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Estrogen Patch Side Effects

The FDA reports that the uses for the estrogen patch are far-reaching. This treatment is now being prescribed for hot flashes, osteoporosis and general symptoms of menopause. While the benefits are often great the side effects can be risky.

  1. Headache

    • Due to hormonal fluctuation, headaches may occur particularly in women who experience headaches in relation to their menstrual cycles.

    Weight Gain

    • Whenever a hormonal change is made the propensity to gain weight is common due to water retention. The University of Michigan Health System assures that this weight gain is typically less than five pounds a year.

    Swollen Breasts

    • Many women compare the swollen breasts they develop as the result of using an estrogen patch to the swelling that occurs during pregnancy.

    Stroke

    • Although rare it is important to realize that some of the estrogen patch side effects can be severe and life threatening. Stroke is the most common of these threats leading companies to issue warnings about potential strokes.

    Endometrial Cancer

    • Long term use of the estrogen patch may result in endometrial cancer or cancer of the womb.

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