Alora® (estradiol patch) is a prescription medication that contains an estrogen hormone in a skin patch. Alora is approved for the following uses:
- Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Treatment of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness
- Treatment of hormone deficiency in younger women whose ovaries do not produce enough estrogen (or who have had their ovaries removed).
Alora Uses for Osteoporosis
Because estrogen helps to keep the bones strong, the decrease in estrogen during
menopause causes a significant weakening of the bones, often resulting in osteoporosis. By providing estrogen, Alora can help prevent these menopause-related bone changes. However, Alora is not risk-free and should only be used after other non-hormonal medications for
osteoporosis prevention have been seriously considered. Only women who are at significant risk for osteoporosis should take Alora for this use. It is important to get enough
calcium and vitamin D while taking the drug for this purpose.
Menopause is a normal change in a woman's life when she stops having her period. Technically, a woman has reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row and there are no other causes for this change.
Menopause symptoms include:
- Hot flashes (hot flushes)
- Night sweats and sleeping problems (including insomnia)
- Vaginal changes, such as dryness or irritation
- Changes in your period, including abnormal bleeding or "spotting"
- Thinning and weakening of your bones
- Problems with concentration or memory
- Less interest in sex and changes in sexual response
- Mood changes
- Urinary problems
- Weight gain or increase in body fat around your waist
- Hair thinning or loss.
For some women, these symptoms are quite severe and some form of
menopause relief may be necessary. This may include medications,
natural menopause relief remedies, or non-medical ways to deal with the symptoms. Alora is approved to treat moderate to severe vaginal symptoms and moderate to severe night sweats or hot flashes.
For
menopause treatment, Alora should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period necessary.
