Estradiol patch belongs to the class of medications known as estrogen replacement therapy. It is used for the management of menopausal symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, hot flushes, sweating, and chills.

Estradiol is a type of estrogen, a female hormone that is produced by the ovaries. At menopause, the amount of estrogen made by the ovaries declines and symptoms such as hot flashes (sudden, extreme feeling of warmth) and vaginal dryness can occur. Most people reach menopause naturally around the age of 50, but some people may undergo menopause sooner due to many causes, including surgery.

When an estradiol patch is applied to your skin, it releases estradiol into your blood through the skin. People who have not had a hysterectomy (removal of their uterus or womb) must also take another female hormone called progestin while they are taking this medication to prevent complications associated with taking estrogen alone.

Some forms of the estradiol patch are also used to prevent osteoporosis when there are low estrogen levels in the body. In situations where bone loss or fracture has already occurred, using the estradiol patch may help to slow down further bone loss. It is used in addition to other measures to help prevent osteoporosis, such as calcium and vitamin D supplements, quitting smoking, and regular weight-bearing exercise.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

A new patch should be applied to your skin on the same days twice a week (i.e., the patch should be changed once every 3 to 4 days). Depending on the individual, your doctor may advise you to use the patches continuously or in a cyclic schedule (approximately 3 weeks of treatment with patches followed by approximately one week without patch use). Talk to your doctor if you are not sure whether you are using estradiol patch continuously or with a patch-free period.

People who have not had a hysterectomy (removal of their uterus) must also take a progestin while they are taking this medication to prevent adverse effects associated with the use of estrogen.

The patch is often applied to the buttocks, lower abdomen, or hip. Many people have found that less skin irritation occurs when the patch is applied to the buttocks. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the most appropriate site to apply the patch. Do not apply the patch to your breasts. Do not apply patches to the same site on the skin twice in a row.

To apply the patch:

1. Choose a clean and dry area of intact skin that is not oily, damaged, irritated, or exposed to the sun. To avoid irritation, do not apply to the same site on the skin 2 times in a row.
2. Tear open the pouch containing the patch rather than using scissors – if you accidentally cut the patch, it will be useless.
3. Remove the protective layer. Apply the patch to the selected area immediately. Avoid touching the adhesive.
4. Use your fingers to hold the patch in place for about 10 seconds and make sure that the patch is affixed to your skin, especially around its edges.

When changing the patch, remove the old one carefully, fold it in half so that the adhesive sides stick together, and throw it away or bring it to the pharmacy for proper disposal. Keep it out of the reach of children or pets. If adhesive remains on your skin, rub it off gently.

Bathing, showering, swimming, or other contact with water does not affect the patch. However, hot water or steam may cause the patch to loosen. If your patch falls off, try to reapply it. If that doesn't work, apply a new patch.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you forget to apply or change your patch, change it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the day when you normally change your patch, still apply it but change the patch again on your usual day and continue on with your regular schedule. Do not wear 2 patches at once. If you are not sure what to do after forgetting to apply or change the patch, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not store the patches out of the pouch.

5 mg
Each rectangular (11 cm²) transdermal system, with rounded corners, consisting of a transparent adhesive layer laminated onto a beige foam backing, contains estradiol hemihydrate corresponding to 5 mg of estradiol for delivery of 25 µg of estradiol per 24 hours. Nonmedicinal ingredients (adhesive formulation containing estradiol): dipropylene glycol, ethylcellulose, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, and octyl dodecanol.

10 mg
Each rectangular (22 cm²) transdermal system, with rounded corners, consisting of a transparent adhesive layer laminated onto a beige foam backing, contains estradiol hemihydrate corresponding to 10 mg of estradiol for delivery of 50 µg estradiol per 24 hours. Nonmedicinal ingredients (adhesive formulation containing estradiol): dipropylene glycol, ethylcellulose, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, and octyl dodecanol.

Do not use this medication if you:

• are allergic to estradiol or any ingredients of this medication
• are breast-feeding
• are or may be pregnant
• have, have had, or may have breast cancer
• have a blood clotting disorder
• have a history of known or suspected estrogen-dependent tumours (e.g., endometrial cancer)
• have active phlebitis (inflamed varicose veins)
• have classical migraines (migraines with aura)
• have endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the inner lining of the uterus)
• have liver dysfunction or disease where liver function tests have not returned to normal
• have or have ever had liver tumours
• have or have had a stroke, heart attack, or coronary heart disease
• have or have had blood clots in the legs or lungs, or coronary thrombosis
• have partial or complete loss of vision from eye disease related to circulation problems
• have porphyria
• have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• acne
• bloating
• breakthrough menstrual bleeding or spotting
• breast pain
• breast tenderness
• change in sex drive
• contact lens discomfort
• darkening of the skin around areas where the patch is applied
• dizziness
• headache
• increased frequency of menstrual bleeding
• migraine headache
• mood swings
• nausea
• redness or irritation underneath or around the area of the skin on which the patch is applied
• weight changes

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting
• breast lumps
• dizziness
• easy bruising
• frequent or prolonged, exceptionally heavy periods
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• fluid retention (swelling of the lower legs, ankles, feet, or fingers) lasting 6 weeks or longer
• high blood pressure
• irritability
• lower abdominal pain or swelling, painful or heavy periods
• migraine headaches
• nervousness
• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
• signs of a blood clot in the arm or leg (tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the arm or leg) or lungs (difficulty breathing, sharp chest pain that is worst when breathing in, coughing, coughing up blood, sweating, or passing out)
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• tender or painful inflammation of the veins (e.g., pain in groin, calf)
• vomiting

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; difficult breathing; swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue)
• symptoms of a stroke (e.g., sudden and severe headache, sudden vision changes, sudden difficulty speaking, sudden weakness or numbness in arms or legs, sudden dizziness, fainting, or vomiting)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Allergy: Contact allergy, such as itching and redness, is known to occur with the application of estrogen to the skin. Although this allergy is extremely rare, people who develop skin reactions or contact sensitization to any component of the medication are at risk of developing a severe allergic reaction with continued use. If you have a skin reaction to the patch, contact your doctor for advice.

Blood clotting disorders: Estrogens with or without progestins are associated with an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and legs (deep vein thrombosis). If you have or have had a heart attack, a stroke, heart disease, a blood clot in your leg, or have medical conditions that increase your risk of blood clots, you should not use this medication.

The risk of developing blood clots also increases with age, a personal or family history of blood clots, smoking, and obesity. It is also increased if you are immobilized for prolonged periods and with major surgery.

If possible, this medication should be stopped 4 weeks before major surgery. Talk about the risk of blood clots with your doctor.

Blood pressure: People may experience increased blood pressure when using estrogen replacement therapy. Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure or advise you on how often you should measure your blood pressure if you are using estrogen, especially if high doses are used. Regular checkups by your doctor are recommended. If you have high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Bone disease: If you have bone disease due to cancer or a metabolic condition causing too much calcium in your body, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Breast and ovarian cancer: Studies show there is an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer with long-term use of estrogen replacement therapy. People with a history of breast cancer should not use estrogens. People who have breast nodules, fibrocystic disease, abnormal mammograms, or a strong family history of breast cancer should be closely monitored by their doctor.

People taking estrogens should have regular breast examinations and should be instructed in breast self-examination. The estradiol patch must not be applied to the breasts, as it may have harmful effects on the breast tissue.

Dementia: People over the age of 65 receiving combined hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progestin) may be at increased risk of developing dementia (loss of memory and intellectual function). If you are over 65, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested for dementia.

Diabetes: Estrogens can cause changes in blood glucose control for people who have diabetes or have risk factors for developing diabetes. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes (e.g., have a family history of diabetes, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or are obese), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

People who have diabetes (or a predisposition to diabetes) should monitor their blood glucose levels closely to detect changes in blood glucose.

Endometrial cancer: There is evidence from several studies that estrogen replacement therapy can increase the risk of cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus). Taking a progestin at the right time along with the estrogen reduces this risk of endometrial cancer to the same level as that of a person who does not take estrogen. For this reason, all people who have not had their uterus removed should also take a progestin if they are using estrogens.

If you develop any abnormal vaginal bleeding while using this medication, contact your doctor. If you have or have had endometrial cancer, you should not use this medication.

Endometriosis: Estrogen replacement therapy can cause endometriosis to reappear or get worse. If you have or have had endometriosis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Fibroids: This medication may worsen fibroids by causing sudden enlargement, pain, or tenderness. If you notice these effects, contact your doctor.

Fluid retention: Estrogen may cause sodium (salt) and fluid retention. This can be dangerous for people with heart or kidney dysfunction or asthma. If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you notice the symptoms of any of these conditions getting worse, contact your doctor.

Follow-up examinations: It is important to have a follow-up examination 3 to 6 months after starting this medication to assess your response to treatment. Examinations should be done at least once a year after the first one.

Gallbladder disease: This medication can aggravate gallbladder disease or increase the risk of developing it. If you have gallbladder disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart disease and stroke: Studies indicate an increased risk of heart disease and stroke with estrogen (with or without progestin) for postmenopausal people. If you experience symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain, tightness or pressure, sweating, nausea, feeling of impending doom) or stroke (sudden dizziness, headache, loss of speech, changes in vision, weakness or numbness in the arms and legs) while taking this medication, get immediate medical attention.

High cholesterol or triglycerides: Estrogen may increase triglyceride levels for those who already have high levels. This has been observed particularly when estrogen is taken orally – the risk is reduced with use of the patch. Your doctor will monitor your cholesterol and triglyceride levels while you are taking this medication.

Kidney function: Estrogen can affect how calcium and phosphorus are used by your body. If you have kidney disease, this may be a concern and you should discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: If you have reduced liver function, you may require special monitoring by your doctor while you use this medication. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had liver problems. People with active liver disease or liver tumours should not use the estradiol patch.

If you experience symptoms of liver problems (e.g., yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, nausea, or vomiting), contact your doctor immediately.

Migraine headaches: If you have migraines with aura (headache is associated with symptoms such as flashes of light, tingling sensations, blind spots, muscle weakness, difficulty speaking either before or during the headache), you should not use this medication.

For some people who experience migraine headaches, estrogen can make the condition worse. Talk to your doctor if you notice any change in your migraine pattern while using estrogen.

Seizures: Estrogens may increase your risk of having a seizure. If you have a seizure disorder or a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Thyroid disease: Estrogen may affect how thyroid hormone is used by the body. If you are taking thyroid medication to supplement an underactive thyroid gland, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Estrogen should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking estrogen, it may affect your baby. This medication is not recommended for breast-feeding women.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.

If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.