Estraderm is a patch made up of an estrogen called estradiol. These patches are available in 0.025mg, 0.05mg and 0.1mg!

Estraderm is used primarily for reducing symptoms of menopause in women. Menopause usually occurs in women older than 40 between the ages of 47 and 53 when a woman’s period is no longer active (ovaries stop making estrogen and progesterone). Estraderm helps to relieve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, which is due to the low level of estrogen. Additionally, this medication can be used to help woman who do not make enough estrogen naturally and to prevent bone lone (osteoporosis) in woman following menopause. There may be safer medications for bone loss; this medication shouldn’t be used solely for bone loss purposes.

This medication works for these conditions as it replaces any loss estrogen and balances out the hormone levels.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Most prescription labels have the directions written on them for your convenience.

This medication is not to be taken by mouth. Use this product on your skin only. It may burn or sting if you get it in your eyes, mouth or nose.

This patch should be used at the same time every day and hands should be thoroughly washed before applying the patch.

Place the patch on clean, dry, healthy skin on the lower belly or upper buttocks.

Every time you apply a new patch, ensure it is in a different area than the previous patch, ensure an area doesn’t have a patch on it for more than 7 days straight.

Do not put this patch on skin that has any problems (infections or cuts), on the breasts, an area with hair, or on the waistline. If a patch falls off, do not put it back on; apply a new patch.

Do not wear more than one patch at a time.

When removing a patch, ensure you fold the used patch in half so the sticky sides stick together; discard in a place where pets or children cannot get to them.

Tell your doctor about all drug allergies you have, most importantly if you are allergic to Estraderm or any of its contents.

If you have ever suffered a serious or life threatening reaction called angioedema, ensure to tell your doctor the details about when you had this reaction.

You may need a dose adjustment or special instructions to follow if you have a bleeding disorder, blood clots, a higher risk of having a blood clot, breast cancer, liver problems or liver tumor, heart attack, stroke, or a tumor where estrogen makes it grow

If you have eyesight problems like loss of eyesight from blood vessel problems in the eye, tell your doctor before using Estraderm.

If you have thickening of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), unexplained vaginal bleeding, or if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, tell your doctor as you may not be able to take this medication.

Some people have ended up with hypertension after taking Estraderm. Ask your doctor about your risk of developing hypertension.

Do not smoke and try to limit your alcohol consumption while using this product.

Common side effects of Estraderm (estradiol) may include:

Headache. Hair loss. Upset stomach or throwing up. Constipation. Stomach cramps. Bloating. Enlarged breasts. Tender breasts.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Estraderm (estradiol) may include:

Eyesight changes or loss, bulging eyes, or change in how contact lenses feel. A lump in the breast, breast pain or soreness, or nipple discharge. Vaginal bleeding that is not normal. Depression or other mood changes. Memory problems or loss. Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed. Pain when passing urine. Swelling.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Signs to watch for:

Signs of liver problems - dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

Signs of gallbladder problems - pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; fever with chills; bloating; or very upset stomach or throwing up.

Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) - very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.

Signs of high blood pressure - very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.

Is this medication okay for children to take?

It is safe for children however it may stunt growth in young people; they made need to be regularly checked for growth progress.

What are these dark patches developing now that I’m on Estraderm?

Dark patches may appear on the skin of your face when exposed to too much sunlight or radiation while using Estraderm. Avoid this by wearing sunscreen, exposing little skin, wearing hats and other medications that may increase sensitivity to radiation.

What major medical condition interactions are involved with Estraderm?

The six major disease interactions involved with Estraderm include abnormal vaginal bleeding, carcinomas (estrogenic), hypercalcemia in breast cancer, hypertension, thromboembolism/cardiovascular, and hepatic neoplasms.

Is there any combinations I can mix with Estraderm to help the effectiveness of it?

Yes. This medication works best when used with calcium/vitamin D and weight-bearing workouts like physical therapy or walking.