From the Research
Estradot (estradiol) may potentially increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in some individuals, though this is not considered a common side effect. Estradiol is a form of estrogen hormone replacement therapy typically delivered through a transdermal patch. While GERD is not listed among the primary side effects of Estradot, hormonal fluctuations can affect the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function, which is the muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Estrogen may relax this sphincter in some people, potentially allowing acid reflux to occur more easily. Additionally, hormonal therapies can sometimes cause nausea or digestive disturbances that might exacerbate or mimic GERD symptoms. If you develop symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, or chest pain while using Estradot, you should discuss these with your healthcare provider. They may recommend taking the medication with food, adjusting the dosage, trying a different form of hormone therapy, or adding medications to manage the reflux symptoms, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which have been shown to be effective in treating GERD 1. Do not discontinue Estradot without medical guidance, as the benefits of hormone therapy may outweigh this potential side effect for many patients. It's also worth noting that raft-forming agents, such as alginate, have been found to be safe and effective in treating GERD during pregnancy, and may be a viable option for some patients 2. However, the most recent and highest quality study on the topic of GERD treatment, including the use of PPIs, H2RAs, and prokinetics, found that PPIs are more effective than H2RAs in relieving heartburn in patients with GERD who are treated empirically and in those with endoscopy negative reflux disease (ENRD) 1. Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms of GERD while taking Estradot, you should consult your healthcare provider to discuss the best course of treatment, which may include the use of PPIs or other medications to manage reflux symptoms.