Estraderm MX

What is Estraderm MX?

Estraderm is an oestrogen-only HRT patch that releases oestrogen into the skin. This delivery method makes it quick and easy to use. You can get a month-long pack with eight patches, or a three month pack with 24 patches.

The active ingredient in Estraderm MX is estradiol, which is produced naturally in your body. It is also the strongest form of oestrogen.

How does Estraderm MX work?

Estraderm delivers estradiol through your skin. It’s a sticky patch that you wear for several days before you take it off and replace it with a new one.

Oestrogen-only HRT like Estraderm increases the levels of oestrogen in your body. This relieves post-menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats and sleeping difficulties. ^[1] It also protects you against osteoporosis, or weak bones, which can develop in some women after the menopause.

Who is Estraderm MX for?

Women who haven’t had a period for at least one year can take Estraderm MX to help decrease post-menopause symptoms.

Estraderm MX may be a more appropriate treatment option for women who have had a hysterectomy. Women who still have a uterus will need to take an additional progestogen alongside Estraderm, as oestrogen in isolation can cause the womb-lining to keep growing. Without a separate progestogen to manage this, it can increase your risk of endometrial cancer. The additional progestogen could come from a Mirena contraceptive ‘coil’ (or similar) or in the form of a gel or tablet.

How to use Estraderm MX

Beginning a HRT treatment should be easy. There are different guidelines ^[1]for how you should start your journey with Estraderm MX.

• If you have never been on HRT or don’t have a uterus, you can start Estraderm anytime.
• If you’re switching from a HRT with combined oestrogen and progesterone hormones everyday (continuous combined HRT), you can also start using Estraderm anytime.
• If you were on a HRT treatment with oestrogen-only and oestrogen combined with progestogen for some of the doses (sequential HRT), you can start taking Estraderm at the end of your cycle.
• If you still get a period, you should start using Estraderm within five days of the first day of your cycle.

When you’re ready to start taking Estraderm MX, remove the clear film from the patch and stick it on a hairless section of skin below your waist. Most patients choose their buttocks, but you can also place it on your lower back, hip, or abdomen. Hold it for about 10-20 seconds to make sure it’s stuck on properly. You’ll replace the patch every three or four days. It’s easiest if you designate the same two days to apply a patch, like Monday and Thursday or Wednesday and Saturday. Patches can’t be reused.

Don’t put Estraderm on or near your breasts or on broken or irritated skin. If you forget to replace your patch, put a new one on as soon as you remember. Keep switching your patches on the same days as before.

How well does Estraderm MX work?

Research into the effectiveness of Estraderm MX and other oestrogen-only patches is limited. Most studies measure effectiveness by the frequency of hot flushes while using HRT. Post-menopausal women who took HRT drugs experienced hot flushes 84% less often. ^[1]

Is there more than one dose of Estraderm MX?

Estraderm MX is available in four different doses and the amount of oestrogen absorbed through your skin varies with each dose:

• Estraderm 25 is a 0.75mg dose that releases 25mcg of estradiol each day.
• Estraderm 50 is a 1.5mg dose that releases 50mcg of estradiol each day.
• Estraderm 75 is a 2.25mg dose that releases 75mcg of estradiol each day.
• Estraderm 100 is a 3.0mg dose that releases 100mcg of estradiol each day.

If you are on Estraderm MX and your post-menopause symptoms aren’t easing, our clinician can increase your dose. If you’re experiencing side effects like redness, itching, breakthrough bleeding, or headaches, our clinician may reduce your dose. Just sign in to your account and send our clinician a message, and they can chat to you about changing your dose.