I want to start on E but am leery as I had a bad experience with my first dab of estrogel about a month ago. This time I thought I would try the patch as I have heard that it absorbs more slowly. I am supposed to start with .25 Vivelle estradot but the clinic only had samples left in the .50 strength. I was told I could cut them in half. (I have also been told that you have to cut them in a certain direction but I don't remember which.). I would actually like to cut the patch in quarters if possible for my first dose (as that would be roughly equivalent to the 1/2 squirt of gel that I tried to start with previously). but that may be asking too much. Anyhow, if anyone has any experience with this I would appreciate their advice.

Thanks

I dunno but I used to cut my nicotine patches and they worked fine. I would use a box cutter because it will give a cleaner cut than scissors which could cause the patch to get a bend in it and not adhere properly.

I cut my patches in half so that I can up my dose to 1.5 mcg. whenever I am adding progesterone back in. The vivelle dot & Climara patches are both matrix patches which means they can be cut, while reservoir patches can not. I cut my patch in half, where the two pieces of plastic backing come together.

I used to cut my vivelle patches when needed. Agree with Gevalia - only the reservoir patches cannot be cut. JZZ

Thanks for the input girls!

The estradot is a reservoir so it should be OK. It's just that I had read that the patches don't work as well when you cut them so I was a little hesitant. I am tempted to try the gel again as it would theoretically be easier to titrate but the pump makes it hard. Did you ever try the gel JZZ? I noticed on another post that the patch did not work out for you.

I tried the Divigel but it was not strong enough for me. All it did was bloat me with no positive impact upon peri symptoms. The oral bio fda Estrace is working GREAT.....so far. I continue to use the vaginal Estrace too. Regards, JZZ Never did get good bloodlevels with the patch. Seems some of us have absorbtion issues with patches.

Dear Gazelle:

The dots can be cut in half, or in fourths, just take a scissors and do it. Then start by applying 1/4 dot, and change it every 3.5 days, give it a try and see how you do.
Sincerely,
Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.