skip to main content

How to 'detox' off combipatch??

21 years ago

Hi all,

As I've said in a number of my other posts, I believe we can get addicted to HRT......and then have to go through hell to ever get off. I've been on the combipatch for 5 years. I tried to get off of it last fall......which was a horrible mistake. I also have fibromyalgia, and falling hormone levels seems to make it so much worse. Anyhow.....I've been on Toprol LX and Wellbutrin, and have gotten my headaches, anxiety attacks, racing heart and severe fatigue under control, and so now I'm thinking about trying to detox from my patch again. Here's what I'm thinking........I change the patch every tuesday and Saturday. I heard of one woman just not changing her patch for several weeks at a time, but I think that would lead to huge fluctuations....since her hormone levels would drop, and then in a few weeks she'd slap on a new patch, and they would rise. So....I'm thinking of cutting the patch in half, and just using a half every Tuesday and Saturday. I would do this for maybe 2-4 months....then I would start wearing 1/4 or 1/3 of the patch and do this for a couple months, then I'd stop it. What do you think?

I used to get horrible headaches whenever I would mess with my hormones, but since I've been on Toprol (a beta blocker), my headaches have been very much under control......so maybe I'm getting too brave.....but I think I'll try it. Any suggestions as to my plan?

Comments (2)

Modjadje
21 years ago
Hi Catherine,
I used only half a patch (Combipatch, the low dose one) for about 6 months. Before that, I only changed the full patch about once a week instead of every 4th day.
To make it easy to pull apart, I cut across the peel-off split.
In my case I recently went back on the full patch, replacing about 6 days apart. Vaginal dryness symptoms is what prompted me to go back to my HRT.
catherinet
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks modjadje,
I was wondering.....when you first went to half patch.....how long was it before you noticed any symptoms of lower estrogen/progesterone? My problems earlier that made coming off HRT so difficult have been somewhat helped with a couple other drugs (Toprol - a beta blocker, aciphex - an acid blocker, and Wellbutrin - an antidepressant). So now I'm getting a little brave to try it again. Have you ever gotten headaches with hormone fluctuations and if so, did you get them while trying the half patch? Thanks so much!
Related Discussions
'Detox', 'cleanses' and quick fixes
Q
Comments (89)
Since this thread has been dredged up by a spammer I'll state my opinions on "detoxes". I think if one's usual diet is "dairy, caffeine and processed foods" and "sugar, alcohol, caffeine, gluten and animal products" as some "famous people" report, then one probably needs a "detox". Or at least to eliminate those toxic substances from one's diet for a week or more. If the usual diet is high in fresh and mostly raw veggies, some fruit, and some high quality protein with none of the unhealthy stuff then a "detox" will never be necessary. The most I ever do to detox is to use raw garlic for a few days and ensure my water intake is sufficient. I expect there are some parasites attached to fresh imported produce which is why I like to use raw garlic occasionally. If I have no parasites the garlic probably won't hurt and I like the flavor anyhow. I try to use "food as my medicine".
...See More
Kick-off to weight-loss (cleanse/detox?)
Q
Comments (1)
I know it has been some time since your post. How are you doing? Do you have a weight loss buddy?
...See More
How do I get rid of a stuffy house smell?
Q
Comments (19)
Forgot to add, I used to simmer water and cinnamon but the cinnamon would turn my pans a dark color. The cinnamon spray from B&BW is fantastic. If I know company is coming I spray it about 30 minutes before. I'm pretty sure our new "mini" Walmart SuperCenter won't sell these items, so I ordered 3 solid Citrus thingys (not the spray), and one Lysol automatic neutral spray. The only drawback I read about it is it can sometimes leak on the floor. So I'll find an obscure place in the LR and have a little towel under it. Can't wait until they come in! I'm definitely going to put one of the solid Citrus things in the back bedrooms where our very old carpet is.
...See More
Off HRT, Now Hot Flashes
Q
Comments (24)
Soy can work for some women; however, for the vast majority, soy is ineffective. Also, it is important to realize that soy contains plant-derived estrogens called phytoestrogens. These plant-derived estrogens may be just as unsafe as the prescription hormones... we just don't know. If you need hot flash or night sweat relief and don't want to take hormones, learn the truth about effective non-hormonal hot flash treatments at MenopauseUpdate.com. Learning the truth means learning the results of well-designed medical research studies. This is what you will learn on MenopauseUpdate.com. You will also learn the truth about the serious risks of taking hormones, including "bioidentical hormones". Currently there are 2 effective non-hormonal hot flash treatments that have been shown to provide long-term relief; they are gabapentin and oxybutynin. Go to MenopauseUpdate.com to learn how you can get started on one of these treatments and start experiencing relief.
...See More

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

HEALTHY HOME Detox Your Kitchen for the Healthiest Cooking

By Robyn Lawrence

Maybe you buy organic or even grow your own. But if your kitchen is toxic, you're only halfway to healthy

HEALTHY HOME Easy Green: Weekend Detox for Your Home

By Laura Gaskill

A few small changes to your home over the weekend can help improve your health (and your cash flow) every day

TREE HOUSES Houzz Tour: Off the Grid in a Treehouse Hideaway

By Cathy Rebecca

This retreat for 2 is the epitome of peaceful seclusion

TASTEMAKERS The Seduction of Reduction

Go on a design detox for an emotional and spiritual uplift. 'The Inspired Home' shows you how

REMODELING GUIDES 5 Hot Tips for Home Saunas

By Lisa Frederick

Bask in your very own heated haven, indoors or out. This overview will get you off to a glowing start

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Buy a Mattress

Confusing options, hair-raising prices, haggling ... Our guide can keep you from losing sleep over mattress shopping

FEEL-GOOD HOME The (Lost) Art of Laziness

Do you go to bed with to-do lists flashing through your head? Try one of these ideas to give yourself a break

HOUSEKEEPING 12 Cleaning Projects That Go a Little Deeper — Naturally

By Youthful Habits

Eucalyptus oil for germy door handles. Baking soda for oven grime. Here are nontoxic solutions for often-overlooked cleaning jobs

FEEL-GOOD HOME Is Your Bedroom Designed for a Good Night’s Sleep?

By Laura Gaskill

Find out how the right nightstands, bedding, rugs, TV and storage can help you get more restful slumber

LIFE How Do You Make Your Tea and Coffee in the Morning?

By Victoria Harrison

A morning cup is a must for many, and preparation comes in many guises. We look at coffee and tea habits across the Houzz community

Sponsored