Climara Uses

Climara is used for treating menopausal symptoms and preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is also licensed to treat hormone deficiency in younger women whose ovaries do not produce enough estrogen (or who have had their ovaries removed). In the past, the estrogen medication was used off-label for other conditions as well, but these are no longer considered legitimate off-label Climara uses.

 

What Is Climara Used For?

Climara® (estradiol patch) is a prescription medication that contains an estrogen hormone in a skin patch. Climara 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.
     

Climara Use 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, Climara can help prevent these menopause-related bone changes. However, Climara is not risk-free, and it should only be used in women who cannot use other, non-hormonal medications for osteoporosis prevention. It is important to get enough calcium and vitamin D while taking Climara for this purpose.
 

Climara Use for Menopause

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
  • Mood changes
  • Urinary problems
  • Problems with concentration or memory
  • Less interest in sex and changes in sexual response
  • 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.
 
For menopause treatment, Climara should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period necessary.
 
(Climara Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;