Estrogen Patches

Why should Estrogen Patches not be prescribed?

Estrogen patches should not be used during pregnancy. You should also avoid this product if you have:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Known or suspected breast cancer
• Any type of tumor stimulated by estrogen
• Phlebitis, blood clots in the lung, or any other clotting disorder
• Active or recent (within the last year) heart disease, heart attack, or stroke
• Liver disease or liver problems
• An allergy to any component of the patch

Special warnings about Estrogen Patches

Estrogen has the potential of causing clot-related disorders, including heart attack and stroke, pulmonary embolism (a clot in the lungs), and thrombophlebitis (a clot in the veins). A complete medical and family history should be taken by your doctor before starting any estrogen therapy, especially if you have a history of deep vein thrombosis (a clot in the legs) or a history of thrombosis in your family. The chance of developing a clot-related problem can be reduced by using the lowest dose of estrogen that still proves effective. If a problem surfaces anyway, you'll have to stop using the patch. Likewise, you should discontinue the patch and call your doctor immediately if you suffer a loss of vision, any other eye problems, or a migraine headache.

Some experts suspect that high doses of estrogen, with or without a progestin, may increase the risk of ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancer. The risk may increase with prolonged use.

Hormone therapy occasionally causes a rise in blood pressure. If you have a blood pressure problem, use the patch with caution and have your pressure checked regularly.

If you suffer from liver problems or liver disease you may not be able to use hormone therapy.

If you are on hormone therapy you may need to have your thyroid medication adjusted and your thyroid tested more frequently.

Hormones also tend to cause fluid retention. If you have a condition that could be aggravated by excess fluid, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, heart disease, or kidney problems, use the patch with caution.