Female hormone patch. Estradiol Transdermal Patch: A Comprehensive Guide to Uses, Side Effects, and Dosage
What are the primary uses of estradiol transdermal patches. How do they help with menopausal symptoms. What are the potential side effects and risks associated with estrogen therapy. How should the estradiol patch be properly applied and used. What precautions should be taken when using hormone replacement therapy.
Understanding Estradiol Transdermal Patches: Purpose and Function
Estradiol transdermal patches are a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) designed to deliver estrogen through the skin. These patches are primarily used to address symptoms associated with menopause and certain conditions related to estrogen deficiency. But how exactly do they work?
The patches contain estradiol, a form of estrogen that is bioidentical to the hormone produced naturally in the body. When applied to the skin, the patch releases a steady, controlled dose of estradiol into the bloodstream over a period of time, typically one week. This method of delivery helps maintain consistent hormone levels, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of menopausal symptoms.
Primary Uses of Estradiol Transdermal Patches
- Alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats
- Treating vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Managing symptoms of hypogonadism or primary ovarian failure
- Preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Is estradiol patch therapy suitable for all women experiencing menopausal symptoms? While many women may benefit from this treatment, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right option based on individual health history and risk factors.
Navigating the Application Process: How to Use Estradiol Patches
Proper application of estradiol patches is essential for optimal effectiveness and safety. The process involves careful placement and regular replacement to maintain consistent hormone levels. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using estradiol transdermal patches:
- Clean and dry the application area thoroughly
- Remove the patch from its protective packaging
- Peel off the backing to expose the adhesive side
- Apply the patch to the lower abdomen or upper buttocks
- Press firmly for about 10 seconds to ensure proper adhesion
- Replace the patch weekly, or as directed by your healthcare provider
Where should the estradiol patch not be applied? Avoid placing the patch on the breasts or on areas of skin that are oily, irritated, or likely to experience friction from clothing. Additionally, it’s important to rotate application sites to prevent skin irritation.
Potential Side Effects and Risks: What You Need to Know
While estradiol patches can be highly effective in managing menopausal symptoms, they are not without risks. Understanding the potential side effects and long-term risks associated with estrogen therapy is crucial for making informed decisions about treatment.
Common Side Effects
- Skin irritation at the application site
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Mood changes
Serious Risks
Can estrogen therapy increase the risk of certain health conditions? Yes, long-term use of estrogen, especially when combined with progestin, has been associated with an increased risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer (if estrogen is used alone in women with a uterus)
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart disease
These risks underscore the importance of using hormone therapy at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor for any potential complications.
Balancing Benefits and Risks: Making Informed Decisions
The decision to use estradiol patches or any form of hormone replacement therapy should be made carefully, weighing the potential benefits against the risks. For many women, the relief from severe menopausal symptoms can significantly improve quality of life. However, the long-term health implications must be considered.
How can women make informed decisions about hormone therapy? Consider the following steps:
- Discuss your symptoms and medical history thoroughly with your healthcare provider
- Explore alternative treatments for symptom relief
- Consider your personal risk factors for conditions like breast cancer and heart disease
- Understand the different types of hormone therapy available
- Regularly reassess the need for continued treatment
Are there non-hormonal alternatives for managing menopausal symptoms? Yes, lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, and certain medications can help alleviate symptoms without the use of hormones. These options should be explored, especially for women at higher risk of complications from hormone therapy.
Interactions and Precautions: Ensuring Safe Use of Estradiol Patches
Estradiol patches can interact with various medications and medical conditions, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Understanding these interactions and taking necessary precautions is crucial for safe and effective use of hormone therapy.
Potential Drug Interactions
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
- Thyroid medications
- Certain antibiotics
- Antifungal medications
- Seizure medications
Can estradiol patches affect the efficacy of other medications? In some cases, yes. Estrogen can alter the metabolism of certain drugs, potentially increasing or decreasing their effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking.
Medical Conditions Requiring Caution
Certain medical conditions may increase the risks associated with estrogen therapy. These include:
- History of breast or uterine cancer
- Blood clotting disorders
- Liver disease
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- History of stroke or heart attack
Women with these conditions should discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy carefully with their healthcare provider. In some cases, alternative treatments may be more appropriate.
Monitoring and Follow-up: Ensuring Long-term Safety and Efficacy
Regular monitoring is essential for women using estradiol patches to ensure the treatment remains safe and effective over time. This involves periodic check-ups, screenings, and open communication with healthcare providers.
Recommended Follow-up Schedule
- Initial follow-up: 3 months after starting treatment
- Regular check-ups: Every 6 to 12 months
- Annual physical exams
- Mammograms as recommended based on age and risk factors
- Bone density scans for women using estrogen for osteoporosis prevention
What should be discussed during follow-up appointments? These visits are opportunities to assess the effectiveness of the treatment, discuss any side effects or concerns, and reevaluate the need for continued hormone therapy. Healthcare providers may adjust dosages or recommend alternative treatments based on these discussions.
Signs to Watch For
Women using estradiol patches should be aware of certain signs that may indicate a need for immediate medical attention:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Breast lumps or changes
- Severe headaches
- Vision changes
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Leg pain or swelling
Prompt reporting of these symptoms can help detect and address potential complications early.
Alternative Treatments: Exploring Options Beyond Hormone Therapy
While estradiol patches can be effective for many women, they’re not the only option for managing menopausal symptoms or preventing osteoporosis. Understanding alternative treatments can help women make more informed decisions about their health care.
Non-hormonal Options for Symptom Relief
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, stress reduction)
- Herbal supplements (e.g., black cohosh, evening primrose oil)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for hot flashes
- Gabapentin or other medications for specific symptoms
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants for vaginal dryness
Are these alternatives as effective as hormone therapy? The effectiveness can vary widely among individuals. Some women find significant relief with non-hormonal options, while others may require hormone therapy for adequate symptom control.
Osteoporosis Prevention Alternatives
For women primarily concerned with preventing bone loss, several non-estrogen options are available:
- Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate)
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like raloxifene
- Denosumab
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Weight-bearing exercises
These treatments can effectively reduce the risk of osteoporosis without the potential risks associated with long-term estrogen use. However, they may not address other menopausal symptoms.
Future Developments: Advancing Hormone Replacement Therapy
The field of hormone replacement therapy continues to evolve, with ongoing research aimed at improving efficacy and minimizing risks. Understanding these developments can help women and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about menopausal treatment options.
Emerging Research Areas
- Bioidentical hormone formulations
- Tissue-selective estrogen complexes (TSECs)
- Novel delivery methods for hormone therapy
- Personalized medicine approaches to HRT
- Long-term studies on the effects of different HRT regimens
How might these developments impact future treatment options? As research progresses, we may see more targeted therapies that provide the benefits of estrogen while minimizing systemic effects and associated risks. This could lead to safer, more personalized approaches to managing menopausal symptoms and preventing osteoporosis.
The Role of Genetic Testing
Advances in genetic testing may play an increasingly important role in hormone replacement therapy:
- Identifying individuals at higher risk for hormone-related cancers
- Predicting response to different hormone therapies
- Guiding dosage and treatment duration decisions
- Assessing individual risk-benefit profiles for HRT
These developments underscore the importance of staying informed about new research and treatment options. Women considering or currently using estradiol patches should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers to ensure their treatment plan remains optimal as new information becomes available.
In conclusion, estradiol transdermal patches offer an effective option for managing menopausal symptoms and preventing osteoporosis in some women. However, the decision to use hormone therapy should be made carefully, considering individual health factors, potential risks, and alternative treatments. Regular monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers are essential for ensuring the safe and effective use of estradiol patches over time. As research in this field continues to advance, we can look forward to more personalized and potentially safer approaches to hormone replacement therapy in the future.
Estradiol Transdermal Patch: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
Warnings:
Estrogens, either used alone or with another hormone (progestin), have rarely caused very serious side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits of hormone treatment with your doctor. Estrogens should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia.
Estrogens can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Taking a progestin as directed by your doctor can help decrease this risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding.
In postmenopausal women, estrogens, taken with or without a progestin, increase the risk of cancer of the breast/ovaries, stroke, dementia, and serious blood clots. When used along with a progestin, estrogens also increase the risk of heart disease (such as heart attacks).
The risk for serious side effects may depend on the dose of estrogen and the length of time it is used. This medication should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest amount of time. Discuss the use of this medication with your doctor and check with him/her regularly (for example, every 3 to 6 months) to see if you still need to use this medication. If you will be using this medication long-term, you should have regular complete physical exams (for example, once a year) as directed by your doctor. See also Notes section.
Warnings:
Estrogens, either used alone or with another hormone (progestin), have rarely caused very serious side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits of hormone treatment with your doctor. Estrogens should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia.
Estrogens can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Taking a progestin as directed by your doctor can help decrease this risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding.
In postmenopausal women, estrogens, taken with or without a progestin, increase the risk of cancer of the breast/ovaries, stroke, dementia, and serious blood clots. When used along with a progestin, estrogens also increase the risk of heart disease (such as heart attacks).
The risk for serious side effects may depend on the dose of estrogen and the length of time it is used. This medication should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest amount of time. Discuss the use of this medication with your doctor and check with him/her regularly (for example, every 3 to 6 months) to see if you still need to use this medication. If you will be using this medication long-term, you should have regular complete physical exams (for example, once a year) as directed by your doctor. See also Notes section.
… Show More
Uses
This medication is a female hormone (estrogen). It is used by women to help reduce symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. If you are using this medication to treat symptoms only in and around the vagina, products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before medications that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected. This medication may also be used by women who are not able to produce enough estrogen (for example, due to hypogonadism, primary ovarian failure).Certain estrogen products may also be used by women after menopause to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). However, there are other medications (such as raloxifene, bisphosphonates including alendronate) that are also effective in preventing bone loss and may be safer. These medications should be considered for use before estrogen treatment.
How to use Estradiol Transdermal Patch 0.1 Mg/24 Hr
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Peel off the backing from the patch and apply the patch to a clean, dry area of the lower stomach or the top of the buttocks. Press the patch firmly in place for about 10 seconds to make sure it stays on. Do not apply the patch on the breast or on oily, broken, or irritated skin. Avoid applying the patch to areas of the skin where it might be easily rubbed off (such as the waistline). Use this medication as directed by your doctor. The patch is usually worn for 1 week and then replaced. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
When replacing your patch, make sure to apply the new patch to a different area. Wait at least 1 week before applying a patch to the same area. Fold the old patch in half with the sticky side together and throw away in the trash away from children and pets. Do not flush the patch down the toilet.
If a patch falls off, reapply it to a different area. If the patch does not stick completely, then apply a new patch and wear it for the rest of the 7-day period. Do not wear 2 patches at the same time.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, change the patch on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar as a reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Skin redness/irritation at the application site, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, or weight changes may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss), breast lumps, unusual vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged/recurrent bleeding), increased or new vaginal irritation/itching/odor/discharge, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, swelling hands/ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination.
This medication may rarely cause serious problems from blood clots (such as heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden/severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes (such as partial/complete blindness), pain/redness/swelling of legs, tingling/weakness/numbness in the arms/legs, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting.
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using estradiol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, certain cancers (such as breast cancer, cancer of the uterus/ovaries), blood clots, stroke, heart disease (such as heart attack), liver disease, kidney disease, family medical history (especially breast lumps, cancer, blood clots), family or personal history of a certain swelling disorder (angioedema), blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency), high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, obesity, lupus, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), mineral imbalance (low or high level of calcium in the blood), a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), uterus problems (such as fibroids, endometriosis), gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, a certain blood disorder (porphyria), mental/mood disorders (such as dementia, depression).
Do not smoke or use tobacco. Estrogens combined with smoking further increases your risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, especially in women older than 35.
Tell your doctor if you just had or will be having surgery, or if you will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time (such as a long plane flight). These conditions increase your risk of getting blood clots, especially if you are taking an estrogen product. You may need to stop this medication for a time or take special precautions.
This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur.
If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. It may affect their growth/development. Discuss the possible effects of this medication with the doctor, and monitor your child’s growth periodically.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
This medication passes into breast milk. It may reduce the quality and amount of breast milk produced. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole), fulvestrant, ospemifene, raloxifene, tamoxifen, toremifene, tranexamic acid.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including metyrapone test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Does Estradiol Transdermal Patch 0.1 Mg/24 Hr interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker
Overdose
This medication patch may be harmful if chewed or swallowed. If someone has overdosed, remove the patch if possible. For serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Do not share this medication with others.
Regular complete physical exams which include lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, breast exam/mammogram, pelvic exam, Pap smear) should be done while you are using this medication. Follow your doctor’s instructions for examining your breasts, and report any lumps right away. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Preventing or controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can help to reduce your chances of heart disease and stroke. Lifestyle changes that can help to control or prevent these diseases include reducing stress, eating a low fat/salt diet, losing weight if overweight, exercising regularly, and stopping smoking. Keep your mind active with mental exercises (such as reading, solving crossword puzzles) to help prevent dementia. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Lifestyle changes that may help reduce hot flashes include stopping smoking, dressing lightly or in layers, avoiding/limiting certain foods (spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol), reducing stress, and exercising regularly.
Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. Since you may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and make lifestyle changes, consult your doctor for specific advice.
If you forget to replace a patch at the scheduled time, replace it as soon as you remember. Do not use more than one patch at a time.
Store at room temperature. Do not remove the patch from the pouch until ready for use. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed (See How to Use section).
Images
Next
Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.
Available coupons
Save up to 80% on your prescription with WebMDRx
Drug Survey
Are you currently using Estradiol Transdermal Patch 0.1 Mg/24 Hr?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
The Benefits of the Estrogen Patch For Menopause
Overview
As women approach menopause, fluctuations and drop in ovarian hormones—particularly estrogen—can cause an array of uncomfortable and life disrupting symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and pain during sex.
The good news? Evidence shows that hormone therapy (HT) is the most effective therapy to manage the vasomotor symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. HT can also help mitigate other menopausal symptoms, including mood and sleep changes, brain fog, and low libido.
What is estrogen therapy?
Estrogen therapy, generally called hormone therapy (HT) when combined with a progestogen, is an effective treatment for menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms.
There are several types of estrogen made by the body that can be supplemented, including estrone (made primarily in the fat tissue), estradiol (the most potent estrogen present in the body before menopause made by the ovaries), and estriol (the weakest estrogen, primarily present during pregnancy).
Most women can safely begin taking estrogen therapy once they are in perimenopause or menopause and are displaying the symptoms of reduced or fluctuating estrogen. Your doctor can help you determine your eligibility based on your symptoms and some other key questions about your medical history. If your symptoms are bothering you, estrogen therapy is worth considering given its efficacy at diminishing menopause symptoms.
What is an estrogen patch and why would I need it?
An estrogen patch is a form of estrogen therapy used to manage symptoms associated with menopause. The hormone from the patch is absorbed through the skin and into the body to prevent and manage symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. If you’re looking for a way to manage and treat symptoms associated with menopause, the estrogen patch may be right for you.
Benefits of the estrogen patch
For many women, finding the right HT can be confusing, given that most menopause hormone therapies, including those at Evernow, are available in the form of a patch, pill, or cream. What’s more, some women may require estrogen-only therapy, while others will require a combination of estrogen and progesterone.
While it’s not the best choice for everyone, general benefits of the patch include:
- More direct form of estrogen delivery. In a 2017 study, researchers found that women on the estrogen patch had a ratio of estradiol to estrone (the two types of estrogen hormone) that was nearly identical to the ratio before menopause. Additionally, estradiol from patches is absorbed from the skin directly into the bloodstream. What’s more, when given an equal dose, the concentration of free estradiol in the blood of women using the patch was twice that of those who used the pill.
- It may significantly improve your libido. The same 2017 study also measured Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and found that women using the patch had a 7.2% improvement in their scores while the women using the oral estrogen experienced a smaller effect.
Most notably, at 18 months women on the patch experienced significant improvement in vaginal lubrication, pain during sex, and overall libido and desire. When compared with oral estrogen, the primary benefits were an increase in arousal and desire.
- It may also help protect against Alzheimers. One early research study suggests that estrogen patch may have a beneficial impact on cognitive biomarkers in comparison with the pill form of estrogen or placebos. Though more research is required to determine this relationship, data from the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) found that women who received the estrogen patch had the highest maintenance of brain volume in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that helps with memory, thinking, planning, and reasoning. These women were also more likely to have a lower amount of the amyloid plaque deposits that are related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Is the menopause patch safe?
Yes, both the pill and the patch have been shown to be safe and effective treatments for the symptoms of menopause. But when comparing the two, one study that followed 54,000 women for one year found that those who used estrogen patches were one-third less likely to develop blood clots in their legs or lungs.
Though there are some unique benefits of the estrogen patch, the science is clear: hormone therapy is safe and effective at providing relief from menopause symptoms, regardless of the form of delivery.
Why wouldn’t I use the patch?
The patch’s effectiveness requires it to stick to your skin. This works well for many, but women who swim frequently, sweat profusely, or soak in hot tubs and baths might not be great candidates for the patch.
Are there any risks or side effects to keep in mind?
The estrogen patch isn’t right for everyone. Women with certain medical conditions or predispositions will need to be assessed closely by a medical provider to determine their eligibility for HT, and type of HT. These risk factors are highly personalized and vary depending on a woman’s age, and her individual medical history.
A personal history of the following conditions could put you at risk for vascular complications on HT:
- Breast or uterine cancer
- Certain heart or vascular conditions—such as blood clots, stroke, heart attack, coronary heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension.
- Liver disease
- Gallbladder disease
- Lupus
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Screening for these risk factors is a standard part of the assessment for HT eligibility and treatment, including treatment with Evernow.
Sources
- Effects of Oral vs Transdermal Estrogen Therapy on Sexual Function in Early Postmenopause. (2017). https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2652573
- Estradiol. (2021). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/estradiol-transdermal-route/description/drg-20075306
- Estrogen. (2021). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538260/
- Hormone Replacement Therapy. (2020).
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/docs/Hormone-Replacement-Therapy.pdf
Local estrogens for vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women
Review question
The Cochrane researchers reviewed the evidence for the efficacy and safety of intravaginal estrogen preparations versus each other or placebo (inactive or sham treatment) in women treated for symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
Relevance
Vaginal atrophy is a common condition in postmenopausal women. This leads to vaginal dryness and itching, as well as pain during sexual intercourse. The female hormone estrogen is one of the treatments for vaginal atrophy, but can cause adverse effects such as thickening of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) due to endometrial hyperplasia or cancer (leading to vaginal bleeding) and breast pain . Estrogen preparations are available as oral tablets, skin patches, or subcutaneous implants. Alternatively, women can apply this hormone topically in the form of creams, pessaries (which are inserted into the vagina), or a special hormone-releasing ring that is inserted into the vagina. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of these topical estrogen preparations need to be evaluated.
Study profile
We found 30 randomized controlled trials comparing intravaginal estrogen preparations with each other or with placebo in 6235 postmenopausal women treated for symptoms of vaginal atrophy. The evidence is current to April 2016.
Main results
There was no evidence of a difference in the proportion of women reporting improvement in symptoms of vaginal atrophy when the following therapies were compared: estrogen ring vs estrogen cream, estrogen ring vs estrogen pill, estrogen tablet vs estrogen cream, estrogen cream vs estrogen gel isoflavones. However, a higher proportion of women reported improvement in symptoms when the following active therapies were compared with placebo: estrogen ring versus placebo, estrogen pills versus placebo, and estrogen cream versus placebo. When comparing estrogen pills versus placebo and using a random effects model to analyze the data, due to existing heterogeneity, there was no longer evidence of a difference in efficacy in reducing symptoms.
In terms of safety, a higher proportion of women treated with estrogen cream experienced an increase in endometrial thickness compared to those treated with estrogen ring, which could be due to the higher doses of cream used. However, there was no evidence of a difference in the proportion of women with increased uterine lining thickness when using estrogen tablets or estrogen cream.
Quality of evidence
The quality of the evidence was low, both for the improvement in symptoms reported by women and the increase in endometrial thickness. The main limitations of the evidence were the poor presentation of study methods and imprecision (i.e., estimates of effect with wide confidence intervals) in results for both outcomes.
Translation notes:
Translation: Chuprova Natalya Sergeevna. Editing: Ziganshin Airat Usmanovich. Project coordination for translation into Russian: Cochrane Russia – Cochrane Russia (branch of the Northern Cochrane Center on the basis of Kazan Federal University). For questions related to this translation, please contact us at: [email protected]; [email protected]
Register of Medicines of Russia RLS Patient 2003.
Other drugs of this pharmacological group are listed below. For more information, please visit www.rlsnet.ru.
[ Trade name (composition or characteristic) pharmacological action dosage forms company ]
Agnucaston (medicine of plant origin) hypoprolactinemic oral drops; tabl.p.o. Bionorica (Germany)
Aromasin (exemestane) antiestrogen, antitumor tabl.p.o. Pharmacia (USA)
Vero-tamoxifen (tamoxifen) antitumor, antiestrogen tab. Veropharm (Russia), manufacturer: Veropharm (Belgorod branch) (Russia) Schering (Germany)
Diane-35 (cyproterone + ethinyl estradiol) estrogenic, antiandrogenic, progestogen, contraceptive dragee Schering (Germany)
900 02 Duphaston (dydrogesterone) progestogen p. p.o. Solvay Pharmaceuticals (Germany), manufacturer: Solvay Pharmaceuticals (Netherlands)
Jeanine (dienogest + ethinyl estradiol) contraceptive dragee 9000 3 Schering (Germany)
Zitazonium (tamoxifen) antitumor, antiestrogen tab. Egis (Hungary)
Klimadinon (herbal product) estrogen-like, anticlimacteric oral solution; tabl.p.o. Bionorica (Germany)
Climaksan homeopathic (homeopathic remedy) vegetotropic, sedative gran. Materia Medica Holding (Russia), manufacturer: Materia Medica (Russia)
Klimara (estradiol) estrogenic patch-TDTS Schering (G Germany)
Klimen (cyproterone + estradiol) anticlimacteric, estrogenic, gestagenic, antiandrogenic Schering (Germany)
Climodien (dienogest + estradiol valerate) anticlimacteric, estrogenic, gestagen noe, antiandrogenic tabl. p.o. Schering (Germany)
Klimonorm (levonorgestrel + estradiol) anticlimacteric, estrogen-progestogen dragee Schering (G Germany)
Kliogest (norethisterone + estradiol) estrogen-gestagen tabl.p.o. . Novo Nordisk (Denmark)
Clostilbegit (clomiphene) antiestrogen tab. Egis (Hungary)
Logest (gestodene + ethinylestradiol) contraceptive dragee Schering (Germany)
Microgynon (levonorgestrel + ethinyl estradiol) estrogen-progestin, contraceptive dragee Schering (Germany)
Microlute ( levonorgestrel) contraceptive, progestogen dragee Schering (Germany)
Minisiston (levonorgestrel + ethinyl estradiol) estrogen-progestin, contraceptive dragee Schering (Germany)
Mirena (levonorgestrel) contraceptive, progestogen contra.in/mat. Schering (Germany)
Novinet (desogestrel + ethinyl estradiol) contraceptive, estrogen-gestagenic tabl.p.o. Gedeon Richter (Hungary)
Pauzogest (norethisterone + estradiol) estrogen-gestagenic tab.b.p.o. Gedeon Richter (Hungary)
Pencrofton tablets 0.2 g (mifepristone) antiprogestogenic tab. Pentcroft Pharma (Russia)
Postinor (levonorgestrel) contraceptive, progestogen, antiestrogen tab. Gedeon Richter (Hungary)
Primolut-Nor (norethisterone) gestagenic tab. Schering (Germany)
Provera (medroxyprogesterone) anticancer, progestogenic tab. Pharmacia (USA)
Progynova (estradiol valerate) estrogenic dragee Schering (Germany)
Regulon (desogestrel + ethinyl estradiol) contraceptive, estrogen-progestogen tab.p.o. Gedeon Richter (Hungary)
Rigevidon (levonorgestrel + ethinyl estradiol) contraceptive tab.