Estradiol Absorption Patch Vs. Cream

If you are considering replacing your hormones at menopause, you can choose synthetic estrogen and progesterone drugs, with their related health risks, or bioidentical (natural) hormones, which have fewer risks. Bioidentical hormones, made from wild yams, are identical to a woman’s hormones. If you choose to use bioidenticals, ask your doctor to customize dosages for one of the estrogens, such as estradiol, by patch or a cream dispensed as a gel through a convenient pump, and also for natural progesterone to oppose any risks posed by the estradiol.

Significance

• At some age, you may experience possible menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, lack of urinary control and vaginal dryness. If you do, estradiol patches or creams (gels) applied to the skin can improve these conditions.

Features

• According to Finnish scientists reporting in the journal "Maturitas" in 2001, there was no significant difference in estradiol absorption after womens’ use of patches vs. gels. In addition, G. Samsioe, in the periodical "Climateric" in 2004, indicated that patches and gels are equally effective in treating menopausal symptoms.

Convenience

• According to Samsioe, patches may cause skin irritations, and, therefore, gels have been developed for convenience.

Treatments

• You can purchase custom bioidentical formulas at compounding pharmacies.You can also choose from the following FDA-approved conventional drugs: Climara and Vivelle-Dot estradiol patches, EstroGel topical gel, Estrasorb topical emulsion and Prometrium (natural progesterone) capsules. Skin patches and gels are applied to the belly or inner arm. Follow label directions.

Considerations

• If your physician prescribes only conventional drugs, or no drugs at all, for menopausal symptoms, you can first locate a compounding pharmacy through the Internet, and then ask a pharmacist there for the names of physicians who prescribe estradiol patches or gels.