Can I Use Evorel Conti If Still Having Periods?

Menopause can be a challenging time – a rollercoaster for your hormones and general well-being. Whether you’re handling hot flushes, wakeless nights, or other troublesome symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be very effective.

The problem is that there are many HRT options available. Choosing the right one for you and your situation can be tough.

What is Evorel Conti?

One option is Evorel Conti, a form of HRT typically recommended for women who have already stopped menstruating. So, what does that mean for you? Let's explore how Evorel Conti works and whether it can benefit you.

What's Evorel Conti?

Evorel Conti is a type of HRT used to relieve menopausal symptoms. It comes as a patch that you stick on your skin, which then releases two hormones:

• Estradiol (a form of oestrogen)
• Norethisterone (a type of progestogen)

The patch is innovative, offering a steady supply of hormones to help manage menopausal symptoms 24/7.

Evorel Conti is very easy to use. You simply apply a new patch twice a week, and you're good to go. There's no need for daily pills or creams.

Plus, because it's absorbed through your skin, it bypasses your digestive system, which can be helpful if you have stomach issues or trouble swallowing pills.

How Does Evorel Conti Work?

During menopause, your ovaries start to produce less oestrogen. This is the driving force behind most menopausal symptoms.

Evorel Conti, like other forms of HRT, works by topping up your oestrogen levels, easing the symptoms associated with oestrogen loss through menopause.

It's not just about the oestrogen, though. The progestogen in Evorel Conti is there to protect the lining of your womb. Without it, the oestrogen alone could cause this lining to thicken too much, which isn't ideal.

Can You Use Evorel Conti If You're Still Having Periods?

Evorel Conti is typically prescribed for post-menopausal women who still have a womb and haven't had a period for at least 12 months.

The NHS says Evorel Conti is suitable “If you still have a womb and have not had a period for a year (post-menopause).”

If You're Post-Menopausal

If it's been a year or more since your last period, Evorel Conti could be a good fit. It's what's called a 'continuous combined' HRT, which means you use it without breaks and shouldn't have any bleeding.

If You're Still Having Periods

If you're still menstruating, even if it's irregular, Evorel Conti likely won’t be the first choice for HRT – nor will any form of continuous HRT treatment.

Here's why:

• Unpredictable Bleeding: Evorel Conti isn't designed to cause regular bleeding. If you're still having natural periods, using it could lead to confusing bleeding patterns. You might end up spotting at unexpected times or have heavier bleeding than usual. It's not dangerous, but it can be annoying and unpredictable.
• It’s Difficult to Monitor: It can be hard to tell if any bleeding is from your natural cycle or a side effect of the HRT. This can make it tricky to know how your body is responding to the treatment.
• Masking Menopause: Continuous HRT like Evorel Conti can sometimes hide when your natural periods stop, so you might not know when you've hit menopause.

If you’re still getting periods, you’ll typically be recommended sequential HRT instead, like Evorel Sequi. Sequential HRT isn’t taken all the time, but often for 12 to 15 days each month only.

If You Don't Have a Womb

If you've had a hysterectomy to remove your womb, you can usually take oestrogen without progestogen.

That’s because progestogen (norethisterone in Evorel Conti) is there to prevent the thickening of the womb, which is no longer a risk if the womb has been removed.

What to Expect If You Start Evorel Conti

If you and your doctor decide to give Evorel Conti a go, here's what you might experience and how long it might take to work:

• Adjustment Period: Your body might need a few weeks to get used to the hormones. Some spotting or breakthrough bleeding is normal during this time. Don't be alarmed if things seem a bit unpredictable at first - it's just your body figuring things out.
• Gradual Improvement: Most women notice their symptoms starting to ease within a few weeks, but it can take up to three months to feel the full effect. It’s a gradual process. You might find your hot flushes becoming less frequent or intense, your sleep improving, or your mood becoming more stable.
• Regular Check-Ups: Your GP will likely want to see you after three months, and then yearly, to make sure Evorel Conti is still working well for you. These check-ups are a chance to discuss any concerns, side effects, or changes you've noticed.

The Bottom Line

Whether Evorel Conti is right for you depends on your specific situation. In short, it might not be the first choice if you're still having periods.

If you do decide to try Evorel Conti, ensure you know how to use it correctly and what side effects to watch out for. Don't be afraid to speak up if you have any concerns or questions.

How to Get Evorel Conti

Remember, Evorel Conti is a prescription-only medication. Luckily, at Prescription Doctor, we make accessing the medicines you need simple and discreet.

We offer a quick and easy online consultation service. Just complete a short health questionnaire, and our qualified doctors will assess whether Evorel Conti is right for you.

If approved, we'll ship your Evorel Conti patches straight to your door in plain, unmarked packaging as soon as the next working day. No awkward GP appointments or pharmacy trips are required.

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 12/09/2024

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 12/09/2024