{"id":634935,"date":"2026-01-06T15:14:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T20:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634935"},"modified":"2026-03-26T12:26:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T16:26:54","slug":"estradiol-patch-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/estradiol\">An estradiol patch<\/a> is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to treat symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes and vaginal dryness or itching. The patch releases a continuous dose of estrogen that is absorbed transdermally, or through the skin. There are many forms of estradiol, including tablets, gels, sprays, and vaginal rings. This article focuses specifically on the transdermal patch and its possible side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Dotti with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tDotti 0.05 mg\/24 hour (1 box of 8 twice-weekly patches)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-walmart-nbh-market.svg\" alt=\"Walmart Neighborhood Market\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$9.36<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dotti#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dotti#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-walmart.svg\" alt=\"Walmart Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$9.36<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dotti#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dotti#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dotti#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Dotti prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<h2 id=\"what-is-an-estradiol-patch\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is an estradiol patch?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An estradiol patch increases the amount of estradiol in the body. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/estradiol\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estradiol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK549797\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most potent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the four types of estrogen and helps protect against bone loss and heart disease. Having <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/22354-low-estrogen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low levels of estrogen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is common during and after menopause. However, some women have low estrogen levels because of certain health conditions, cancer treatments, or reproductive surgeries like the removal of the ovaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To treat low estrogen levels, your healthcare provider may recommend an estradiol patch: a small, thin adhesive patch applied directly to the skin and left on for a prescribed amount of time before being removed or replaced. The estradiol is continually absorbed from the patch through your skin and then released into your bloodstream, where it circulates throughout your whole body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though transdermal estradiol affects your whole body, it\u2019s generally considered <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.urmc.rochester.edu\/ob-gyn\/ur-medicine-menopause-and-womens-health\/menopause-blog\/september-2014\/the-pill-or-the-patch-are-all-estrogens-the-same#:~:text=In%20a%20recent%20national%20journal,in%20a%20more%20modern%20form\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">safer than oral estradiol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. That\u2019s because oral estradiol is processed through your liver, which increases your risk of blood clots, while transdermal estradiol skips the liver and goes straight to your bloodstream. Transdermal estradiol is also administered at consistently lower levels and increases your estrogen on a slower, steadier basis than the pill does, mimicking the way your body naturally releases hormones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many common brand names of estradiol patches, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/alora\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alora<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/climara\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Climara<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/menostar?q=Menostar&amp;isHomeSearch=false\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Menostar<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/minivelle\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minivelle<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/vivelle-dot\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vivelle-Dot<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects-of-the-estradiol-patch\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of the estradiol patch<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it works well to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/menopause-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treat menopause symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the patch can cause side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=396686ba-ab8d-4223-80e7-9c4f7ddb7852\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clinical trials<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the most common side effects of the estradiol patch are headache, breast pain, and upper respiratory tract infection. Many women using the patch also experience gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a605042.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the patch include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritation at the application site<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joint pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"estradiol-patch-weight-gain\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estradiol patch weight gain<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight changes, including both weight loss and weight gain, are listed as a possible side effect of the estradiol patch. However, it\u2019s not as common as other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">estradiol side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some studies suggest weight gain is actually <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9677105\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">less<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common than weight loss<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Having the right estradiol levels may prevent overeating, and an HRT method like the estradiol patch can help some menopausal women better manage their weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects-of-the-estradiol-patch\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of the estradiol patch<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though rare, some people may experience serious side effects while using the estradiol patch. This includes the possibility of having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, or potentially serious problems with your liver or gallbladder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get immediate medical care for any of the following symptoms, some of which could indicate a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics\/heart-attack\/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack\/heart-attack-symptoms-in-women\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart attack<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/bloodclots.html#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20symptoms%20of,pain%20in%20the%20left%20arm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood clot<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itching, hives, or swelling of the mouth, face, or extremities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hoarseness or difficulty breathing or swallowing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pressure or pain in your chest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain in your arm, neck, jaw, or back<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain, swelling, or warmth in the arm or leg<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vision problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden weakness or fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-soon-do-estradiol-patch-side-effects-start\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do estradiol patch side effects start?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/investors.progyny.com\/management\/janet-choi-md\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Janet Choi<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, OB-GYN, reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist, and chief medical officer of Progyny, estradiol patch side effects typically start within the first few days to weeks of starting treatment. There\u2019s one exception: redness and itching at the patch site, which Dr. Choi notes can occur right away or not for several months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although most side effects appear quickly, remember that how you respond to estradiol may be different.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe timing varies among individuals, with some women noticing effects almost immediately and others not experiencing side effects until they&#8217;ve been using the patch for a week or two,\u201d Dr. Choi says. She says some women don\u2019t have any side effects at all.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-estradiol-patch-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do estradiol patch side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the more common side effects of the estradiol patch are temporary. According to Dr. Choi, initial symptoms like vaginal spotting, breast tenderness, mild headaches, nausea, and bloating usually go away within the first two to three months as your body adapts to the steady increase in estradiol. If they don\u2019t, Dr. Choi recommends reaching out to your healthcare provider. They may want to adjust your dose or change your medication to reduce your side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-long-term-side-effects-of-the-estradiol-patch\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term side effects of the estradiol patch?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women who use the estradiol patch long-term are at a higher risk for several serious health conditions. Here\u2019s what to know:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some studies show long-term use of estradiol may increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. This risk is higher if you have a history of any of these conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK549797\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that women who take estradiol, especially over the age of 65, may have a higher risk of developing dementia or other cognitive problems. However, results differ between studies, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4573273\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that HRT earlier in life may actually have protective effects on brain aging.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking estradiol long-term has been associated with a higher risk of breast and endometrial cancers, though some warnings about this risk are changing. (See \u201cSafety measures while using the estradiol patch\u201d for more.) We now know that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/risk-prevention\/medical-treatments\/menopausal-hormone-replacement-therapy-and-cancer-risk.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">estradiol doesn\u2019t increase the risk of endometrial cancer when combined with progestin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; the risk is related to estrogen-only forms of HRT.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"estradiol-patch-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estradiol patch interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are using the estradiol patch, there are a few <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-interactions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drug interactions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to be aware of. According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.katierowanwellness.com\/about-2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Katie Rowan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, internal medicine provider and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, this includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Certain seizure medications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Drugs like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/carbamazepine?q=Carbamazepine%20(TEGretol)&amp;isHomeSearch=false\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/phenobarbital?q=Phenobarbital&amp;isHomeSearch=false\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phenobarbital<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/phenytoin-sodium?q=Phenytoin%20Sodium&amp;isHomeSearch=false\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phenytoin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can lower estradiol levels, making the patch less effective.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antifungal medications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Drugs like ketoconazole and itraconazole <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/article-abstract\/606005#:~:text=Ketoconazole%2C%20an%20antifungal%20drug%2C%20causes,of%20gynecomastia%20after%20ketoconazole%20therapy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can raise estradiol levels in the body<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, potentially increasing side effects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Macrolide antibiotics:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These antibiotics, which include erythromycin and azithromycin, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3250726\/#:~:text=Antibiotics%20can%20interrupt%20the%20enterohepatic,a%20particular%20medication%20(11)\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can change your gut bacteria<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and potentially increase your estradiol levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Immunosuppressants: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estradiol can affect how anti-rejection medications used after an organ transplant, such as cyclosporine, are metabolized.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Thyroid drugs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Estradiol may also affect how some thyroid medications are metabolized, including levothyroxine. People taking levothyroxine may need to have their thyroid levels checked after starting estradiol and then again once they\u2019ve reached a stable dose.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Alcoholic drinks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Alcohol can temporarily raise estradiol levels, potentially increasing symptoms like breast tenderness, nausea, or mood swings, and estrogen may make alcohol\u2019s effects feel stronger.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"safety-measures-while-using-the-estradiol-patch\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety measures while using the estradiol patch<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, the estradiol patch is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/sites\/books\/NBK541051\/#:~:text=Estrogen%20therapy%20is%20administered%20alone,who%20might%20benefit%20from%20it\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recommended for use in women over the age of 45<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because menopause symptoms typically begin sometime between the ages of 45 and 55. Some younger women may need to take estradiol if they enter menopause early or have other health conditions. However, estradiol is not recommended for pregnant women and can interfere with milk production in breastfeeding women.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although anyone using the estradiol patch could develop short- or long-term side effects, some people are more at risk. This includes women with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Undiagnosed, unexplained vaginal bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Endometrial cancer or a history of endometrial cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A history of blood clots or stroke<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A known allergy to drugs containing estradiol\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A clotting disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning to all products containing estradiol in response to study findings from the Women\u2019s Health Initiative (WHI). However, in November of 2025, the FDA announced it was <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/press-room\/fact-sheet-fda-initiates-removal-of-black-box-warnings-from-menopausal-hormone-replacement-therapy-products.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">removing all warnings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> related to the increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and probable dementia from estradiol drug packaging.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New information suggests these risks don\u2019t apply to all women, and the black box warnings often cause providers and patients to avoid using estradiol when it would actually be beneficial. Warnings about the increased risk of endometrial cancer when using estrogen-only products will still be included.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-estradiol-patch-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid estradiol patch side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The estradiol patch is fairly user-friendly compared to many other forms of estradiol: You apply it to your skin and leave it in place for several days, then remove it (and replace it with a new patch, if needed). You don\u2019t need to worry about remembering to keep your dosing consistent or taking it with or without food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most common side effects of the patch, skin irritation, is also one of the easiest to avoid. You can place an estradiol patch in several places below your waistline, like your lower abdomen, hips, or upper buttocks, so Dr. Rowan recommends changing up your application site each time you put on a new patch to avoid irritating the same area of skin.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-can-you-use-estradiol-patches\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long can you use estradiol patches?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might have heard that you should use the lowest dose of estrogen for the shortest amount of time possible, but that doesn\u2019t apply to the estradiol patch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c[That mantra] came out of studies that were halted early due to the perceived increased risk of breast cancer \u2026 and an increased risk of heart disease and blood clots,\u201d Dr. Rowan says. \u201cThese studies were done using oral synthetic <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/estrogens\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">estrogens<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which are much different than the estrogen patch, and we now know that estrogen alone does not increase the risk of breast cancer. And when used in topical forms such as the patch, it does not increase the risk of blood clots.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical systemic estrogen, like the patch, also carries a low risk of increasing heart disease and stroke, per Dr. Rowan. The new information we have shows there\u2019s no clear limit for how long you can use the estradiol patch. Your healthcare provider can help you choose what\u2019s right for you, as long as you\u2019re not experiencing any notable changes to your health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-side-effects-of-the-estradiol-patch\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat side effects of the estradiol patch<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we noted, many <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/press-room\/fact-sheet-fda-initiates-removal-of-black-box-warnings-from-menopausal-hormone-replacement-therapy-products.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of the estradiol patch<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are temporary and will go away on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. In the meantime:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply your patch to a new site every time you change it to avoid irritation; use topical antihistamines or hydrocortisone on previous sites to relieve any itching and redness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to your healthcare provider if you\u2019re having moderate or persistent signs of high estrogen, like breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, nausea, bloating, and swelling. Per Dr. Rowan, these symptoms could mean your dose is too high, and your provider may want to lower it.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tylenol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tylenol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/motrin-ib\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motrin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to relieve mild symptoms like headaches or breast tenderness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upset stomach and acid reflux are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/womens-health\/hormone-therapy-linked-to-higher-risks-of-gerd#:~:text=Researchers%20found%20that%20participants%20who,meals%2C%20the%20study%20authors%20said\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of treatment with HRT. Consider taking over-the-counter acid reducers like Pepcid or Pepto Bismol to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/gerd-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relieve symptoms of GERD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like nausea, acid reflux, or bloating.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare for light bleeding or spotting, which can occur during the first several months after starting the patch or increasing your dose, as advised by Dr. Rowan. Always let your healthcare provider know about irregular bleeding so they can determine what\u2019s normal for you and assess whether you need to add more progesterone to your dose.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most estradiol patch side effects aren\u2019t an emergency, but if you have any signs of allergic reaction, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, you should get immediate medical attention.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-is-the-estradiol-patch-safe\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Is the estradiol patch safe?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many menopausal and postmenopausal women, the estradiol patch is a relatively safe way to increase their estrogen levels and treat symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, itching, and burning. While taking oral estradiol increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and blood clots, the patch is often considered a safer option than oral estradiol because it delivers a lower, steadier dose of hormone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the estradiol patch isn\u2019t right for all women, and it\u2019s not without risks. Taking estradiol alone, without progestin, increases your risk for endometrial cancer. Taking estradiol <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">progestin may slightly increase your risk for breast cancer if you\u2019re 50 years or older. If you have a history of hormone-related cancers, it may not be safe for you to use the estradiol patch. Always share your full medical history with your healthcare provider so they can help you determine what treatments are right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/resources\/estrogen\">Estrogen Costs &amp; Coupons<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An estradiol patch is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to treat symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes and vaginal dryness or itching. The patch releases a continuous dose of estrogen that is absorbed transdermally, or through the skin. There are many forms of estradiol, including tablets, gels, sprays, and vaginal rings. This [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":149,"featured_media":634936,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12752,8670],"coauthors":[8860],"class_list":["post-634935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-medication-side-effects","tag-womens-health","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Headaches, breast tenderness, and upset stomach are common estradiol patch side effects. Learn how long side effects of the estradiol patch last and how to avoid them.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Headaches, breast tenderness, and upset stomach are common estradiol patch side effects. Learn how long side effects of the estradiol patch last and how to avoid them.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Checkup\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-06T20:14:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-26T16:26:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/estradiol-patch-side-effects.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sarah Bradley\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sarah Bradley\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Angie Long\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b0beb2600e980db5e6c110b8e3b9386e\"},\"headline\":\"Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-06T20:14:13+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-26T16:26:54+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2118,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects.png\",\"keywords\":[\"Medication side effects\",\"Women's health\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Drug Info\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/\",\"name\":\"Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-06T20:14:13+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-26T16:26:54+00:00\",\"description\":\"Headaches, breast tenderness, and upset stomach are common estradiol patch side effects. Learn how long side effects of the estradiol patch last and how to avoid them.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"Two medication patches: Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Checkup, a health blog by SingleCare\",\"description\":\"Read the latest in prescription, wellness, and healthcare news\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"SingleCare\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/placeholderimage-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/placeholderimage-1.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630,\"caption\":\"SingleCare\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/singlecare\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/SingleCare\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/singlecare\\\/?hl=en\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/singlecare\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCd9kiPIjCQw95-2BHCYePKA\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b0beb2600e980db5e6c110b8e3b9386e\",\"name\":\"Angie Long\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/aa600104084053d6b0460df54512948e4ede8529dd1351c42c990ecdd95015e2?s=96&d=mm&r=gcfe5f4c9ba539fe0e90a4ed51fa5c66c\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/aa600104084053d6b0460df54512948e4ede8529dd1351c42c990ecdd95015e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/aa600104084053d6b0460df54512948e4ede8529dd1351c42c990ecdd95015e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Angie Long\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/along\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them","description":"Headaches, breast tenderness, and upset stomach are common estradiol patch side effects. Learn how long side effects of the estradiol patch last and how to avoid them.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them","og_description":"Headaches, breast tenderness, and upset stomach are common estradiol patch side effects. Learn how long side effects of the estradiol patch last and how to avoid them.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/","og_site_name":"The Checkup","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare","article_published_time":"2026-01-06T20:14:13+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-26T16:26:54+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/estradiol-patch-side-effects.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Sarah Bradley","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@SingleCare","twitter_site":"@SingleCare","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Sarah Bradley","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/"},"author":{"name":"Angie Long","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b0beb2600e980db5e6c110b8e3b9386e"},"headline":"Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them","datePublished":"2026-01-06T20:14:13+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-26T16:26:54+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/"},"wordCount":2118,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/estradiol-patch-side-effects.png","keywords":["Medication side effects","Women's health"],"articleSection":["Drug Info"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/","name":"Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/estradiol-patch-side-effects.png","datePublished":"2026-01-06T20:14:13+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-26T16:26:54+00:00","description":"Headaches, breast tenderness, and upset stomach are common estradiol patch side effects. Learn how long side effects of the estradiol patch last and how to avoid them.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/estradiol-patch-side-effects.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/estradiol-patch-side-effects.png","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"Two medication patches: Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/estradiol-patch-side-effects\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Estradiol patch side effects and how to avoid them"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/","name":"The Checkup, a health blog by SingleCare","description":"Read the latest in prescription, wellness, and healthcare news","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"SingleCare","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/placeholderimage-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/placeholderimage-1.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"caption":"SingleCare"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare","https:\/\/x.com\/SingleCare","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/singlecare\/?hl=en","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/singlecare\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCd9kiPIjCQw95-2BHCYePKA"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b0beb2600e980db5e6c110b8e3b9386e","name":"Angie Long","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/aa600104084053d6b0460df54512948e4ede8529dd1351c42c990ecdd95015e2?s=96&d=mm&r=gcfe5f4c9ba539fe0e90a4ed51fa5c66c","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/aa600104084053d6b0460df54512948e4ede8529dd1351c42c990ecdd95015e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/aa600104084053d6b0460df54512948e4ede8529dd1351c42c990ecdd95015e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Angie Long"},"url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/author\/along\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/634935","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/149"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=634935"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/634935\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/634936"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=634935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=634935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=634935"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=634935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}