ESTRADERM PATCH (ESTRADIOL)

Description of Estraderm Patch

There are several reasons why women may require estrogen supplementation and menopause seems to top the list. If you are going through menopause and cannot deal with symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, ask your doctor about a prescription for the Estraderm Patch with Estradiol. This transdermal delivery system works great for many busy women that do not want to have to remember to take a pill each day as Estraderm Patch is only changed every three or four days and a steady dose of Estradiol (estrogen) is absorbed into your skin cells.

The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Once your hot flashes and other bothersome symptoms of menopause have stopped, some women may feel that they no longer need the estrogen boost. However, a low-dose Estraderm Patch can help reduce your risk of osteoporosis. If you have not maintained a healthy diet with a sufficient intake of vitamin D and calcium, you are at a higher risk for osteoporosis and a slip and fall could be devastating for you.

What is Osteoporosis?

You have two types of bone; cortical bone is the hard outside layer and trabecular bone is the internal spongy material. There are specialized cells in your body that keep a balance between new and old bone, called remodeling. As the osteoclasts break down bone and release calcium, osteoblasts deposit calcium to rebuild bone. With the decrease of estrogen, the osteoclasts continue removing old bone but the rebuilding from osteoblasts slows down. This results in net bone loss and greatly increases your risk of a fracture.

What Your Doctor Needs to Know

Discuss other medical conditions and allergies with your doctor and provide information about any Rx drugs you currently take or use, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This will help to determine if Estraderm Patch is right for your situation.

If you have not had a hysterectomy, your doctor may recommend taking a progestin as well. Some physicians believe that even with a hysterectomy, estrogen should never be taken unopposed and recommend taking progesterone as this may lower the risk of cancer.

What You Need to Know About Estraderm Patch

The dosage of Estraderm Patch may vary depending on what it is prescribed for. The symptoms of menopause usually last for about four years so depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may receive a slightly higher dose than if you are going to be using Estraderm Patch long-term for osteoporosis. Never wear two Estradiol Patches at the same time to increase your dosage if your menopausal symptoms are still intense. Do not cut an Estraderm Patch to make your supply last longer. Keep Estraderm Patches out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Estraderm Patch

• Skin irritation where patch is placed
• Bloating
• Headache
• Constipation