Symptoms of menopause can be bothersome. Drenching night sweats, hot flashes, itchy, dry genitals and vaginal irritation are all possible side effects of diminishing estrogen levels. Estrogen patches may be prescribed to help treat these symptoms. Side effects may occur, although not every woman will experience every side effect.
Function
Estrogen patches are marketed under different brand names. Estradiol is the generic name of the form of estrogen that is dispensed through the patch, and this hormone helps to relieve symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness and irritation and hot flashes. Combined with calcium supplements, exercise and a healthy diet, these estrogen patches can also help prevent osteoporosis, according to Drugs.com. PDRhealth.com adds that in some cases in which adolescent girls do not mature properly, estrogen patches may be prescribed to give them the appropriate hormones for adequate growth.
Considerations
Prior to prescribing an estrogen patch, the physician should be made aware of any medications, vitamins or supplements the patient is taking, as well as any past or present medical problems. Patients with a history of blood clotting disorders, stroke or heart attack, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, epilepsy or endometriosis should notify the prescribing physician in order to avoid any possible adverse reactions, says PDRhealth.com. Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or who are breast-feeding should not be on the estrogen patch.
Side Effects
Drugs.com lists common side effects of the patch such as flu-like symptoms, anxiety, back pain, breast tenderness, depression, insomnia, indigestion, high blood pressure, weight gain and sinus problems. Redness or irritation on the skin where the patch is placed may occur; the patch needs to be put in a different spot every week to help minimize skin problems. The blood levels of certain medications may be altered while on estrogen and the effects of alcohol may be different while on this drug, says PDRhealth.com.
Risks
Estrogens have been found to increase the risk of developing breast, uterine and endometrial cancers, and it is important to get regular mammograms and pelvic exams while on this medication, says PDRhealth.com. Vaginal bleeding while on this medication should be reported to a physician immediately, as this may be a symptom of uterine cancer. There is also an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots in women taking estrogen or combination hormone therapies for five years, according to Drugs.com. The lowest effective dose of the estrogen patch should be prescribed to help minimize these health risks.
Warning
Certain side effects should be reported to a physician immediately and may warrant medical attention. These side effects include abdominal pain or swelling, abnormal vaginal bleeding, coughing up blood, vision changes, yellowing of the skin or eyes, chest or calf pain and sudden shortness of breath, says Drugs.com. Other side effects that may be a sign of a serious problem are difficulty with speech, breast lumps, severe headache or dizziness and weakness of an arm or leg.
