Estraderm Uses

Estraderm is often used for treating menopause symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes. It is also approved to replace hormones in younger women whose ovaries do not work properly and to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In the past, off-label Estraderm uses included the prevention of heart disease and dementia. However, these are no longer considered legitimate off-label uses.

 

What Is Estraderm Used For?

Estraderm® (estradiol patch) is a prescription medication that contains estradiol (an estrogen hormone) in a skin patch that is changed twice weekly. Estraderm is approved for the following uses:
 
  • Treatment of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness
  • Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
  • Treatment of hormone deficiency in younger women whose ovaries do not produce enough estrogen.
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Estraderm 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.
 
For some women, menopause symptoms may be 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, Estraderm (like all hormone replacement medications) should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period necessary. In general, women should not be treated indefinitely.
 

Estraderm Use for Osteoporosis Prevention

Estrogen helps keep the bones strong, and the decrease in estrogen during menopause causes a significant weakening of the bones. Sometimes, this may result in osteoporosis. By providing estrogen, Estraderm can help prevent these menopause-related bone changes. However, Estraderm 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 Estraderm for this purpose.
 
(Estraderm Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;