Estradiol and Rash: What Users Say

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 7, 2025

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "These comments just show you that all bodies are different! I was swapped from 0.025 mcg Dotti to Sandoz and do horrible on Sandoz. Rash, estrogen-type dumping symptoms. But more than this, whether you prefer Dotti or Sandoz, it's such BS that women have to constantly be given generics or swapped to different generics due to insurance BS and deal with all the new absorption issues with each new 'adhesive matrix.' After all, we pay for insurance ($869/month in my case), we should have better options or we should be able to CHOOSE our generic preference. Oh, right, wait, 'Women get to CHOOSE.' Forgot we live in America. Yeah, not going to happen."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2022

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I absolutely can't stand the Mylan brand Estradiol patch. For 3 years, I have been using the Sandoz brand and loved it. No issues. In January, when I picked my patches up, I realized the brand was different... okay, no big deal is what I told myself. A patch is a patch, right? Well, it makes a difference. The Mylan comes off in 2-3 days, and I am having to use Tegaderm to keep it on. Then the awful rash that is still on my skin after being off for 4 weeks now. I have searched high and low for Sandoz, and no one carries it anymore. What is a person to do?"

• RCa...
• October 18, 2019

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was so upset when insurance bumped my price on Minivelle and forced me to go to this generic patch. It’s terrible. Leaves an awful rash, itches, and doesn’t stick. I think it should be illegal to sell these as a comparable product! Bring back Minivelle, please! It works perfect!"

• Kan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 4, 2019

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have used estrogen patches for 25 years, the Climara brand and then much less expensive ones from the UK -- same company, different name. At one time, I tried to save money with generic. The only thing available was Mylan. They are horrible; worse than horrible -- and they stink to high heaven. Gross. I don't care how less expensive they are; they are awful. I found a place that had a couple of boxes of Alvogen left and got them; but now I don't know what I'm going to do about getting the medication I need. Here are two things I do regarding usage. My skin won't hold the patch on; I use a clear Tegaderm over it. To avoid a rash, I wait about 15 seconds between removing the liner and applying the patch. If there is a bit of a rash, I use some aloe or no fragrance moisturizing cream upon removal. Good luck to us all."

• Zet...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 24, 2019

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "The Estradiol medication itself is fine; the patch is not. They regularly become unstuck in the first day or two, especially if I am swimming regularly. Then if they do stay on, I get a rash with every 3rd or 4th one that makes my skin look burned."

• 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."

• Jlo...
• May 23, 2021

Estradiol for Primary Ovarian Failure "Last month, Walmart Pharmacy replaced my estradiol patch with the 'Mylan' manufacturer. I was shocked to see how big this patch is, it's bigger than the mouth of a colostomy bag, as thick as a regular cotton round, and it's not sticky enough to stay for days. I shower twice a day, the patch is off after two showers. Technically, I have to change my patch every day. The worst part is aside from the rashes I have now on my pelvic area because of this patch, I'm having hot flashes. It's not effective at all. I cannot do anything since my insurance already paid for three months of refill. And since I have to replace the patch every day, I have already run out of it. Now, I have to endure more 'hot flashes' for two more months. This is the worst patch I've used since my hysterectomy. Well, thank you 'Mylan' for making my life miserable for three months. I will rate negative on the effectiveness if it's available in the choices."

• Anonymous
• June 3, 2009

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I've been on Vivelle for at least 4 years now. HRT pills upset my stomach and were not as effective for me. I tried the generic version of Vivelle, but it was a much larger patch and did not stick as well. The adhesive on the generic also gave me a rash. Stick to the brand on this one would be my recommendation. I'm down to the lowest dose, hopefully, I will be done completely in another year or so. But this has saved my sanity and that of those around me."

• bet...
• February 1, 2011

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I am 54 years old; I have been using Femring for more than two years. Prescribed 0.5 mg; changed the ring every three months. This past month, I developed intermittent abdominal, low back, and side pain with occasional vaginal discharge; escalated into chronic abdominal pain with fever, chills, nausea, and skin rash, with constant discharge. I removed and discarded the Femring. Pain, fever, and chills quickly subsided; discharge decreased. White blood cell count had escalated. Apparently, my body was rejecting the ring as it was trying to embed itself. My gynecologist has prescribed an antibiotic suppository treatment for infection. It has been four days since I removed the ring; I have been on the antibiotic for only one night and have not experienced the low back, side, and abdominal pain as before removing it."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2020

Estradiol for Oophorectomy "I was started on an estradiol patch after my hysterectomy. It was working well, and most of my symptoms had disappeared. My insurance made me switch pharmacies, and I was then given the Mylan estradiol patch. I had nothing but problems with it. It would not stick, and my symptoms started returning. I then started having a reaction to the patch. I would get large red welts (hives) where the patch was placed, and they would itch terribly. This is an allergic reaction, not a 'common side effect' like they list it as. I ended up switching to pills that don't seem to work as well as the original patch that I was started on."

• Des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2018

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "My hot flashes were horrible! I would have to change my night clothes during the night. From the first day I used Climara, they were gone, and I slept through the night. So happy!! I am NOT a fan of medication, but this has been a blessing. It does itch under the patch, and I get a rash sometimes. I had a problem getting a couple of them to stick, but Bayer replaced them. I've only been using it for two months, but I am pleased with its results. The backing is difficult to remove too."

• MoM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2019

Estradiol for Oophorectomy "I was on the Alvagen patch. Worked like a charm. This past week, my plan/pharmacist switched me to the mongo, tangerine-sized Mylan Estradiol patch. Mylan? All other dysfunctional aspects aside... who would want to wear that thick, monster patch on their skin all day? As it turns out, I'm also really allergic to whatever material gives the Mylan patch such bulk and heft. My skin flared within a day -- and the red, itchy rash lasted a full week, even after I pulled that sucker off. And I reckon that this didn't do much to deliver my estrogen fix, either... Earlier reviewers pointed out that clearly a dude must have devised the Mylan patch, and I can't disagree. A flaming misogynist, I suspect. :) Avoid."

• MoM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2019

Estradiol for Oophorectomy "I was on the Alvagen patch. Worked like a charm. This past week, my plan/pharmacist switched me to the mongo, tangerine-sized Mylan Estradiol patch. Mylan? All other dysfunctional aspects aside... who would want to wear that thick, monster patch on their skin all day? As it turns out, I'm also really allergic to whatever material gives the Mylan patch such bulk and heft. My skin flared within a day -- and the red, itchy rash lasted a full week, even after I pulled that sucker off. And I reckon that this didn't do much to deliver my estrogen fix, either... Earlier reviewers pointed out that clearly a dude must have devised the Mylan patch, and I can't disagree. A flaming misogynist, I suspect. :) Avoid."

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2009

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I started on the patch because of menopause (at age 36, no medical reason, i.e., surgery). I used the patch for about 6 weeks and had to stop because of a rash at the application site. This was no surprise because band-aids give me rashes too. I had no problem with 0.5, but when I moved up to 0.75, I started with the rash."

• Don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2016

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "For the first 3 months, things were great. On my second Femring, I began to get a rash on my forehead and neck. My neck was especially red, itchy, and dry. At first, I thought it might be due to something else. Perhaps eczema or psoriasis, so I was buying all kinds of creams, and nothing worked. So I double-checked my only prescription, which is the Femring, and lo and behold, one of the possible side effects is a skin rash. It's too soon to know for sure. I hope it goes away."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2020

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was only using Femring for 1 month and started bleeding and cramping. I had a rash on my neck. Now my GYN wants to do an endometrial biopsy. I immediately took the ring out and symptoms went away. I feel like this just isn't for me, and the biopsy is a little over the top. Anyone else have similar experiences?"

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2009

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was really wanting Evamist to work for me. Seemed so easy, just one spray on my arm every morning. But I have very sensitive skin, and after a week and changing arms, developed an itchy rash on my arms. May not be recommended for someone with sensitive skin."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2022

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "Have been on Estradiol patch for a year now. Loved them, small, tiny, clear, didn't even know it was there. Used Sandoz, then the pharmacy switched. Like others, I thought no big deal, it happens. So I tried it. 2 to 3 days after having the patch on, I was itching like crazy, red rash, and replacing to put a new one made me sick to my stomach. Mylan Estradiol patches suck. Been trying to find the Sandoz brand, so far no luck. I might just be looking into getting back on the hormone pellet."

• BCR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2024

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "It seems easy to use/apply. The medicine comes in a gel (L'estrogel) to be applied to my arms once daily after a shower, in combination with Duphaston 5mg progesterone pills. Within 7 days of using it, I noticed there were tiny bumps on my forearm and they itched a little. I thought the alcohol in the gel was causing some dryness, so after a few hours of application, I used a moisturizer on my arm. It seemed to work after a few days. No itching, no rash. Almost 3 weeks in, and the rashes are back, and the itching is worse. I'm not sure if I should immediately stop using it and wait to see the doctor or continue but go to the doctor as soon as possible. The other side effects I am experiencing are breast pains and short cramping sensations in my lower abdomen. They don't last long, though. I didn't have cramping before."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 26, 2021

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "I've been on this Estradiol patch since I had a full hysterectomy in 2003. No issues until my pharmacy ordered the Sandoz patch manufactured by 3M Drug Delivery Systems instead of the one from Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Both are 0.0375 mg/day. The 3M patch is much larger, doesn't stick, causes a rash, causes hot flashes, bad breast tenderness and growth, migraines, and loss of sleep. I had to cut the patch since it was too much estrogen. The Noven patch seems to be identical to Vivelle Dot and works as directed for me. Beware of the manufacturer! I rate 3M a ZERO and Noven a 10."

• Haz...
• July 26, 2021

Estradiol for Oophorectomy "I was switched several years ago from Climara to Mylan brand. I have found it does not stay in place well, leading to skin breakdown and waste of product. It is foam-based and larger than the Climara patch-this prevents adequate adhesion to the skin, allowing sweat to form underneath. It’s frustrating and uncomfortable. It takes my skin approximately 3 weeks to recover from itch/rash and associated redness."

• Hea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2021

Estradiol for Postmenopausal Symptoms "My Rx was changed to the Mylan brand estrogen patch after I relocated out of state and changed insurance as well as pharmacies, and after being on Climara for over a year with no issues. The Mylan brand was crap. They fell off after 3-5 days, supposed to wear them for 7. By day two, my skin was completely red and rashed out more than 5 inches in diameter under the patch no matter where I put them. I had to use these for 4 weeks until my doctor, pharmacy, and insurance could get it together and put me back on the Climara brand."

• nhe...
• May 28, 2017

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Mylan Estradiol 0.01 patches caused a rash (allergy)."