Estradiol and Night Sweats: What Users Say

• Dis...
• January 29, 2014

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "Insomnia, night sweats, moody, uncontrollable crying in the boss's office! I tried so hard for so long to do nothing and let it run its natural course. If I didn't work and could take naps, I'd still suffer and deal with it. Not the case. Have to be on my toes at work. Quality of life was bad. Climara saved my life. It was a tough decision, but I tell you, it works. I feel human again!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Wel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2012

Estradiol for Primary Ovarian Failure "I am in my early forties and menopause hit me at an early age. I struggled with whether or not I should go on HRT due to the risks. With that said, the symptoms were creating sheer havoc in my life (severe hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and decreased libido - my poor husband). I am happy to say that after my first application, I slept through the night for the first time in two years! My hot flashes have decreased and I don't have that foggy feeling in my head. I am on Vivelle Dot and a progesterone regimen (light doses). I began Vivelle Dot two weeks ago and would highly recommend it."

• cva...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2023

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I'm horrified by what I'm reading, and now I think I know what's wrong with me. Menopause for 3 years. Dotti is what I'm using since insurance stopped paying for Estradiol. I've been having terrible symptoms and couldn't figure it out. Dry skin and hair, insomnia, night sweats, easily irritated, fatigue, and I've just had a period?!? Had all the old premenstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness, cramps, and a 4-day period, and MOODY. I do have an appt with my OB/GYN. If Dotti is the reason, I am not happy, as it seems NO ONE likes this patch!"

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2022

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "Was on the Vivelle patch for many years and then Estradiol when it was available as a generic. Last fall, my med insurance changed and so did my mail-order prescription plan. Was automatically sent the Dotti patch. Started having symptoms I didn't relate to the patch until I made a connection and found this site - vivid, odd dreams, hot flashes, night sweats, and general irritability (hadn't had this for years on the other patches). Finally got my doctor to request the generic patch only. Of course, suddenly, it's not available through mail order, and I have to get it at a local pharmacy for more than twice the cost, and it's generic. But it's worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2023

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "This is the second time I have tried Dotti patches 0.05 mg 2 times a week and progesterone 100 mg/day. The first time I used Dotti, I experienced light dizziness and the inability to completely empty the bladder when peeing in the third week. I told my doctor, and he said Dotti was not likely the cause, but I stopped taking it anyway for a month. I resumed taking it again, and just like the first time, by the third week, I experienced light dizziness, a sensation of imbalance when walking or lowering my head, chills, night sweats, abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant, and drops in blood pressure. I have stopped using the patch."

• Mz ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 1, 2015

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I started using Eva Mist after a hysterectomy. I saw results after a week of using one spray each morning. No more hot flashes, the night sweats are minimal, the vaginal dryness is much better, and the mood swings are improved. I'm no longer suffering from insomnia. After about a year, some of my symptoms started to recur, so my doctor increased my dosage to 2 sprays each morning. I was worried about taking HRT, but my doctor evaluates my continued use, and I keep up on my yearly well-woman exam. The benefits from such a small dose have been amazing."

• Luv...
• August 31, 2016

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "LOVE this estrogen therapy!!! Have tried the gels and patches, and this is by far the easiest to use. It's like spraying perfume on before I walk out the door every morning. I'm only using one spray a day. Besides getting rid of my night sweats, I have more energy and feel much happier - even though I never knew how unhappy I really was until using Evamist. I got a co-pay card from my Dr., and with my insurance, it costs less than $25 a month. I think it's a bargain at any price! Strongly recommend you try it."

• AZN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2022

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was prescribed the mylar estradiol patches 0.5 mg twice weekly. I've had no issues with adherence, except 1 patch, and that was user error. It definitely improved my symptoms of night sweats and vaginal dryness. I'm also taking 200 mg of progesterone to combat insomnia. I had an ovary-sparing total hysterectomy in January this year and noticed an increase in symptoms. Labs show ovaries still working, but levels up and down, consistent with perimenopause at 45 years old. Don't suffer needlessly, there's help!"

• Dif...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 10, 2024

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have gone through multiple Mylan generics as well as Lyllana, and none of them work for me. The only thing that keeps me from raging, horrible smells, horrible body aches, and loss of memory is Dotti. I don't have hot flashes, though I have night sweats periodically (Get the BedJet, never slept better!) My symptoms are more along the odder ones: itchy ears, a burning chemical smell that burns my nose, skin sensations like being itchy when nothing is there, hearing sounds that no one else does, weakness, severe fatigue, mood swings, rages, irritability, just overall malaise. If I change from Dotti, it all comes back. I had rashes under some of the other brands of patches, others didn't stick. I am a person who can't take any generic or store brand medications. I usually take 4-5 different generics before I find one that works and doesn't make me suicidal, so I know I'm not like most people. But I would lose my life if they take Dotti away, I can't survive without my Dotti estradiol."

• BRa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2020

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was switched from the Sandoz Estradiol Patch to Mylan Estradiol Patch by my insurance company. Sandoz was working fine, Mylan doesn't work well at all. I'm awake half the night with hot flashes and night sweats. This is crazy. Also, sticking problems as others have said. I will be begging my GYN for something different!"

• Anonymous
• May 30, 2009

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Just started 3 weeks ago and noticed a weight gain of about 3 pounds right away. It works, though. Noticed no night sweats or insomnia starting the first night. Worth the trade-off so far. Worried about the weight gain, though."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2008

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been on the Vivelle Dot for 3 years after having my hysterectomy. It is wonderful and has controlled my hot flashes, night sweats, breast tenderness, and dry skin. The Vivelle Dot is a much better drug for me than Premarin. The Premarin was making my skin literally very dry and shriveled. At first, the Premarin was fine, and after several years, it started to have a very different effect on me, causing pain during intercourse and very dry skin. I changed to Vivelle Dot, and all symptoms went away."

• Joa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 3, 2019

Estradiol for Hypoestrogenism "I’m 9 years post-hysterectomy. I started out with Vivelle Dot, then changed to Minivelle Dot when it came out. Never had any trouble. Insurance change last year (2018). Since there’s now a generic for Minivelle, I can pay $15 for Mylan or pay a penalty for the brand name and pay $188 for Minivelle. With a coupon, $135. I’ve tried to deal with all the problems with the Mylan patches for a YEAR! They do NOT deliver the same amount of estradiol as Minivelle. I’ve gained 20 lbs and have gotten horrible wrinkles. I firmly believe it’s the patch and lack of estrogen. Patches fall off, which is irritating. I still have hot flashes and night sweats. My endocrinologist even did an estrogen level test, and it was lower than in 2017 when on Minivelle. If my gyno will request Minivelle, my insurance will allow it and not charge a penalty. With a coupon, it should be about $40. I’m hoping!!!"

• Swe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 9, 2022

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I chart my medication intake, food intake, and symptoms daily and have done so consistently for years. Also for years, I have been using Climara estradiol patches, which have effectively stopped me from having night sweats. On 12/1/21, I picked up a refill of Climara patches from the Samish Way Walgreens in Bellingham. Since starting this batch, I have been having night sweats EVERY NIGHT consistently. There have been no other changes to my medications or lifestyle. There is a problem with this batch/lot of Climara, Lot #200235."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2017

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I've been on the Climara Pro patch for two weeks now and already notice a marked decrease in hot flashes and mood swings. The night sweats and sleeplessness continue, but I'm hoping that, too, will soon improve. My only and biggest complaint with this product is the next to impossible-to-remove plastic backing! It simply refuses to come off easily! Every time I've had to change the patch has been a battle. I end up with a patch that is torn on the edges, has holes in the middle, and I'm supposed to be able to stick it to my skin in that condition. And it's not like I can just toss it out and start over with another patch. Not at those prices! There has to be a better way."

• Jod...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 30, 2015

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Stopped getting periods at age 45. Horrible hot flashes all day long, night sweats, dry skin, moodiness/depression/anxiety, painful intercourse, low libido. I was already using Prometrium, but it had stopped helping. Went to the doctor to ask for estrogen. She Rxed compounded bioidentical estradiol and testosterone cream. The testosterone was to help offset the SHBG effects of estrogen to boost my low libido. I have used BHRT for almost a year now, and it completely eliminated every symptom!! I will likely remain on it forever."

• Son...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 12, 2022

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been using the Mylan Estradiol patch for over a year now. I don't quite understand the thing with the adhesive and it coming off. I've never had that problem. I started putting it on after my showers on my abdomen below my belly button but found that it works best for me to put it on my upper butt area. One thing I can say is it has never come off. It has worked well for my night sweats, which were unbearable."