Treatments and supplements · Transdermal estrogen patch

Is the estrogen patch safer than pills for menopause symptoms?

What we can tell you today: how thoroughly this has been studied.

Well studied

10 studies, including 2 that bring together the results of several trials in people.

5 Repeated evidence 2 studies

4 Large controlled trial 6 studies

3 Small study in people 2 studies

This says how thoroughly something has been studied — not whether it works for you. What each study actually found is in the study itself, and in the plain-language write-ups we are adding.

Appears under: Menopause and hormones · Skin aging · Hair and nails

The studies

5 Repeated evidence The Effect of Transdermal Estrogen Patch Use on Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review.
2018 · Journal of women's health (2002)
5 Repeated evidence Comparison of efficacy and local tolerability of estradiol metered-dose transdermal spray to estradiol patch in a network meta-analysis.
2017 · Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopaus
4 Large controlled trial Longitudinal changes in menopausal symptoms comparing women randomized to low-dose oral conjugated estrogens or transdermal estradiol plus micronized progesterone versus placebo: the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study.
2018 · Menopause (New York, N.Y.) · 727 participants · manufacturer helped fund this
4 Large controlled trial Transdermal estradiol gel for the treatment of symptomatic postmenopausal women.
2012 · Menopause (New York, N.Y.) · 119 participants
4 Large controlled trial Uterine and vaginal effects of unopposed ultralow-dose transdermal estradiol.
2005 · Obstetrics and gynecology · 417 participants
4 Large controlled trial Efficacy on climacteric symptoms and safety of low dose estradiol transdermal matrix patches. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.
2000 · Arzneimittel-Forschung · 156 participants
4 Large controlled trial Continuous versus cyclical transdermal estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women: influence on climacteric symptoms, body weight and bleeding pattern.
1998 · Maturitas · 2,459 participants
4 Large controlled trial [Splenopeptides for climacteric complaints. Comparison of ovarian stimulation with transdermal estradiol substitution].
1995 · Arzneimittel-Forschung · 256 participants
3 Small study in people Efficacy of bioactive peptides loaded on hyaluronic acid microneedle patches: A monocentric clinical study.
2020 · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · manufacturer helped fund this
3 Small study in people Hypertrichotic patches as a mosaic manifestation of Proteus syndrome.
2021 · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology