From the Guidelines
There is currently no strong evidence that estradiol patches specifically help people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). While some patients with hEDS report fluctuations in symptoms during hormonal changes, suggesting a potential hormonal component to symptom severity, no clinical trials have established estradiol patches as an effective treatment for hEDS 1. Estradiol is primarily used for hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women or those with certain hormonal deficiencies. For people with hEDS, standard treatment approaches focus on symptom management through:
- Physical therapy
- Pain management strategies
- Joint protection techniques
- Medications targeting specific symptoms like pain or autonomic dysfunction
Some patients may experience individual benefits from hormonal treatments, but this would need to be discussed with healthcare providers who understand both hEDS and hormonal therapy, as estradiol carries its own risks including blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers 1. Management of hEDS typically requires a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each patient's specific symptoms rather than a single medication solution. It's also important to note that estrogen therapy should be approached cautiously or avoided, if possible, in certain conditions, such as hereditary angioedema 1.
From the Research
Estradiol Patches and hEDS
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that estradiol patches help people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hEDS, including physical therapy interventions, but do not mention the use of estradiol patches as a treatment option.
- The management of hEDS typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support, but the use of estradiol patches is not mentioned as a part of this approach 2, 3, 5, 6.
- It is possible that estradiol patches may be used to treat certain symptoms or comorbidities associated with hEDS, but there is no evidence to support this in the provided studies.
Treatment of hEDS
- Physical therapy interventions, such as therapeutic exercise and motor function training, have been shown to be effective in treating individuals with hEDS 3, 6.
- Other treatments, such as patient instruction, adaptive equipment, manual therapy, and functional training, may also be beneficial, but the evidence is limited 3.
- A multidisciplinary approach to management, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support, is recommended for individuals with hEDS 2, 5.