What are estradiol patches?
estradiol spots are placed on the skin to give the drugs estradiol transdermally or into the body through the skin. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a hormone that produces the body naturally. The physician may prescribe estradiol patches to menopausal women who cannot naturally earn enough of this hormone. Patches can also help prevent bone loss or osteoporosis. Those who use estradiol patches for osteoporosis should only use the lowest dose and must first try other drugs for osteoporosis. Women who only experience vaginal menopausal symptoms should consider the use of HRT, which is applied directly to the vagina. The use of estrogen hormones may increase the risk of uterine cancer, ovaries and breast cancer, as well as dementia, blood clots and stroke. These risks are increased in patients using hormone substitution therapy for long periods of time and large doses. A doctor may instruct the patient to wear a patch continuously or wear a patch for three týdnů, followed by one week of discontinued treatment. Each patch is used for one week before it is necessary to replace. Depending on the brand, they are usually worn on the lower abdomen, sides or buttocks. Patients must be careful not to touch the sides of the patch that point the fingers.
Some side effects may occur when using estradiol patches that should be reported to the prescribed physician if they become serious. These may include nausea, vomiting and flatulence along with constipation and heartburn. It is also possible to tender breast or pain, painful menstrual period and vaginal discharge. Other patients noticed changes in sexual desire, unusual hair growth and weight changes. Estradiol patches can also cause skin darkening, which can become permanent, along with overload, redness or skin irritation and wearing contact lenses.
More side effects require urgent care by a doctor. Patients should go to the hospital immediately if they experience uncontrollable movements, bulging eyes and jaundice. Fever, stomach pain or swelling and loss of appetite were also reported. This type of hormone substitution therapy can sometimes cause problems with breathing or swallowing, rashes or skin blisters and serious mental or moodic changes.
Before using estradiol patches, patients should publish their further health, medicines and supplements. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should never use it. Estradiol patches can also be contraindicated for use by those who have diabetes, epilepsy or endometriosis. Other medicines can interact, including antifungals, dexamethasone and St. John's Wort.