An estrogen patch is a transdermaldelivery system for estradiol, which can be used as hormone replacement therapy to treat menopause symptoms, hypoestrogenism, and to prevent osteoporosis. Transdermal preparations of estrogen are metabolized differently than oral preparations. Transdermal estrogens avoid first-pass metabolism which allow transdermal preparations to contain a range of lower doses of estrogen, and thus potentially reduce the risk of blood clotting and stroke. An estrogen patch is applied directly to the skin, preferably near the lower abdomen, hips, or buttocks, and is changed once or twice per week. For women who have not undergone a hysterectomy, it is often suggested that they take progestin in addition to an estrogen patch in order to protect the endometrium of the uterus. Although it is uncommon, it is possible that women who have undergone a hysterectomy be recommended to take progestin as well. Transdermal estrogens are not recommended for all women; there are important precautions and side effects that should be considered before use.
Medical uses
Menopause
An estrogen patch may be recommended for women experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of menopause, such as vasomotor symptoms and vaginal atrophy. During menopause, the ovaries stop producing estrogen which causes estrogen levels to fall. The sudden change in estrogen levels may cause vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes. Research suggests that the estrogen patch can relieve both the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms by increasing estrogen levels. An estrogen patch may also be used to treat vulvar and vaginal atrophy, another symptom of menopause associated with the sudden change in estrogen levels.
Estrogen patches may be effective in preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Research suggests that estrogen patches can significantly increases bone mineral density and reduce risks of fractures in postmenopausal women by raising estrogen levels and avoiding first-pass metabolism. There is evidence that the combination of an estrogen patch with a progestin pill can improve bone mineral density in young, premenopausal amenorrheic athletes, and may be more effective than an oral estrogen with progestin.
Patches with progestin
Taking progestin in addition to an estrogen patch should be considered for women who have not undergone a hysterectomy to regulate the thickness of the endometrial lining and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Hysterectomized women rarely need progestin, however it may be considered if a history of endometriosis exists. There are different types of delivery systems of progestin that can be used in addition to an estrogen patch, including pills, injections, and patches. Research has suggested that estrogen plus progestin therapy may increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, breast cancer, blot clots, and dementia in postmenopausal women. Taking the lowest effective dose of both estrogen and progestin may reduce risks.
Administration
Depending on the brand, patches are applied to the skin once or twice weekly. Patches should be placed on clean skin where hair and moisture is not present. Preferred areas of application include lower abdomen, hip, and buttocks. Patches should never be applied to the breasts. To reduce the risk of the patch detaching from the skin and skin irritation, skin care products, sun exposure, damaged skin, and tight-fitting clothing should be avoided where the patch is placed.
Side effects
, breast tenderness, vaginal bleeding, spotting, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, hair loss, fluid retention, vaginal infections, skin irritation are some common side effects that may occur while using an estrogen patch. More severe, but less common side effects may include heart attack, stroke, blood clotting, dementia, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, increased blood pressure, increased blood sugar, gallbladder disease, liver issues, abnormal thyroid hormone levels, and tumors in the uterus. Seeing a health professional regularly, taking progestin, having pelvic and breast exams, lowering blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol may reduce the likelihood of developing severe side effects while using an estrogen patch.
Precautions
Women that have experienced vaginal bleeding post menopause, certain cancers, stroke, heart attack, blood clotting, or uncontrollable bleeding, and women who are pregnant or allergic to ingredients in estrogen patches should not use an estrogen patch as serious adverse effects may occur.
