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Patches or pills? For pubertal induction
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Patches or pills? For pubertal induction
Patches and pills are different ways to give the body the female hormone oestrogen.
Oestrogen is responsible for physical development and is really important for your overall health.
Your doctor has recommended that you need oestrogen.
You can take oestrogen by pill or by sticking a patch to your skin (transdermal).
Which ever way you choose, your doctor will gradually increase the dose.
What does oestrogen do?
If you are starting transdermal oestrogen patches or oestrogen pills to kick-start puberty, it will:
- Cause physical changes, such as breast development and height gain. These changes will happen gradually.
- If you have a womb it will start your periods after about 2 years.
- It is good for your heart and bone strength.
Oestrogen pills
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to take | Have to remember to take it every day |
| No one can see or know you are taking them | May give you migraines (a particular type of headache) |
| Can increase your blood pressure | |
| Tablets may need to be cut for lower doses |
Transdermal patches
Transdermal means that they sit on the skin like a sticker and the hormones are absorbed through your skin.
| Pros | Cons |
| Contain a more natural oestrogen, similar to normal puberty | Although see-through, still visible |
| Quicker absorption due to direct skin contact | Rare, but may fall off |
| Less likely to have migraines | Need to be cut for lower doses |
| You don’t have to swallow pills | Have to remember when to change the patch |
Will the patch fall off?
Your patch is very sticky and will stay on when you’re in the shower, bath, pool or exercising. If a patch falls off, replace with a new one.
How often do I need to change it?
The patch is usually changed 1 or 2 times a week. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how often.
Where do the patches go?
The patch should be applied to tummy (under tummy button) the bottom, thigh or hip. Do not put it on the breast area.
Patch sizing
You may have to cut your patch to the correct size to get the right amount of oestrogen. Your doctor or nurse will explain how to do this.
What happens after?
If you have a womb, 1 or 2 years after you start oestrogen your doctor will give you progesterone (the other female hormone), as well as oestrogen. This is to regulate periods. At this time you can choose to continue on a type of patch or change to pills.
More information
Talk to your doctor or nurse about the options for your treatment.
Ask them to show you the patches and pills (we have demonstration packs).
Ask to see our puberty pack to find out more about the changes that occur when you start taking oestrogen.
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Disclaimer
Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.
Resource number: END20
Resource Type: Article
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