Menopause Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Estraderm
Estraderm is an estrogen medication that is available by prescription. It is approved for treating menopause symptoms, preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and treating hormone deficiency in younger women whose ovaries do not work properly. The product comes as a skin patch that is applied to the trunk twice weekly. While most women tolerate it well, potential side effects include headache, breast pain, and spotting.
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.
Estraderm® (estradiol patch) is a prescription hormone replacement medication that contains an estrogen (without a progestin). It comes as a patch that is applied to the skin twice a week and is approved for the following uses:
- Treating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness
- Preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Replacing hormones in younger women whose ovaries do not work properly (or who have had their ovaries removed).
(Click Estraderm Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Estraderm is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD