I was reading the Wiki on estrogen and see that it says that there are estrogen patches. Are these similar to the nicotine patches for aiding in quitting smoking?
  This might appear dumb but I am scared of needles. Not scared enough to stop me though.
  Also, I notice a lot of possible problems where a physician might be needed and tests might have to be run regularly.
  Being new with no money I tend to read a lot and get information from this site and all of you that have gone down this road. I hope I'm not being a nuisence.
  I consulted with a gender therapist for free by way of e-mail and she said her initial thoughts from what information I supplied was that I am transgender. She couldn't say more without further visits though. ( I can understand that ) Her fees did make further contact out of the question for now though. Since I have no insurance bills are another future problem.
  I guess as I try to plan things out down the road I have some questions like these that I hope that some of you may be able to answer from experience.
  I like to patiently plan everything out and leave no stone unturned.
  Tiffany 

I guess you could say the patches are like the nicoteen patches used for quitting smokeing... Personaly Im terrifed of needles but take injectables only because they cost less, and I couldnt afford to transition otherwise...  They like everything have there own risks....

Yeah, I don't like needles either, but I went with injectibles anyways.  I figured if I was willing to kill myself, then a little needle wouldn't be so bad.

Melissa

Hi Tiffany;

Hope the following information helps you somehow. 

Quote from: Physicians' desk reference manualBrand name:
Estrogen Patches
Generic name: Estradiol
Brand names: Alora, Climara, Esclim, Estraderm, Vivelle, Vivelle-Dot


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why is Estrogen Patches prescribed?


All of these products are used to reduce symptoms of menopause, including feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest; the sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating known as "hot flashes"; dry, itchy external genitals; and vaginal irritation. They are also prescribed for other conditions that cause low levels of estrogen, and some doctors prescribe them for teenagers who fail to mature at the usual rate.

Along with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise, Alora, Estraderm, Climara, Vivelle, and Vivelle-Dot are prescribed to prevent osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle and easily broken.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most important fact about Estrogen Patches


Because estrogens have been linked with an increased risk of breast, uterine, and endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the uterus), it is essential to have regular mammograms and checkups. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor immediately.

Hormone replacement therapy using estrogens, with or without progestin, should not be used to prevent heart disease. Recent studies have confirmed an increased rate of heart attack, stroke, and dangerous blood clots among women taking estrogen or estrogen combinations for 5 years. Blood clots can lead to phlebitis, stroke, heart attack, a loss of blood supply to the lungs, a blockage in the blood vessels serving the eye, and other serious disorders. Because of these risks, hormone replacement therapy should be given at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Your doctor will determine the dosage that is best for you.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How should you take Estrogen Patches?


Each patch is individually sealed in a protective pouch and is applied directly to the skin.

A stiff protective liner covers the adhesive side of the patch. Remove the liner by sliding it sideways between your thumb and index finger. Holding the patch at one edge, remove the protective liner and discard it. Try to avoid touching the adhesive. Use immediately after removing the liner. If you are using Alora, Vivelle, or Vivelle-Dot peel off one side of the protective liner and discard it. Use the other half of the liner as a handle until you have applied the sticky area, then fold back the remaining side of the patch, pull off the rest of the liner, and smooth the second half of the patch onto your skin.

Apply the adhesive side to a clean, dry area of your skin on the trunk of your body (including the buttocks and abdomen). Do not apply to your breasts or waist. Firmly press the patch in place with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds, to make sure the edges are flat against your skin. When first using Alora, start on the lower abdomen. Climara is applied only to the abdomen or upper buttock, and is pressed in place with the fingers.

Remove the patch slowly and carefully to avoid irritating your skin. If any adhesive remains, let it dry for 15 minutes then gently rub the area with an oil-based cream or lotion to remove the adhesive residue. The used patch still contains active hormone. To dispose of it properly, fold it in half so it sticks to itself before throwing it away.

Contact with water during bathing, swimming, or showering will not affect the patch.

The application site must be rotated. Allow an interval of at least 1 week between applications to a particular site.

Alora, Esclim, Estraderm, Vivelle, and Vivelle-Dot patches should be replaced twice a week; Climara once weekly.

--If you miss a dose...

If you forget to apply a new patch when you are supposed to, do it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to change patches anyway, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not apply more than the prescribed number of patches at a time.

--Storage instructions...

Store the patches at room temperature, in their sealed pouches.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Estrogen Patches side effects


Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using the estrogen patch.


Side effects may include:
Anxiety, back pain, breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, constipation, depression, flu-like symptoms, headache, high blood pressure, hot flushes, insomnia, indigestion, nausea, neck pain, sinus problems, skin redness and irritation at the site of the patch, upper respiratory tract infection, weight increase.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why should Estrogen Patches not be prescribed?


Estrogen patches should not be used during pregnancy. You should also avoid this product if you have:

Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Known or suspected breast cancer
Any type of tumor stimulated by estrogen
Phlebitis, blood clots in the lung, or any other clotting disorder
Active or recent (within the last year) heart disease, heart attack, or stroke
Liver disease or liver problems
An allergy to any component of the patch

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special warnings about Estrogen Patches


Estrogen has the potential of causing clot-related disorders, including heart attack and stroke, pulmonary embolism (a clot in the lungs), and thrombophlebitis (a clot in the veins). A complete medical and family history should be taken by your doctor before starting any estrogen therapy, especially if you have a history of deep vein thrombosis (a clot in the legs) or a history of thrombosis in your family. The chance of developing a clot-related problem can be reduced by using the lowest dose of estrogen that still proves effective. If a problem surfaces anyway, you'll have to stop using the patch. Likewise, you should discontinue the patch and call your doctor immediately if you suffer a loss of vision, any other eye problems, or a migraine headache.

Some experts suspect that high doses of estrogen, with or without a progestin, may increase the risk of ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancer. The risk may increase with prolonged use.

Hormone therapy occasionally causes a rise in blood pressure. If you have a blood pressure problem, use the patch with caution and have your pressure checked regularly.

If you suffer from liver problems or liver disease you may not be able to use hormone therapy.

If you are on hormone therapy you may need to have your thyroid medication adjusted and your thyroid tested more frequently.

Hormones also tend to cause fluid retention. If you have a condition that could be aggravated by excess fluid, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, heart disease, or kidney problems, use the patch with caution.

If you suffer from endometriosis, a condition where the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) doesn't shed properly and attaches to the outside of the uterus or other areas such as the ovaries or bowels, hormone therapy may cause a worsening of this condition.

Because estrogen can increase triglyceride levels, you'll need to be closely monitored if your triglycerides tend to be high. If you have diabetes, estrogen may also affect your blood sugar levels.

Estrogen therapy occasionally causes abnormal uterine bleeding or breast pain. In view of concerns about cancer, you should have these symptoms checked by your doctor. In general, you should not take estrogen for more than 1 year without a follow-up physical exam. Ideally, you should have a checkup every 3 to 6 months.

Women who take oral estrogen after menopause face a two- to fourfold increase in the odds of gallbladder disease.

For teenagers who fail to mature at the usual rate, large doses of estrogen taken for an extended period may affect growth. In girls, it may cause the early start of menstruation or early breast development.

While taking estrogen, get in touch with your doctor right away if you notice any of the following:

Abdominal pain, tenderness, or swelling
Abnormal bleeding of the vagina
Breast lumps
Coughing up blood
Difficulty with speech
Pain in your chest or calves
Severe headache, dizziness, or faintness
Skin irritation, redness, or rash
Sudden shortness of breath
Vision changes
Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
Yellowing of the skin or eyes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Estrogen Patches
If you take certain other drugs while using estrogen, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking the following:

Alcohol
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Dantrolene (Dantrium)
Epilepsy drugs such as Tegretol and Dilantin
Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab)
Grapefruit juice
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Ritonavir (Norvir)
St. John's wort
Steroids such as Deltasone
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding


Estrogens should not be used during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth. Use of estrogens during pregnancy has been linked to reproductive tract problems in the children. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Estrogens decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recommended dosage for Estrogen Patches


If you are a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, progestin may be prescribed as well in order to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Your doctor will determine the dosage that is right for you. Typically, hormone replacement therapy should be started at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest duration needed to relieve your symptoms. You should be evaluated every 3 to 6 months.

ALORA AND ESTRADERM

....and yes, once your doctor places you on an HRT regimen, you have to undergo a series of blood tests every three to six months to determine how well your body is assimilating your estrogen intake; they mainly look for abnormal readings in liver enzymes, cholesterol levels, and blood clotting factors.



tinkerbell

Hi Tiffany,

I was on transdermals (patches) for a year and they proved very effective.  I changed to injections a few months ago and to me there's no difference. 

If you go on HRT you should definitely see a doctor first.  You need to know if you are at risk of harming yourself if you go on HRT.  A doctor will also do blood tests to determine if you are at the right levels.  That's pretty important. 

HRT could put you at risk for blood clots and other serious problems so it shouldn't be taken lightly.  There may be a free clinic in your area.  There's one in Chicago that treats TSs.  That could solve your money problem.

I wish you well in your quest.

Julie

hey Tiffany!  My estradiol prescription is for oral tablets.  I place them under my tongue and let them dissolve there.  The estradiol is mostly absorbed directly into the bloodstream when taken that way.  I do this because estradiol tablets are much less expensive than the patches.

I need the extra $$ to help pay my therapist and endocrinologist because self-medicating is just another form of Russian Roullette with 3 of the six chambers loaded.  Please do NOT rush into HRT to the point that you are doing it without medical supervision.  It is an extremely bad idea.  Not only can the real drugs be life threatening, the ones from "no prescription required" sources have a much greater chance of being impure, badly formulated and even more dangerous.

I am very aware of the drive we TS's have to get started doing HRT.  Use that motivation to increase your income, find a job with insurance or research low cost or free TS services.

Please don't begin this without the needed help from the medical community.  We don't want to lose you.

As Reiki Robyn says, "Rush slowly!"

Hugs & Smiles,
helen

  Thank you all for your advice and information. That was so sweet of you. That's what I love about this site.
  I do plan to seek out as much knowledge as possible and examine every aspect of this to make it as safe as possible with no regrets down the road. And definately with medical advice and guidance when the time, income and all else is right.
  Thank you all so much.
  Tiffany