Estradiol Patch
A compounded estradiol patch worn on the skin that a licensed provider may prescribe as part of a hormone therapy program, based on lab work and clinical evaluation. Compounded medications are not FDA approved.
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
See it before your first visit
Photographs of the medication as dispensed.
What it is
Estradiol is the main form of estrogen made by the body. A transdermal patch delivers it through the skin, so it does not pass through the digestive system. A licensed provider may prescribe it as part of a hormone therapy program, based on your symptoms, examination, lab results and health history.
This medication is compounded. It is prepared by a licensed pharmacy for an individual patient based on a prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA approved, which means the FDA has not evaluated their safety, effectiveness or quality.
How it works
The patch is worn on the skin and releases estradiol steadily over time. The hormone is absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream.
Estrogen supports many systems in the body, including bone, heart, brain, skin and sexual health. Your provider determines the dose and how often to change the patch, and adjusts them based on your lab results and how you respond.
What to expect
Treatment begins only after a provider reviews your symptoms, health history and lab results. Follow-up appointments and lab work are part of treatment for as long as you remain on therapy, and the dose may be adjusted over time.
Your provider will explain where to place the patch, how often to change it and how to rotate sites. Individual responses vary, and results are not guaranteed.
Who it is for
Whether estradiol is appropriate for you is a decision made by a licensed provider based on your symptoms, examination, laboratory results and health history. It is not appropriate for everyone, including people with certain cancers, blood clots or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
This page is general information and is not medical advice.
Side effects
Commonly reported side effects include skin irritation or redness at the patch site, breast tenderness, headache, nausea, bloating, mood changes and spotting or irregular bleeding.
Serious risks include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers. Contact your provider promptly about chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden vision changes, severe headache, leg pain or swelling, a breast lump, or unusual vaginal bleeding.
This is not a complete list. Ask your provider about the full prescribing information.
Read this before you start
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
Medication availability, formulation, packaging and pharmacy fulfillment vary based on the patient's prescription and location.
Boxed warning. Estrogen therapy has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disorders including stroke and blood clots, breast cancer and probable dementia. Estrogen therapy should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals, and your provider should review the need for treatment regularly.
Compounded medication. This medication is compounded by a licensed pharmacy and is not FDA approved. The FDA has not evaluated compounded medications for safety, effectiveness or quality. It is prescribed for an individual patient by a licensed provider.
Who should not use it. Estrogen should not be used by people with undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, known or suspected breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancer, a history of blood clots, stroke or heart attack, active liver disease, or who are pregnant.
Uterine protection. People who have a uterus and use estrogen generally need a progestogen as well, to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Your provider will advise you.
Monitoring. Your provider should monitor your health, blood pressure and relevant lab values during treatment.
Not medical advice. The information on this page is general and educational. It does not establish a provider relationship and does not replace a consultation with a licensed provider.
Common questions
Is the estradiol patch FDA approved?
No. This medication is compounded by a licensed pharmacy, and compounded medications are not FDA approved. The FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness or quality.
Why a patch instead of a pill?
A patch delivers estradiol through the skin instead of through the digestive system. Your provider can explain which form fits your situation.
Do I need lab work first?
Your provider reviews your symptoms, health history and any needed lab results before deciding whether treatment is appropriate. Follow-up care continues throughout treatment.
How do I use the patch?
Your provider will tell you where to place it, how often to change it and how to rotate sites. Do not change the schedule on your own.
What if I have side effects?
Contact your prescribing provider. Seek urgent care for chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden vision changes, or leg pain or swelling.
%20(1)%20(1)%20(1).png)