Where to actually put your HRT patch

Most of us instinctively reach for the stomach — it's easy to see, it makes sense. But that's not actually where patches work best, and there's a detail worth knowing that might change where you stick yours.

The two approved spots

Lower abdomen, below the waistline — or the upper, outer part of your bum cheek. Genuinely. Most patch brands approve both; some also allow the upper outer thigh. Check your specific patient leaflet, since it varies slightly by brand (Evorel, Climara, Estradot, and others each have their own approved sites).

Why the spot might actually matter

This is the bit that surprised us: for at least one common brand, studies found blood oestrogen levels ran meaningfully higher — around 25% — when the patch was worn on the buttock instead of the abdomen. That doesn't make one site "better" universally, and it's not a reason to switch sites on your own if what you're on is working. But if you and your GP are troubleshooting why a dose doesn't feel quite right, where you've been sticking it is a genuinely useful thing to mention.

Where to avoid entirely

Never on or near the breasts. Skip the waistline, where clothing rubs it loose. Avoid broken or irritated skin, moles, or scars. And don't apply lotion, oil, or powder to the spot first — it stops the adhesive doing its job.

Getting it to actually stay on

Clean, dry, cool skin. Press the whole patch down firmly for a good 10 seconds, edges included. Rotate sides with each change — left, then right — and leave about a week before reusing the same spot.

Reviewed against: NHS-aligned patient guidance and manufacturer patient information leaflets for transdermal HRT patches (Evorel, Climara, Estradot). Always follow the specific instructions for your own brand, and check with your GP or pharmacist before changing where you apply it.