Evorel Sequi (estradiol, norethisterone) is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to alleviate symptoms of menopause. It can be used in both pre- and post-menopausal women, and it also used in post-menopausal women to reduce risk of osteoporosis. It should only be used by women with an intact uterus.

Product Description

Evorel Sequi consists of two types of patches; each type of patch contains different hormones:

• Half of the patches are Evorel 50 patches, marked CE50, which contain estradiol (estrogen);
• The other half of the patches are Evorel Conti patches, marked CEN1, which contain both estradiol and norethisterone (progestin).

The progestin contained in half the patches is what makes this product suitable only for women with an intact uterus; it prevents potential complications of the uterus associated with estrogen supplementation. Note that women who have had ovaries removed but retained the uterus can use Evorel Sequi.

Women who have had their uterus removed can use an estrogoen-only product, such as Everol Patches or Estrace tablets. More options are available on our estradiol page, but note that this page also includes other combination treatments as well.

Patches are applied twice per week, so 8 patches provide one month of treatment, 16 patches provide two months of treatment, and so forth.

Using Evorel Sequi

Like other HRTs, Evorel Sequi is designed to ease the menopausal symptoms most women experience as they age and less estrogen is produced by the ovaries. The medication helps reduce or even completely alleviate these menopausal symptoms, especially during the difficult transition period.

Evorel Sequi patches offer a number of benefits:

• Reduces vaginal dryness
• Reduces frequency and severity of hot flashes
• Alleviates breast tenderness
• Reduces headaches
• Stabilizes mood
• Alleviates water retention
• Can prevent menopause related osteroporosis
• No tablets or injections involved
• Patches are discreet
• Convenient twice-per-week application

Patches should be applied to clean, dry skin below the waist, such as the thigh. Estradiol-only patches (Evorel 50 patches, marked CE50) should be applied for two weeks, followed by two weeks of the norethisterone + estradiol patches (Evorel Conti patches, marked CEN1). This cycle should repeat until treatment ends.

More detailed instructions are provided in the insert that comes with each package.

The need for HRT should be reevaluated periodically. HRT is not without risks, and those risks increase the longer it goes on.

Warnings & Side Effects

An important thing to keep in mind if using any sort of estrogen patch is to never apply it on or near the breasts. Doing so can put women at significantly increased risk of breast cancer, especially if there is any history of it.

Estrogen is a powerful hormone than can influence nearly every part of the body. Many women use HRT with no issues, but many others will experience side effects. Some side effects can be difficult to detect without laboratory tests; regular doctor checkups are encouraged for the duration of treatment.

Potential side effects include:

• Spotting
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Vaginal thrush
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Headache or migraine
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Uterine cramps
• Weight gain or loss
• Liver spots
• Blood clots

Some medications and supplements can reduce the blood level of the medications in Evorel Sequi, rendering it less effective:

• St. John's wort
• Rifamycin antibiotics
• Protease inhibitors
• Barbiturates
• Antiepileptic medications

Women using Evorel Sequi patches, or any HRT, should be alert for any new symptoms and contact a doctor with any questions or concerns---no matter how trivial they may seem.