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Estraderm and Breastfeeding
Before using Estraderm, breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare providers about any potential risks. The hormone in the medication passes through breast milk, but probably in amounts that are too low to cause significant problems in nursing infants. The main concern with Estraderm and breastfeeding is that estrogen drugs have been shown to decrease the quality and quantity of breast milk.
Estraderm® (estradiol patch) is an estrogen medication. As with all estrogen medications, Estraderm is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Therefore, make sure to check with your healthcare provider before using Estraderm if you are breastfeeding.
This drug has been discontinued by its manufacturer and is no longer available. This was not due to any safety concerns but was a business decision. Other brands of estradiol patches remain available.
Research suggests that estradiol, the hormone in Estraderm, passes through breast milk. However, it passes through breast milk in amounts that are probably too low to cause significant or long-lasting problems in breastfeeding infants.
More importantly, estrogen medications have been shown to decrease both the quantity and quality of breast milk. It is for this reason that estrogen-containing medications (including Estraderm and many birth control pills) are usually not recommended for women who are breastfeeding.
You should talk with your healthcare provider about Estraderm and breastfeeding. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about Estraderm and breastfeeding that is right for you.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD