Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
7649183 tn?1393014236

What's lowest dose of estrogen patch available?

Hi, I had a hysterectomy years ago and have been taking the estradiol pill for years.  I started recently using the patch since I thought it would be better for my liver and a more natural way to get the estrogen.  I'm doing this to protect again osteoporosis.  I take Vivelle-Dot lowest dose--.025.  I feel fine, but my breasts are sore.  They never were when taking the estradiol pill--.05/day. There's a patch available that states it has the lowest dose necessary to protect against osteoporosis (Menostar).  I looked at the data, but it doesn't match with what they say the dosage is.  Does anyone have any information about this (this is, does Menostar have a lower dosage than the patch I'm using)?
Thanks!
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
7649183 tn?1393014236
Thank you so much for your response to my question.  I don't know where to turn since my provider isn't very knowledgeable about this, so maybe you can help me with this, as I'm thinking of changing to Menostar from Vivelle-dot. The data I have is:
Menostar (estradiol transdermal system) 14 mcg per day - each 3.25 cm2 system contains 1 mg of estradiol.

Vivelle-Dot® (estradiol transdermal system), 0.025 mg/day - each 2.5 cm² system contains 0.39 mg of estradiol USP for nominal* delivery of 0.025 mg of estradiol per day.
Since the Menostar patch is applied once/weekly and contains 1 mg of estradiol, then that's around .14 mg/day (the data says .014 mg/day).  The Vivelle-dot is applied twice/weekly and contains .39 mg estradiol, which is .78 mg estradiol/week which is around .11 mg/day (data says .025 mg/day).  This is what is confusing me.  According to my calculations, Menostar delivers .14 mg/day and Viville-dot delivers .11 mg/day (which is less than Menostar).  That's not what the data says though, but when I do the calculations, I come out with different answers.  I'm just trying to take the lowest dose I need for osteoporosis protection (since I have osteoporosis).  Thanks so much.  I know this comment is boring!
  
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Hi Linny, your comment is absolutely not boring to me because I’m struggling with the same questions. You seem to know a lot more than me. Would you be so kind to help me, because I can’t seem to get an answer elsewhere. I have been prescribed Oestrodose 0.06% with 0.75mg estradiol per day. But how much is this effectively in nominal delivery per day? Like you, I want to use the lowest dose possible. Kind regards, Lucia (Netherlands)
@Lucia66 You may have found the info you need by now and are, hopefully, somewhat "settled" on one of the options. But I found this info helpful for showing all the patches and their dosages as well as blood levels by day. Hope you find it helpful too!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estrogen_patch
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Several studies have already shown that lower-than-standard doses of hormone therapy can relieve menopausal symptoms and prevent bone loss. Menostar is an ultra, ultra low-dose estrogen patch (0.014 mg/day) that has recently been approved for unopposed estrogen use in postmenopausal women. It is indicated for bone protection only and does not offer any vasomotor symptom relief.

You can get these patches prescribed.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hysterectomy Community

Top Women's Health Answerers
4769306 tn?1568490209
NC
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.