Estradot Patches (25, 50, 75 & 100)

What is Estradot?

Estradot provides hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of an oestrogen patch applied to the skin, and is used by postmenopausal women with at least 12 months since their last natural period. Throughout the menopause, women start to produce less oestrogen, which can lead to symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and insomnia. Estradot patches help to relieve these symptoms.

Estradot is an oestrogen-only HRT that should only be used by women who have had a hysterectomy or are taking a separate progesterone (or have a Mirena coil fitted).

After the menopause, women also become more likely to develop osteoporosis – fragile bones. If your doctor believes you’re at an increased risk of fractures, you may be prescribed Estradot patches to help prevent osteoporosis from developing.

Estradot patches can only be provided online to women who have had them initiated by their doctor, have had a recent review, and are up to date with their required screening.

Menopause symptoms

As women age, their ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen. This hormonal imbalance can lead to some uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms, including:

• Insomnia
• Hot flushes
• Mood swings
• Osteoporosis
• Excessive sweating
• Dry vagina, mouth or eyes

Estradot medication works by restoring the hormonal balance in the body, reducing or preventing menopausal symptoms from occurring. The patches are oestrogen-only (not combined with progestogen), which makes them more suitable for women who have had a hysterectomy.

Recommended dosage

Estradot patches come in various strengths: 25, 50, 75 and 100 micrograms. The strength you should use will be determined by your GP or consultant when they are first prescribed to you. Unless advised otherwise, the standard dose is to apply one fresh patch twice a week. Never use more or less than your doctor recommends.

The pros and cons of HRT

As with many forms of medication, there are pros and cons surrounding the use of HRT. If in doubt, discuss your circumstances with your doctor or pharmacist.

Pros:

• Relieves symptoms of the menopause
• No significant impact on general health or quality of life
• Can be used to prevent osteoporosis

Cons:

• Not suitable if you’ve had blood clots, heart disease, stroke or breast cancer
• May make existing heart conditions worse
• May induce side effects such as headaches, nausea and breast tenderness

Benefits of HRT patches

What makes HRT patches different to tablets and gels? The benefits of using the patch are not vastly different to taking HRT in tablet form, so to some extent, it depends on your preference. The patch contains hormones that are absorbed through the skin, allowing you to receive hormone replacement without taking tablets by mouth – and likewise for the gel. Some doctors believe it’s preferable for hormones to absorbed through the skin, thereby avoiding the liver.

Estradot patches contain only oestrogen, rather than a combination of oestrogen and progesterone, and so are only recommended if taken in tandem with progesterone, or for women who’ve had a hysterectomy. This is because oestrogen-only HRT is linked to an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

HRT patch reviews claim that Estradot patches are “very strong and stick well”, as well as being smaller than most other HRT patches.

HRT patches and weight gain

While some say that HRT is a cause of weight gain in women, research suggests that this is not the case. After menopause, women are likely to gain more weight on their belly than on their hips and thighs – HRT can potentially help women to lose this unwanted fat.

How to use Estradot patches

Estradot patches should be used as directed by your doctor or pharmacist – check if you’re not sure. You will be prescribed the lowest possible effective dose to treat your symptoms, for the minimum amount of time required.

If you’ve never used oestrogen patches or tablets before, you can start using the patches right away. If you’re changing over from a combined HRT treatment, you should start wearing the patches the day after you finish your previous cycle.

Your Estradot patch should be replaced twice weekly. On the back, you’ll find calendar checklist to help you stay on schedule. Each patch should be worn continuously until it is replaced. Bathing, swimming, showering or exercising should not affect the patch if it has been correctly applied.

Apply the patch to the lower abdomen, just below the waistline. They should never be applied to, or near, the breasts. Each time you change your patch, apply it to a new area. Before application, ensure that your skin is clean, unbroken, and free of powders, oils and moisturisers.

Estradot ingredients

Depending on what strength you’re prescribed, Estradot patches contain varying levels of estradiol (hemihydrate). Additional ingredients include:

• Acrylic adhesive
• Silicone adhesive
• Oleyl alcohol
• Dipropylene glycol
• Povidone (E1201)

Allergen information: The manufacturer advises that Estradot may contain soy protein.

Estradot side effects

Not everybody will experience side effects while using Estradot patches. Those who do, around 1 in 10, will most likely encounter one of the following:

• Headache
• Breast pain
• Skin irritation
• Menstrual pain
• Menstrual disorders

Note that the following diseases are reported more often in women using HRT:

• Stroke
• Breast cancer
  
• Heart disease
• Ovarian cancer
• Endometrial hyperplasia or cancer
• Memory loss (if over the age of 65)

If you experience any of the following symptoms while using HRT patches, stop using Estradot and seek immediate medical attention:

• Jaundice
• Painful periods
• Breast changes
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden chest pain
• Migraine headaches
• Painful swelling and redness of the legs
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Chest pain that spreads to your arm or neck

Estradot warnings

The use of HRT – whether you choose tablets or patches – carries risks that should be considered when deciding whether to start using it. In your online consultation, you will be asked about your personal and family medical history. After starting treatment, you should see your doctor for regular check-ups and breast screening.

Do not use Estradot if you have ever had:

• Porphyria
• A blood clot
• Liver disease
• Breast cancer
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Oestrogen-sensitive cancer
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

Should the above conditions occur for the first time while using Estradot medication, stop using it.

Furthermore, stop using Estradot and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Jaundice
• Migraine-like headaches
• Increased blood pressure (symptoms include headaches, tiredness, dizziness)
• Signs of a blood clot (painful swelling and redness of the legs, sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing)

You should not use Estradot during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Note that Estradot is for use in postmenopausal women only. If you do become pregnant, stop using Estradot and contact your doctor.

For a full list of warnings and side effects, please see the patient information leaflet contained within the product packaging.