Estraderm

Among other Estradiol medication, Estradiol patch is the most preferred form of medication by many women. But even with its administering convenience, Estraderm patch also has drawback. Find out what these are and how to deal with them.

Estraderm patch is one popular brand of Estradiol patch. This drug is available in 100 mcg and 50 mcg quantities. The 50 mcg dosage however is the more prescribed medication by most health care experts. Estraderm patch is often an oval shaped patch that sticks to the patient’s skin through a special adhesive material. It also has a bubble-like reservoir where the estrogen is stored. Once applied, the estrogen contents are transferred to the body through the skin. The Estraderm patch can be placed on the buttocks, the lower ab or at the thighs. Estraderm’s patches beneficial effect takes place in less than 4 hours of application. Estraderm patch will have to be replaced with a new one usually after 3 to 4 days. As compared to other Estradiol patch brands, Estrogen in Estraderm patch is circulated incessantly throughout your system.

Estradiol is basically used as a treatment to maintain normal female functions. It’s a medication used to lessen the discomfort of menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, irritation and dryness in the vagina, night sweating and hot flashes. It also helps to prevent occurrence of osteoporosis in the body. Estradiol can be taken as an injectable form or tablet form. Because of the difficulty of administering Estradiol using injection, many patients have turned to transdermal applications such as Estraderm patch. Estraderm patch also lessens the side effects, although it does not necessarily eradicate the occurrence Estradiol side effects.

While Estradiol tablets are convenient to take, the occurrence of undesirable side effects are often felt soon. This is because the active contents of Estradiol tablets are not immediately absorbed by the body and must be metabolized first by the liver. This process causes the initiation of first stage side effects. In transdermal Estradiol medication like Estraderm patches, metabolism in the liver is bypassed.

Estraderm patches are easy to apply but then careful and proper ways of sticking the patch to the skin must be observed. Ask your doctor or a health care professional on the appropriate ways of applying Estraderm patches. Follow the instructions given by you. Read more directions written on the label of the patch. Not all days though are safe for Estraderm patching with estrogen component only, so make sure to ask your doctor or a health care expert on which part of the month is good for patching with both estrogen and progestin components.

Although you can easily place the patch anywhere in the buttocks, thighs or the abdominal area, you have to stay away from any of the three areas where skin is most sensitive. The adhesive on the patch contains an element that may be irritating to your skin. According to experienced users, skin irritation usually occurs on the lower ab area. With severe irritation, continuing use of Estraderm patch on sensitive skin may develop welts and blotches around the patch or under it. If such irritation occurs, move patch site to another location, preferably your thighs or buttocks. To prevent irritation, you can use cortisone cream with Vitamin E.

Another noticeable problem with Estraderm patch is that its edges roll of over time which can lead to peeling off of patch. Don’t change your patch though if it isn’t time yet to change. To prevent edge roll off, try not to touch more of the adhesive part of the patch when you apply it. Clean first and dry the area where you will place the patch. Look for skin areas where hair is less.

Despite irritation side effects of Estraderm patch, still it’s a good Estradiol medication for many. Remember always to change the patches regularly. Visit your doctor to examine the progress of your medication.