Elleste Solo MX is a Hormone Replacement Therapy that helps relieve the symptoms of menopause, popularly known as an oestrogen-only HRT. Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle in a woman and is responsible for severe hormonal changes in a woman's body. The medication comes in the form of external patches which, when stuck on the body below the waist, supply hormones internally.
Elleste Solo MX patches contain an active ingredient called estradiol which imitates the properties of the natural oestrogen in a female body. That is why it makes up for the drop in oestrogen levels during the onset of menopause.
Menopause brings with it a whole lot of problems due to hormonal imbalances. Elleste Solo MX is an efficient way to combat several unpleasant symptoms of menopause, including:
Hot flushes
Lower sex drive
Night sweats
Sleeping problems
Headaches
Vaginal dryness and irritation
Mood changes
Palpitations
Joint pain or stiffness
Urinary tract infections occur frequently
Diminished muscle mass
In addition to the above symptoms, Elleste Solo MX is an excellent help to reduce the risk of contracting osteoporosis in women. It poses a higher risk of fractures when other medicines do not work as per expectations.
The synthetic oestrogen in the Estelle Solo MX patches restores the lack of its production in the body. The idea here is that because almost all the symptoms of menopause result due to the body lacking the ability to adjust to the diminishing oestrogen levels in the body, a synthetic source like these patches will help overcome the symptoms. These lower oestrogen levels also affect bone health in women. They start to become thinner and thus more prone to breaking. Taking oestrogen supplements prevents bone loss and fractures that may occur in the post-menopause years.
That role is fulfilled by the active ingredient estradiol hemihydrate, which is a naturally occurring form of oestrogen, the primary female sex hormone. These kinds of treatment fall under HRT and are usually essential for short-term relief. You should ensure an annual review of this treatment with your doctor. The patches release estradiol through the skin into the bloodstream at a constant rate and have to be changed twice a week.
You have to apply the patch on clean skin so take a bath or shower. Do not apply any creams, moisturisers, and talcum powders in the area where you will be using the patch since these prevent the patch from sticking properly. Then, carefully take it out without tearing it and remove the protective plastic cover. Avoid touching the adhesive and then locate a dry, clean, and non-hairy skin area where you can apply the patch. Place it firmly. Patches only work when you stick them near the correct spaces. Similarly, the Elleste Solo MX patch works well when you apply it below the waist area, on the lower back, or in the buttocks. Remember to alternate the places of the subsequent patches to avoid redness and irritation. You can use one patch for 3 to 4 days and then replace it with a new one.
Do not worry if your patch falls off during vigorous exercises or excessive sweating. You can replace it with a new one on a different location.
The Elleste Solo MX patches are available in two different doses of 40mcg and 80mcg each. The formulated quantities maximise effectiveness and minimise the occurrence of potential side effects.
Irrespective of the strength of the patch, the standard plan is to use one patch twice a week. Follow a schedule to change your patch on the same two days every week.
Despite it being a safe medication, you need to note and remember a few of its characteristics. That will help you prevent any potential side-effects and complications. Some of the crucial information about the patches include:
It could cause a monthly withdrawal bleed, spotting or breakthrough bleeding initially. These are more likely to occur when you skip changing a patch on schedule.
A regular medical and gynaecological check-up becomes crucial when a woman undertakes HRT treatment.
Women using HRT face an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke and blood clots forming in the veins. They should take regular breast examinations and mammograms and should examine their breasts regularly. Women should weigh this risk against the personal benefits of taking HRT.
Medically, a woman under 50 years of age remains fertile for two years after her last menstrual period. For someone over 50, this becomes one year. Women under these categories should remember that HRT is not a contraception. They should continue using an appropriate method of birth control.
There are certain groups of women who might face an added risk of complications if they begin using this medication. They should take every precaution to prevent unnecessary risks. Women who should exercise caution are those:
Having a risk of developing cancers that are stimulated by oestrogen
with a past of benign breast lumps
having fibroids in their womb
carrying a history of endometriosis
with a chance of blood clots in the veins
who are overweight or obese and have severe varicose veins
who smoke and have high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol or triglycerides
with a history of gallbladder disease
who are battelling problems like migraines or severe headaches
Contact a healthcare professional before using the medication to ensure that it is the correct and safe medication for your needs.
Even if the medication is an efficient solution to the undesirable symptoms of menopause, these patches are unsuitable and even dangerous for women who:
have a history of breast cancer
have suffered from risk of oestrogen-stimulated cancer
have an untreated overgrowth of the lining of the womb
suffer from vaginal bleeding without a proper cause
experience a risk of blood clots in the veins
have recently suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot
have recently had a heart attack
suffer from angina pectoris
have an active liver disease
are pregnant or breastfeeding
Steer clear of the patches if you find that you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Undertake numerous precautions before beginning with the patches. Ensure to work closely with your doctor to determine if the treatment is working as planned. If not, there is a risk of potential side effects, including:
It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine.
The following medicines may potentially reduce the blood level and effect of this medicine, which could cause irregular menstrual bleeding or your symptoms to come back:
aprepitant
bosentan
barbiturates
carbamazepine
cobicistat
crizotinib
dabrafenib
efavirenz
eslicarbazepine
fosaprepitant
fosphenytoin
modafinil
nevirapine
oxcarbazepine
phenobarbital
phenytoin
primidone
rifabutin
rifampicin
ritonavir
rufinamide
telaprevir
St John's wort
topiramate
vemurafenib
In case your blood sugar alters after beginning the treatment, get in touch with your doctor immediately. Diabetic women should adjust their dose of insulin and other tablets while they use Elleste Solo MX. It is known to oppose the effect of high blood pressure medications as well. Your doctor will check your blood pressure periodically when you use HRT as a precaution.