Evorel Patches: The Complete Guide to Evorel, Conti and Sequi
The three Evorel products explained — strengths, how to apply them, side effects, and which patch suits which stage of menopause.
Part of the Complete Hormone Replacement Therapy Guide.
Key fact: Because Evorel delivers estradiol through the skin and bypasses the liver, it carries no significant increase in blood-clot risk — unlike oral HRT.
Evorel is one of the UK's most prescribed HRT patch ranges — transdermal estradiol delivered through the skin, changed twice weekly. Because it bypasses the liver, it carries no significant increase in blood-clot risk, unlike oral HRT. This guide covers the three Evorel products, who each is for, and how to use them well.
Get Evorel Online
Access Doctor provides all Evorel strengths, Conti and Sequi following a GPhC-regulated online consultation with our pharmacist independent prescribers.
Order Evorel →The Evorel range at a glance
| Product | Contains | Who it's for | Bleed pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evorel (25/50/75/100) | Estradiol only | Women who've had a hysterectomy — or as the oestrogen component alongside separate progestogen/Mirena | None from the patch itself |
| Evorel Sequi | Evorel 50 for 2 weeks, then combined patches | Perimenopausal women still having periods or <1 year past last period | Monthly withdrawal bleed |
| Evorel Conti | Estradiol 50mcg + norethisterone acetate 170mcg continuously | Postmenopausal women (12+ months since last period) | None expected after settling-in |
The numbers (25–100) are the micrograms of estradiol released per day. Most women start at 25–50 and titrate at review.
How to apply Evorel patches
- Apply to clean, dry, hairless skin below the waist — buttock or thigh; never on or near the breasts
- Change twice weekly (e.g. Monday and Thursday), rotating sites to prevent irritation
- Press firmly for ~10 seconds; avoid moisturiser at the site beforehand
- Swimming, showering and exercise are fine; pat dry rather than rubbing
- If a patch falls off, apply a new one and keep your usual change days
- Missed a change? Apply as soon as remembered, then resume the normal schedule
What to expect
Symptom relief typically begins within 4 weeks, with full benefit by 3 months. Early side effects — breast tenderness, mild skin redness at the site, spotting (with Conti/Sequi) — usually settle; see our HRT side effects guide. Persistent skin irritation is the main patch-specific issue; rotating sites helps, and gels such as Oestrogel deliver the same body-identical estradiol without adhesive if not.
Evorel vs other options
Compared with tablets, Evorel avoids first-pass liver metabolism — no significant VTE increase, steadier hormone levels, and suitability for women with migraine or higher BMI. Compared with gels, patches win on convenience (twice weekly vs daily) but lose on dose flexibility and skin tolerance. Neither is "better" universally — it's preference and skin type. For the full landscape of types and routes, see the Hormone Replacement Therapy guide.
Supply issues
Evorel products have experienced intermittent UK supply shortages in recent years. If your pharmacy can't fill your prescription, equivalent switches (another estradiol patch brand, or gel at equivalent dose) are straightforward for a prescriber — don't just stop. Our HRT shortages guide covers your options.
Don't just stop: If your Evorel product is unavailable, a prescriber can switch you to a clinically equivalent alternative quickly. Stopping abruptly usually brings symptoms back.
Evorel From Access Doctor
All Evorel strengths, Conti and Sequi available after an online consultation with our GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers, with discreet next-day delivery.
Start your consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Evorel Conti and Evorel Sequi?
Sequi mimics a cycle (oestrogen-only patches then combined ones, with a monthly bleed) for perimenopausal women. Conti delivers both hormones continuously with no expected bleed, for women 12+ months past their last period.
Which strength of Evorel should I start on?
Commonly 25 or 50mcg, reviewed at 3 months. Younger women and those with surgical menopause often need higher doses. Your prescriber will titrate.
Can I cut Evorel patches in half?
It's not recommended by the manufacturer. If you need an intermediate dose, ask your prescriber — multiple strengths exist for this reason.
Do Evorel patches cause weight gain?
Trials show no significant HRT-related weight gain; menopausal fat redistribution is hormonal and happens with or without HRT.
Why can't I wear the patch near my breasts?
To avoid concentrated local oestrogen exposure to breast tissue; below-the-waist sites also tend to adhere better.
Is Evorel body-identical?
The estradiol in all Evorel patches is body-identical. Evorel Conti and Sequi pair it with norethisterone, a synthetic progestogen — see our body-identical HRT guide for alternatives using micronised progesterone.
If Evorel suits you, Access Doctor's pharmacist independent prescribers can assess you through a confidential online consultation and, where appropriate, prescribe the right strength or format with discreet next-day delivery.
References
- Evorel / Evorel Conti / Evorel Sequi — Summaries of Product Characteristics. medicines.org.uk
- NICE. Menopause: identification and management (NG23). 2015, updated November 2024. nice.org.uk
- NHS. Types of HRT — patches. nhs.uk
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. In a medical emergency, call 999.