Estradiol Hormone Replacement

• Patch  – applied to a clean, dry and hair-free area of the lower stomach or upper buttocks area. Wear the patch at all times until it is time to switch. Read all of the directions and make sure you understand them.
• Spray – estradiol hormone replacement therapy as a spray comes in an applicator with pre-measured estradiol that you spray on the area between the elbow and the wrist.
• Gel – estradiol hormone replacement therapy as a gel comes in pre-measured applicator pump. This is applied to the inside and outside of your upper arm and shoulder.
• Pellet implant – estradiol hormone replacement therapy as a subdermal implant.  They are designed to maintain steady hormone levels over a 3 to 4 month period.

Estradiol hormone replacement benefits:

• Helps to relieve night sweats and hot flashes.
• Helps to relieve vaginal dryness, itching and burning
• Helps to relieve urinary symptoms
• May help prevent osteoporosis

Estradiol hormone replacement therapy precautions?

While using estradiol hormone replacement therapy it is important to continue regular visits with your GYN. These visits may include routine pelvic and breast exams and mammograms.

Using estradiol hormone replacement therapy has risk factors:

• It may increase the risk of blood clots, strokes and heart attacks.
• The risk for the above problems is greater if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, are overweight or smoke cigarettes.

Contact your GYN immediately if you:

• Feel confused
• Have difficulty speaking
• Have double vision
• Have headaches
• Can’t move your arms, legs or facial muscles

When used properly and with the supervision and management of a GYN, estradiol replacement therapy can benefit female health.