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Estrogen patch
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<p>An estrogen patch, or oestrogen patch, is a <a href="/facts/Transdermal/zFITIEjd">transdermal</a> delivery system for <a href="/facts/Estrogen_(medication)/mSKFraNu">estrogens</a> such as <a href="/facts/Estradiol_(medication)/a8tPPllE">estradiol</a> and <a href="/facts/Ethinylestradiol/aYRGLz8n">ethinylestradiol</a> which can be used in <a href="/facts/Menopausal_hormone_therapy/d3KW80rn">menopausal hormone therapy</a>, <a href="/facts/Feminizing_hormone_therapy/casqjU0p">feminizing hormone therapy</a> for <a href="/facts/Transgender_women/3g9BWBmA">transgender women</a>, <a href="/facts/Hormonal_birth_control/xVw5DPGT">hormonal birth control</a>, and other uses. Transdermal preparations of estrogen are <a href="/facts/Metabolism/WxDrm8k5">metabolized</a> differently than <a href="/facts/Oral_administration/vNQcvLVx">oral</a> preparations. Transdermal estrogens avoid the <a href="/facts/First-pass_metabolism/jfDsbq7S">first pass</a> through the <a href="/facts/Liver/Rtp4Fk2b">liver</a> and thus potentially reduce the risk of <a href="/facts/Blood_Clotting/vnfEevM0">blood clotting</a> and <a href="/facts/Stroke/DwpjdzY0">stroke</a>. </p><p>An estrogen patch is applied directly to the skin, preferably near the lower abdomen, hips, or buttocks, and is usually changed once or twice per week. For women who have not undergone a <a href="/facts/Hysterectomy/WneLXgCu">hysterectomy</a>, it is often suggested that they take <a href="/facts/Progestogen_(medication)/8xMJYV3A">progestogen</a> in addition to an estrogen patch in order to protect the <a href="/facts/Endometrium/LcesXIXm">endometrium</a> of the <a href="/facts/Uterus/LIrApMXs">uterus</a>. Transdermal estrogens are not recommended for all women; there are important precautions and side effects that should be considered before use. </p>