Oestrogen patches for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)

Key points about oestrogen patches

  • Oestrogen skin patches are used for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).
  • Examples of oestrogen patches include Estradiol, Estradot and Estraderm MX.
  • Find out how to use them safely and possible side effects.
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Oestrogen patches are used as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) to replace oestrogen.

  • Your ovaries are no longer making oestrogen during perimenopause and after menopause.
  • The hormone from the patch is absorbed through your skin and into your body to prevent and manage menopausal symptoms. Read more about menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

  • If you haven't had a hysterectomy (operation to remove your uterus), you must take another type of hormone called a progestogen as well as using the oestrogen patches. Adding progestogen helps to protect the lining of your uterus. If you haven't been asked to take a progestogen, talk to your doctor.

Note: Oestrogen is also available as tablets or vaginal cream or pessaries. The information on this page is only about oestrogen skin patches. Read more about oestrogen vaginal cream or pessaries or oestrogen tablets.

Ongoing supply issues 

Since 2022, demand has more than doubled for oestrogen patches resulting in ongoing supply issues across the world. Pharmacies only receive a small allocation of patches every week to make sure the supply available is evenly spread across Aotearoa New Zealand. Levels of stock available change quickly. Read more about Oestradiol (Estradot) patches – supply issue.(external link)


Which oestrogen patches are available in Aotearoa New Zealand

In Aotearoa New Zealand examples of oestrogen patches include Estradiol, Estradot and Estraderm MX.

  • Oestrogen patches are available in different strengths.
  • The strength of the patch will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best dose for you.
  • Some patches, eg, Estradot and Estraderm MX are applied twice a week, every 3 or 4 days.
  • It takes a few weeks before you notice improvement in your menopausal symptoms after treatment with an oestrogen patch. But this can vary from person to person.

Pros

Oestrogen patches are effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. They are convenient because they only need to be applied once or twice a week and you don't have to remember to take a pill every day. The risk of some side effects such as blood clots is lower with patches compared with oestrogen tablets.  

Cons

The patch works well for many people, but it may not be a suitable option if you swim frequently, sweat profusely, or soak in hot tubs and baths. Also, the patch itself might irritate the skin where you apply it.

  • Placement of the patch: The best place to apply oestrogen patches is on your lower abdomen (tummy/puku) or buttocks. Don't apply the patch to your breasts. Don't put the patch on your waistline where tight clothes may rub it. Avoid putting the patch on areas where the skin is hairy or folded. 
  • Before applying the patch, make sure your skin is clean and dry. Don't apply the patch to oily, broken or irritated skin. 
  • When applying the new patch, press the patch firmly in place for about 10 seconds. Make sure the patch sticks well, especially around the edges. Remove the old patch and put the new patch on a different area. Don't put the patch on the same area of skin for the next few applications.

Cutting patches

Ideally, patches shouldn't be cut but, due to supply issues and shortages, it's sometimes necessary to cut them. Your pharmacist will tell you if your patch can be cut and if the rest of the patch can be used later. Here is some guidance when cutting patches:

  • Cut the patch diagonally from corner to corner. For round patches, fold in half and cut along the folded line.
  • If the other half can be used for the next dose, store it in an airtight plastic bag at room temperature for up to 1 month, 

Other tips

  • Some procedures such as an MRI scan may overheat the patch and burn the skin. Talk to your healthcare provider before your procedure.
  • Avoid lotions or perfumes on areas where you stick your patch as it may stop the patch from sticking properly.
  • Read more about the safe use of medicine patches.

Every person is different and the length of time you'll have menopausal symptoms is unknown.

People who go through menopause before 45 years are advised to take oestrogen therapy until the average age of menopause – around 50 years of age.

It’s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to assess whether ongoing oestrogen is right for you. Most people stop taking it after a few years, when their symptoms resolve. It's usually best to reduce menopausal hormone therapy gradually rather than stopping it suddenly. This may reduce the risk of menopause symptoms returning.

Menopause
Menopausal hormone therapy
Menopausal non-hormone therapy

The following links have more information on MHT. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from New Zealand recommendations.

Menopause (external link)Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
Menopause health information(external link) Australasian Menopause Society
Menopause and HRT(external link)  Patient Info, UK

References

  1. Oestrogen only menopausal hormone therapy(external link) Australasian Menopause Society
  2. Estrogens and management of menopausal symptoms(external link) New Zealand Formulary
  3. Can transdermal patches be halved?(external link) Christchurch Medicines Information Service

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Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

Reviewed by: Angela Lambie, Pharmacist, Auckland.

Last reviewed:

Page last updated:

Read more at: https://healthify.nz/medicines-a-z/o/oestrogen-patch/
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