Estrogen Patches

Overview

About Estrogen Patches

If you suffer from endometriosis, a condition where the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) doesn't shed properly and attaches to the outside of the uterus or other areas such as the ovaries or bowels, hormone therapy may cause a worsening of this condition.

Because estrogen can increase triglyceride levels, you'll need to be closely monitored if your triglycerides tend to be high. If you have diabetes, estrogen may also affect your blood sugar levels.

Estrogen therapy occasionally causes abnormal uterine bleeding or breast pain. In view of concerns about cancer, you should have these symptoms checked by your doctor. In general, you should not take estrogen for more than 1 year without a follow-up physical exam. Ideally, you should have a checkup every 3 to 6 months.

Women who take oral estrogen after menopause face a two- to fourfold increase in the odds of gallbladder disease.

In elderly women, estrogen therapy could increase the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this drug.

For teenagers who fail to mature at the usual rate, large doses of estrogen taken for an extended period may affect growth. In girls, it may cause the early start of menstruation or early breast development.

While taking estrogen, get in touch with your doctor right away if you notice any of the following:

Abdominal pain, tenderness, or swelling
Abnormal bleeding of the vagina
Breast lumps
Coughing up blood
Difficulty with speech
Pain in your chest or calves
Severe headache, dizziness, or faintness
Skin irritation, redness, or rash
Sudden shortness of breath
Vision changes
Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Estrogen Patches

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If you take certain other drugs while using estrogen, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking the following:

Alcohol
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and secobarbital
Blood thinners such as warfarin
Cimetidine
Clarithromycin
Dantrolene
Epilepsy drugs such as carbamazepine and phenytoin
Erythromycin
Grapefruit juice
Itraconazole
Ketoconazole
Rifampin
Ritonavir
St. John's wort
Steroids such as prednisone
Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and imipramine

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

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Estrogens should not be used during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth. Use of estrogens during pregnancy has been linked to reproductive tract problems in the children. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Estrogens decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage for Estrogen Patches

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If you are a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, progestin may be prescribed as well in order to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Your doctor will determine the dosage that is right for you. Typically, hormone replacement therapy should be started at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest duration needed to relieve your symptoms. You should be evaluated every 3 to 6 months.

ALORA AND ESTRADERM

The usual starting dose is one 0.05-milligram patch applied to the skin 2 times a week. (For osteoporosis the doctor may prescribe a 0.025-milligram patch.)

CLIMARA

The usual starting dose is one 0.025-milligram patch applied to the skin once a week. (For osteoporosis, the doctor may prescribe a 0.025-milligram patch.)

ESCLIM

The usual starting dose is one 0.025-milligram patch applied to the skin 2 times a week.

VIVELLE AND VIVELLE-DOT

The usual starting dose to relieve symptoms of menopause is one 0.0375-milligram patch applied to the skin 2 times a week. (For osteoporosis, the doctor may prescribe a 0.025-milligram patch.) The patch may be used continuously, or left off every fourth week.