The Difference Between Estrogen Pills and Patches
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Experiences vary from person to person, and decisions about hormones or surgery are personal. Talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation.
Nofar Morali is a 21-year-old transgender woman from Israel who creates content about her transition and transgender-related topics. After taking estrogen pills for five years, she recently switched to estrogen patches.
In this article, Nofar shares her experiences with both methods and explains why she now prefers patches. So, let’s explore the difference between estrogen pills and patches.
Why Nofar Switched from Pills to Patches
Nofar started taking estrogen pills when she began her transition five years ago. Pills were convenient, cheap, and effective for her at first. However, her doctor later advised switching to patches for better long-term health.
Initially, Nofar resisted changing methods, believing the pills were more powerful. However, after researching, she realized patches can be equally effective when dosed properly while feeling gentler on her body.
Nofar felt pills strained her digestion over time. Patches deliver estrogen through the skin.
After 5 years on pills, Nofar switched to patches for her health.
Comparing Nofar's Experiences
Here's how the two estrogen methods were compared for Nofar after 2 months on patches:
- Convenience: Pills are quicker to take daily. Patches require changing every 3-4 days.
- Comfort: Patches felt uncomfortable at first. But Nofar adjusted within a few weeks.
- Effectiveness: For Nofar, there was no difference in feminization. Breast growth, soft skin, and fat redistribution remained the same.
- Mood stability: She reported no issues with emotional changes when switching.
- Health: Nofar feels better without pills upsetting her digestion.
Overall, for Nofar, patches gave the same effects she had noticed, and she felt better.
Applying and Switching Patch Locations
Nofar applies two estrogen patches to her lower back/upper buttocks. She recommends:
- Switching locations every 3-4 days to prevent skin irritation.
- Applying firmly so edges stick well and won't peel off.
- Take care when dressing and showering not to peel them prematurely.
- Marking a calendar to remember when to swap them.
Why Nofar Doesn't Recommend Injections
Nofar was concerned that injected estrogen could cause fluctuating hormones and side effects. Due to concerns about potential mood swings, Nofar has not tried injections.
Experts say to keep injection doses low. She had read there was no clear evidence that injections work better than patches or pills.
Nofar's Recommendation
After 5 years on pills and 2 months on patches, Nofar recommends trying estrogen patches based on her own experience. She's glad she switched to a method she felt was safer for her long-term.
Though less convenient, patches provide the same effects without straining her digestion like pills did. Nofar's transition now feels more balanced.