An estradiol patch is a type of estrogen hormone therapy used by women to help reduce the symptoms associated with menopause. This type of medication is applied as a transdermal patch directly to the skin and should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. An estradiol patch can cause side effects in some women. These should be discussed with a doctor if they occur.
Stomach Upset
Estradiol hormone therapy can cause some women to develop stomach upset. This typically subsides with continued use of an estradiol patch and can include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas or constipation, explains Medline Plus, a medical information website established by the National Institutes of Health. Appetite changes that may result in unintended weight gain or loss might also be experienced.
Flu-like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms can arise in certain women using an estradiol patch, explains PDR Health, a drug information website established by the publishers of the Physicians' Desktop Reference. Flu-like side effects can include headache, body aches, nasal congestion or cough. Talk with a doctor if these side effects persist or worsen during estradiol patch treatment as these symptoms can be indicative of an alternate medical condition.
Breast Pain
While using an estradiol patch, women can experience swelling or enlargement of the breast tissue. As a result of this side effect of treatment, some women may develop sensations of pain or tenderness within the affected breast tissue. In clinical trials for this medication, nearly 10 percent of patients receiving 0.05 mg of estradiol each day reported experiencing breast pain as a side effect of treatment, reports Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers.
Vaginal Irritation or Bleeding
Unusual vaginal irritation or bleeding can occur in some women who use an estradiol patch to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Women may experience vaginal itching, swelling or redness that occurs in conjunction with vaginal discharge, explains Medline Plus. If irregular bleeding in between menstrual periods occurs during estradiol patch use, contact a doctor.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Approximately 20 percent of patients receiving 0.05mg estradiol each day developed an upper respiratory tract infection during clinical trials, explains Drugs.com. Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection include cough, nasal congestion, sneezing or difficulty breathing. Talk with a doctor if any of these symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection develop while using an estradiol patch.
Skin Discoloration
Some women can experience unusual skin discoloration on the face or body as a side effect of estradiol patch use, explains Medline Plus. Darkening of the facial skin--a condition known as melasma--caused by estradiol patch treatment can be permanent in certain women.
Decreased Sexual Drive
Women using an estradiol patch can develop a decreased sexual drive (libido) as a side effect of treatment. Women may find it difficult to become aroused or orgasm during sexual stimulation.
Application Site Reaction
Use of an estradiol patch can lead to minor skin irritation at the site of application, reports PDR Health. Women may notice that the skin beneath the patch appears red, dry or inflamed.
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