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Estraderm Patches (estradiol or oestradiol) are used to supplement the body with estrogen in individuals, usually post-menopausal women, who are not producing sufficient levels of the hormone naturally. The product is most commonly used to treat:

• Symptoms of menopause
• Certain ovarian disorders
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Post-menopausal osteoporosis
• Male-to-female gender change

Estraderm Patches provide several benefits over similar hormone therapies:

• No need for injections or to take tablets daily;
• Easy to apply and wear; can be used while showering, bathing or swimming;
• More effective and fewer side effects than some modes of delivery;
• Less expensive than many alternative therapies.

Note that women who still have a uterus should not use estrogen patches continuously; treatment should be paused every 3 weeks and a progestogen hormone taken instead, to minimize risk of developing endometrial cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy do not need to interrupt treatment or take a progestogen.

Overview of Treatment

Estraderm Patches are most frequently used to manage or reverse the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, painful intercourse, and loss of bone density. It may take 3 to 8 weeks of treatment before estrogen levels are elevated to such an extent that symptoms noticeably begin to improve. Estraderm Patches may need to be used continuously to keep symptoms at bay, though some women are able to stop treatment eventually.

Patients are usually started on the lowest possible dose, with some exceptions; women with very severe symptoms or men trying to develop female characteristics may be started on relatively high doses. Dosage may be increased after several weeks if lower doses are not producing significant results.

Administration of Estraderm Patches is straightforward:

• Patches should be applied to buttocks, lower back, lower abdomen, or hips.
• Never apply Estraderm Patches (or any other hormone patch) to breasts; doing so can significantly increase risk of breast cancer.
• Try not to apply patches where they will be rubbed by tight clothing (such as the waistline of pants), or where they will be exposed to extensive sunlight.
• Patches should be replaced every 3 or 4 days.
• Rotate application sites; do not apply new patches in the exact same spot where the last one was.
• If a patch falls off, simply apply a new patch.

Regular doctor checkups are strongly advised during the start of treatment and whenever dosage is increased or decreased, to ensure the medication is working properly and that no adverse effects are developing.

Precautions

Some things to be aware of before starting treatment:

• There is an increased risk of breast cancer in women who use estradiol patches; women with a family or personal history of breast cancer (or any estrogen-positive cancer) should not use Estraderm Patches.
• There is a slight risk of developing blood clots while using this product, particularly if other risk factors are present.
• Some women experience spotting when treatment is interrupted or stopped; this is not cause for concern unless heavy or persistent.
• Doctors or dentists should be informed that Estraderm Patches are being used before any medical or dental procedures are performed.
• The medication should not used while pregnant or breast-feeding.

Estraderm Patches may interact with some other medications. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist about the exact combination of drugs being taken if unsure of safety.

Use of this product can cause complications when other major medical conditions are present; including, but not limited to, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, and a history of liver, kidney, gallbladder or heart issues. Speak with a doctor about possible risks, and what warning signs to be alert for, before using Estraderm Patches.