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Estradiol patch
Estradiol patch delivers estrogen through the skin to replace or supplement endogenous estrogen levels.
Estradiol patch delivers estrogen through the skin to replace or supplement endogenous estrogen levels. Used for Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats), Moderate to severe menopausal vulvar and vaginal atrophy, Hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure.
At a glance
| Generic name | Estradiol patch |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Vivelle, transdermal17-beta-estradiol, estrofem 2 mg tablet, Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark, Climara 50 mcg/day, Micronized Estradiol |
| Sponsor | University of Virginia |
| Drug class | Estrogen replacement therapy |
| Target | Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Endocrinology / Women's Health |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The patch formulation provides transdermal delivery of 17β-estradiol, the primary endogenous estrogen, which binds to estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) throughout the body. This activates estrogen-responsive genes involved in reproductive, cardiovascular, bone, and central nervous system function. The transdermal route bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism, providing more stable hormone levels compared to oral formulations.
Approved indications
- Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)
- Moderate to severe menopausal vulvar and vaginal atrophy
- Hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure
- Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Common side effects
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Skin irritation at patch site
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Abdominal pain or bloating
Key clinical trials
- Menopausal Hormones and Sympathetic Activation (PHASE4)
- Romosozumab as an Adjunct to Physiologic Estrogen Replacement in Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (PHASE3)
- Hormone Replacement Therapy in Adolescents With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (PHASE3)
- Estradiol Supplementation and Rotator Cuff Repair (PHASE2)
- Estrogen to Improve Quality of Life for Men With Newly Diagnosed or Recurrent Metastatic Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer, EQUIP Trial (PHASE2)
- Intrauterine Stent Placement Following Hysteroscopic Septum Resection (NA)
- Silicone Gel vs. Estrogen Vaginal Cream for the Management of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (NA)
- Impact of Estradiol on Endothelial Function in Peri-Menopausal Women (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |