Estradot

What are Estradot patches?

Estradot is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that is prescribed for women to ease the symptoms of menopause.

Estradot comes as a patch that is applied to the skin for the active ingredient to be absorbed into the body. They are available in various doses, ranging from 25 micrograms to 100 micrograms. Your doctor will prescribe the dose they deem the most suitable for you to take.

To buy Estradot patches, you must have been prescribed them by a doctor.

What are Estradot patches used to treat?

Estradot patches are an oestrogen-only HRT treatment for the symptoms of menopause.

Menopause is a naturally occurring phase in a woman’s life that usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55. As menopause goes on, your ovaries will produce less oestrogen, which often leads to unpleasant symptoms that can make your daily life difficult.

Estradot contains estradiol as the active ingredient, which is a naturally occurring oestrogen. By using this patch, it can help to top up your oestrogen levels and alleviate many of the symptoms of menopause.

Estradot patches are sometimes prescribed as a preventive treatment for osteoporosis, which can affect some women after their menopause has ended.

Why is Estradot recommended for menopause symptoms?

Estradot has been used for many years to provide effective relief from menopause symptoms. 

Studies have also shown that this patch is unlikely to cause skin irritation, meaning you are unlikely to even notice you are wearing the patch. 

How does Estradot work?

Estradot’s active ingredient, estradiol, is a form of oestrogen. It works by supplementing the oestrogen that is lost during menopause and restoring your body’s oestrogen levels.

By raising your body’s oestrogen levels, the symptoms of menopause can be significantly lessened and you can lead a normal life.

This medication should only be used by women who have either had a hysterectomy or who are also taking a progesterone medicine at the same time. Taking an oestrogen-only HRT can cause excessive thickening of the womb lining, which can lead to serious health complications such as endometrial cancer.

Who can use Estradot patches?

Estradot is not suitable for everyone to use.

You should not use this treatment if you have any of the below:

• A blood clot in a vein or in the lungs
• Porphyria
• Any blood clotting disorders
• Untreated excessive thickening of the womb lining
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• You have or may have any oestrogen-sensitive cancers, such as cancer of the womb lining
• You have ever had a disease caused by artery blood clots, such as a stroke, angina or a heart attack
• You have ever had or may have breast cancer
• You are allergic to estradiol or any other ingredients contained in this medicine
• You have ever had a liver disease and your liver function tests are still abnormal

This list is not exhaustive. You should read the patient information leaflet for complete warnings. If you are unsure whether Estradot patches are suitable for you to use, speak to your doctor before you start to use them.

Can you buy Estradot patches over the counter?

Estradot patches can only be bought by women who have been prescribed them by their doctor and are not for sale over the counter.

Can you buy Estradot patches online in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Estradot online in the UK from registered pharmacies like Medicine Direct. This is a prescription-only medicine (POM), so before you can order it from our website, you will first need to have an online consultation. This involves completing a confidential questionnaire about your medical history and condition, which will be reviewed by one of our prescribers to make sure Estradot is suitable for you.

Estradot alternatives

Medicine Direct also stocks Evorel Conti patches, which contains both oestrogen and progestogen and should also be changed twice weekly. This medication is also a prescription-only medicine (POM).

Alternatively, we stock a range of oral HRT medications, which also work to supplement falling oestrogen levels. Some of the brands we have available include:

• Premique
• Femoston
• Zumenon
• Elleste Solo
• Elleste Duet

Visit the Hormone Replacement Therapy product page on our site to see the full selection of treatments available.

Estradot Indiacations and Dose

Use Estradot patches exactly as your doctor tells you. Read the patient information leaflet and speak to your doctor if you are unsure how to use them.

Estradot patches come in differing doses, ranging from 25 to 100 micrograms. Your doctor will always aim to prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.

How to use Estradot patches

Always use Estradot patches as your doctor has told you. Consult the patient information leaflet for a full list of instructions before you start to use them.

• If you are not using any other HRT medication, or if you have been using a continuous combined HRT, you can apply the first Estradot patch at any time.
• If you have been using a cyclical or sequential HRT and are changing over to Estradot, apply the first patch the day after your previous cycle is completed.
• If you no longer have a uterus, use Estradot without a break. You do not need to use a progestogen unless you suffer from endometriosis.
• If you still have a uterus, you will also be prescribed a progestogen, which should be taken for at least 12-14 days of each month. Estradot patches should still be applied without a break.
• During the first few months of treatment, you may experience some irregular spotting or bleeding. If this continues or you have any heavy bleeding, speak to your doctor.

Estradot should be changed every 3 or 4 days (twice a week). You should aim to replace it on the same two days of the week. Wear the patch all the time until it is time to change it over.

The below table provides a reference for when it should be changed:

How to apply the patch

Estradot patches should be applied to cool, dry and clean skin below the waist.

When you change the patch, it should be applied to a different area of skin.

1. Tear open the protective pouch and remove the patch.
2. Remove the protective backing before you apply the patch to the skin.
3. Apply the patch as soon as the protective backing is removed.
4. Hold the patch and peel off one side of the protective backing. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers.
5. Hold the remaining piece of protective backing as you stick the other side of the patch to your skin. Press the patch down and smooth it to ensure it is stuck down.
6. Remove the rest of the protective backing and apply the rest of the patch to your skin. Once the patch is in place, press down on it firmly with the palm of your hands for 10 seconds to make sure it is properly affixed.

When you change the patch, peel it off and fold it inwards so that the sticky sides stick to each other. Dispose of it in the rubbish bin out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not dispose of patches by flushing them down the toilet.

Where to apply the patch

The patch should be applied to your lower abdomen, below your waist.

Do not apply Estradot on or near your breasts.

When you change your patch, apply the new patch to a different area below the waist. A new patch should not be applied to the same area for at least a week.

Estradot patches should be applied to skin that is clean, cool and dry. Do not apply the patch to any cut or irritated skin, or to skin that has any oil, powders or lotions applied to it already.

Estradot Side Effects

Like all medicines, Estradot can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

The following side effects may occur in more than 1 in 10 people. If any of these reactions persist, speak to your doctor:

• Skin reaction at the site of application
• Breast pain and tension
• Menstrual pain
• Menstrual disorder
• Headaches

Common side effects

The side effects listed below may occur in up to 1 in 10 people:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Depression
• Feeling nervous
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Bloating
• Acne
• Rash
• Itching
• Dry skin
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Heavy periods
• Breast enlargement
• Fluid retention in the hands and feet
• Changes in weight
• Feeling weak
• Indigestion

Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.

Estradot Warnings

There are certain risks that arise from using HRT. You should speak to your doctor about these potential risks before you begin treatment.

Women using HRT are more likely to report the health problems listed below compared to women who are not using it:

• Stroke
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Heart disease
• Endometrial hyperplasia or cancer
• Blood clots in leg veins or lungs
• Memory loss if you begin HRT treatment over the age of 65

Because of the increased risk of cancer, it is very important you attend regular breast screenings and smear tests.

You must tell your surgeon or doctor if you are due to have an operation that you are using Estradot.

You should also inform your doctor that you are using Estradot if you are due to have any tests, as this medicine can alter results.

HRT medicines like Estradot will not provide contraceptive protection. If you are under the age of 50 or it has been less than one year since your last period, you may require extra contraception to stop getting pregnant.

Cautions with other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are already taking any other type of medication, including medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The below medicines may interact with Estradot and cause irregular bleeding:

• Medicines to treat HIV
• Medicines to treat tuberculosis
• Medicines to treat epilepsy
• Herbal remedies that contain St John’s Wort
• Anti-infective medicines like ketoconazole or erythromycin

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Estradot should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is solely for the use of postmenopausal women.

Contact your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while using Estradot.

Please refer to the patient leaflet, which will accompany your medicine, for comprehensive information on warnings and drug interactions.

Estradot Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Estradiol hemihydrate

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.