Things to Consider with Estrogen Patch

Estrogen patches are used to treat and reduce the risks of the symptoms that are caused by menopause. Other doctors prescribe it for people who have low levels of Estrogen. However, the dosage that a person should apply always depends on the doctors recommendation.

Each of the patches is sealed individually in a protective pouch. You can also apply this directly to the skin though some patches require a base medicine. The product is sealed tightly and once opened you need to use it immediately.

There are various types of Estrogen patches that are suited for your individual needs and depending on the type of disorder that you complaint as well. This is not advisable to apply on the breast area due to some possible complications.

If there are times that you fail to apply the patch in the affected area make sure that you will still apply it as soon as you remember. But do not dare to apply the patch more than the prescribed because it can cause some side effects. Most often, instead of treating you, it can worsen the condition.

The doctor will determine if the use of Estrogen patch will be safe for you. They will advise you to undergo a check up first before you will be given the prescription. Some of the patients can be prone to more side effects especially if Estrogen patches are not suited for them.

Most common side effects of Estrogen patches are skin irritation, back pain and sometimes headache. Sometimes you will also experience bloating and abdominal cramps but these are very rare side effects.

People most particularly the women are aware about the fact that Estrogen patches can cause uterus or ovarian cancer. This is especially in the case of people who are recommended to undertake a long term Estrogen treatment.

On the other hand, study shows that Estrogen patches reduce the risk of heart diseases but it is not strongly recommended for people to use it as an alternative for heart diseases because there is no sufficient proof supporting the study yet. These are mere presumptions and theories of some scientists.

The use of Estrogen patches is prohibited for the pregnant women and even after giving birth. This is because it can increase the risk of some reproductive tract problems that cannot only affect the mother but as well as the child inside the womb. Take this kinds of consideration at all times.

Possible Side Effects of Taking Estrogen Hormone

Estrogen hormone is a group of compounds called steroid. It is dubbed as estrogen because of its big importance in the oestrus cycle. The main function of it is, as female sex hormone.

This hormone is found in both men and women but women of reproductive age have high levels of it. Estrogen hormone helps in developing the breast of the women, thickening of the endometrial, affects the discharge of hormones from pituitary gland and changing the menstrual cycle.

There are a total of six estrogenic substances in the womens body. However, there are only three top occurring estrogens in women namely: estrone, estradiol and estriol.

1. Estrone this is the most powerful among the three. This is the main estrogen being produced in the ovary.

2. Estratiol this is the most common estrogen. It is adapted to estrone. This is the most powerful estrogen produced by the ovary before menopausal stage.

3. Estriol – this is the least powerful among the three.

Since these estrogen hormones can be taken, they have the same effects and side effects especially if the doses are the same. The hormones should not be used when a woman is pregnant because it can lead to miscarriage. If taken at the earlier stage of pregnancy, it can badly harm the developing fetus.

For most senior women, they take the hormone even without any preventive measures. What they do not know is the risk of its side effects increases as they become older and older.

What are the possible side effects when a woman takes an estrogen hormone? The most common side effects with estrogen hormone are:

Softness of the breast, either men or women
Inflammation of the ankles and legs
Lesser cravings for food
Sudden changes in weight
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pains
Skin Irritation

Other side effects are:

Bleeding gums
Vaginal bleeding and spotting
Changes in menstrual flow
Painful menstruation
PMS or the pre-menstrual syndrome
Vaginal infection such as Candida
Diarrhea
Loss of scalp hair
Migraine
Faintness
Despair
Increased sexual desires
Decreased sexual desires

Rare side effects include:

Blood clotting
Sudden feeling to urinate
Unclear speech
Changes in vision
Breathlessness

Estrogen hormone should always be balanced. When a woman has an imbalance or has a lesser count of hormone, chances are, she has an irregular menstrual cycle. This is the reason why there are women who resort to different estrogen hormone therapy just in order to make her hormone balance.

Though this is important still, women should be aware of its side effects before taking it.