HRT Patch on Holiday
I switched from gel to the HRT patch about a month ago, just before going on holiday. Whenever I share my HRT experience with the community, whether through emails or TikTok, it always gets a lot of engagement. So I thought it would actually be really useful to document what the HRT patch on holiday is like.
Especially as I booked a holiday in April this year, way earlier than most people, it almost feels like I owe you this if you’ve just started using the patch.
The questions I had were simple. Would it come off in the pool? Would the heat affect the glue? Can you tan through an HRT patch?
I decided to take photos and post a few TikToks while I was away to help anyone who is using the HRT patch on holiday for the first time.
Before I left, I shared a TikTok about how I pack my HRT for holiday. My biggest tip was to always take it in my hand luggage, even the gel. Even though it is over 100ml, I have never been stopped, and if you are, you just need to show your prescription. I shared this because it has always worked for me, but then something interesting happened. People started commenting with their own tips.
Lots of people told me to pack spares, so I did. I would have needed two patches for the week, but I packed five just in case.
So, onto the actual holiday.
I arrived on day two of a patch. By the end of the day, it was starting to come off and eventually I could not keep it on as it was flapping around, so I pulled it off. I immediately regretted not packing a bottle of gel to use while I was away. That said, I know that is not possible for everyone. Some people cannot use the gel, some would not want to switch, and it can feel confusing to change what is working. Also, the gel was not absorbing well for me, which is why I moved to the patch in the first place. I wanted to feel good on holiday.
I shared this on TikTok and a few people suggested warming the patch slightly in your hands before applying it to make it extra sticky. So I tried that the next day.
Pretty much falling off on day one!
Day Two of the Holiday
Day two of my holiday, I applied a fresh patch and I can confirm it stayed firmly in place the whole time.
Possibly a little too firmly. I actually wish I had placed it further under my bikini bottoms because you could see it, and I felt more self conscious than I expected. It did not help that I was constantly going up and down water slide steps with a rubber boat above my head, feeling very exposed. I could not exactly take it off though.
I did end up removing it a day early because of this. The next day I applied a new one, this time on my thigh. I think I preferred it there, even though it was on show. Although, apparently my bikini bottoms are smaller than I realised, because it still showed.
In total, I used three patches in the week, but I probably could have managed with two if I had started the holiday on day one of a fresh patch and pressed it down more firmly when applying.
As for tanning, I got a decent tan. A few people asked whether the HRT patch on holiday affects tanning or causes burning. I do know hormones can impact how you tan. It took years after having my son for my skin to return to normal. I was mindful of that, but I tanned as usual, with a couple of small burnt areas where I missed sunscreen. I did not end up with a white square where the patch was, but if you are worried about that, I would suggest rotating where you place it.
I applied sun cream as normal and that did not seem to affect how well the patch stuck.
Another tip people shared here was using a large waterproof clear plaster over the patch. I did not try this, but I would definitely pack one next time in case it starts to lift.
My top tips for HRT patch on holiday
Pack spare patches just in case
If you have gel as a backup or are comfortable switching, it could be worth considering
Think about placement if you are wearing smaller bikini bottoms
Try warming the patch in your hands before applying
Press it down firmly when you first put it on
Consider packing a large waterproof plaster in case it starts to come off
If you are worried about tanning, rotate where you place the patch
Hopefully this helps if you are planning a holiday and wondering about your HRT patch on holiday. If you have any tips I have missed, I would genuinely love to hear them.
Rachel xx
