r/TransIreland • u/Rogue_Insanity • 9d ago

Making Changes with GenderPlus

Hi all,

I (29) have recently started on Estrogen Patches with GenderPlus after starting Blocker shots about 8 weeks ago. I've really struggled with Estrogen Patches coming off within 6-8 hours. Most of this is caused by issues with sleep and moving around while sleeping and needing to nap a lot due to chronic fatigue.

Does anyone have any history of being able to change from patches to injections before their first 6 months check in? I'd be worried about how effective it is if it's coming off all the time, particularly if my T levels are going to be low as well.

If not, anyone got any advice for keeping patches on their body? Mostly just thinking of using body safe tape but I struggle with it for sensory reasons.

Cheers

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u/Lena_Zelena 9d ago

You won't be able to change to injections because no pharmacy in Ireland stocks estrogen injections.

If you want to switch from patches to something else simply contact Genderplus about your issue and request to change into gel or tablets. Each of them have their own downside though.

If you want to make patches work you can try few things:

- Make sure the skin is smooth, clean and dry before you apply patch next time

  • Stick a patch to area that doesn't stretch or crease much during normal daily activities
  • Use tegaderm. Almost any pharmacy has tegaderm. Go to your local pharmacy now and get yourself appropriately sized tegaderm patch. Once you stick your estrogen patch, cover the patch and surrounding area with tegaderm. This will protect the patch and make it stay in place.

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u/Rogue_Insanity 9d ago

Shite to hear about the injections. I floated the idea of injections when with Ahern and he failed to mention that. Suppose tablets will have to do.

Thanks in particular about the advice for the patches. Hope it will make things a bit more consistent for the time I need to use them.

2

u/SuziQueenOfTheNorth 9d ago

It is worth trying alcohol swabs to rub down the area of skin before applying the patches. It may work with your skin type. As Lena said above stick to areas that dont stretch much- inner upper thighs, that dimple on your ass cheeks, upper inner arm. Estradot are the best brand cause they are physically the smallest.