Estradiol Patch
A transdermal patch that delivers estradiol continuously through the skin, providing steady hormone levels with convenient once or twice-weekly application. Treats hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
3-month program available. Upfront payment: $375 ($125/month for 3 months).
Prescription required. Provided by board-certified physicians.
Description
Estradiol patches are a form of transdermal hormone replacement therapy that deliver bioidentical estradiol continuously through the skin into the bloodstream. As the most potent and biologically active form of estrogen, estradiol plays essential roles throughout the body including regulation of reproductive function, maintenance of bone density, support of cardiovascular health, cognitive function, mood stability, and tissue integrity.
Transdermal estradiol delivery offers several advantages over oral administration. By bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass hepatic metabolism, patches provide more stable and consistent hormone levels throughout the day, avoiding the peaks and troughs associated with oral medications. This steady delivery may reduce certain side effects and potentially offer a more favorable safety profile regarding cardiovascular and thromboembolic risks.
Estradiol patches effectively alleviate common menopausal symptoms including vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats), genitourinary symptoms (vaginal dryness and atrophy), sleep disturbances, mood changes, and can help prevent postmenopausal bone loss. For women with an intact uterus, estradiol must be combined with progesterone therapy to protect the endometrial lining.
What To Expect
Estradiol patches are applied to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen, upper buttocks, or hip area and are typically changed once or twice weekly depending on the formulation prescribed. Many women experience significant reduction in hot flashes and night sweats within 2–4 weeks of beginning therapy, with optimal symptom relief usually achieved by 8–12 weeks. Improvements in vaginal dryness, sleep quality, mood, and energy typically emerge gradually over 2–3 months.
Individual response varies based on baseline hormone levels, symptom severity, patch strength, and application consistency. Some women may experience mild skin irritation at the application site, which can often be minimized by rotating patch placement and ensuring the skin is completely dry before application.
How To Use
Apply one patch to clean, dry, hairless skin on the lower abdomen, upper buttocks, or hip area. Avoid applying to breasts, waistline, or areas where clothing may rub the patch off. Press firmly for 10 seconds to ensure complete adhesion. Change the patch on the same day(s) each week (either once or twice weekly as prescribed). Rotate application sites with each new patch, waiting at least one week before reapplying to the same area. Fold used patches in half (sticky sides together) and dispose of properly.
Safety Information
Estrogen therapy carries certain risks and is contraindicated in women with a history of breast cancer, estrogen-dependent tumors, active or history of blood clots or stroke, active liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Potential side effects may include application site reactions, breast tenderness, headache, bloating, or nausea. Women with an intact uterus must use progesterone in combination with estrogen to protect the uterine lining. Discuss your complete medical history and all risks and benefits with your provider before beginning estrogen therapy.