured my sleeping issues, and my sex drive came roaring back, and my dry skin improved, but nothing in the hot flash department. It was increased to 0.075, and still no relief from these massive meltdowns. I am getting very upset that I can get no relief and can't wait to see my doctor again next month. I hate to have another increase but am wondering if it will finally help!"

• Sup...
• March 30, 2014

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I started experiencing menopausal symptoms 5 years ago. The night sweats and moodiness were the worst, leading to no sleep and feeling tired during the day. The doctor put me on the lowest dose of Vivelle Dot and compounded bio-identical progesterone, and finally, I had restorative sleep again. I also had normal bone density again. After 2 years, I was having more hot flashes, enough to disrupt my day, so the doctor bumped me up to the next dosage on Vivelle Dot. I would give estradiol a 10, but I keep paying more in copays each year."

• Ter...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 27, 2022

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I am 65 yo. I have no uterus but both ovaries. Menopause began around 55. Severe mood swings, disabling hot flashes all day and night, unable to sleep, severe brain fog (I couldn't put two sentences together), dry skin. I was miserable. My poor husband. I went to 6 female doctors (I figured a male doc would be clueless), always asking the front desk if the doctor treated menopause...they usually have no idea and just say yes. I actually had one ob/gyn tell me she doesn't do menopause, she just delivers babies. Finally, with some luck and persistence, I found one. I began Vivelle-Dot estradiol transdermal patch system 2 times a week. .025, no effect. .050, no effect. .075...boom. Within 3 days no hot flashes, within a week no mood swings & fog cleared. Dry skin gone. Went on Medicare. Medicare wouldn't cover it. I appealed. My doctor appealed. I went back to miserable for 4 months. They wanted me to pay $580 for 3 months supply. Generic off-brand labels want me to pay $68 per month."

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

Estradiol for Oophorectomy "I had ovarian cancer and had an oophorectomy. My oncologist wanted me to use this drug for at least 10 years. Started with a higher dose and have gone down to 0.05. I have tried dropping it to 0.025, but noticed I was having hot flashes and lack of sleep at night. I have 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!!"

• Kor...
• March 26, 2017

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "At 46, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy 6 months ago due to adenomyosis and severe endometriosis. Had no hormone therapy at first, the doctor took a wait-and-see approach. One month ago, I started having intense hot flashes and joint inflammation. Doctor prescribed 1 mg estradiol a week ago, and I noticed my symptoms vanished almost completely by day 2. I learned after trial and error that taking it in the morning works best for me as it gives me a ton of energy. I'm starting to feel human again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2016

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been using estradiol for a week now, and I only wish I would have gone and seen my doctor sooner. After one day, I could tell a difference with my moods. I don't feel so wired or on edge anymore. I did not notice my mood swings, but I'm sure my family did...lol My hot flashes are gone. Thank you!"

• Hot...
• September 2, 2020

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "Been having major hot flashes, lack of sleep for 2 years. Just was given Dotti 0.25 mg patch. On my 7th day and I notice a difference. Not flashing as often, and I have actually slept the past couple of nights. I go see my doctor tomorrow for a follow-up. My only concern is the risk of cancer. I will discuss this tomorrow. My mood has also improved! So far, very happy with this."

• KPa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2021

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was so relieved to find these reviews. My doctor uses another pharmacy for 'ease' and, as a result, I got the Dotti Estradiol patch. I used it for four days. It does not work. I got hot flashes, red patches, mood swings -- the works. It felt like life was so bleak. Less than 10 hours back on Sandoz and things are looking up again. Red patches gone. No hot flashes... Why do they even make this patch?!"