From the Research
A woman can use both a 0.1mg and 0.025mg estrogen patch simultaneously, but this is not typically recommended unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider, as it may increase the risk of side effects including blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer 1. The total dose would be 0.125mg, which exceeds standard starting doses. Estrogen patches (like Estradiol transdermal systems) are available in various strengths, and therapy should be individualized based on symptoms and medical history. Some key points to consider:
- For most women beginning hormone therapy, starting with a single patch of appropriate strength is preferable.
- Using multiple patches increases the risk of side effects.
- The patches should be applied to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen or buttocks, and replaced according to the prescribed schedule (typically twice weekly).
- If current estrogen therapy seems inadequate, it's better to consult with a healthcare provider about adjusting to a higher-strength single patch rather than combining patches of different strengths. This approach ensures more precise dosing and better management of potential side effects, as supported by studies on hormone therapy in postmenopausal women and the risk of endometrial hyperplasia 2, 3. Additionally, progestogens in postmenopausal hormone therapy and the risk of breast cancer should be considered, with some progestogens associated with a lower risk of breast cancer compared to others 1. It's also important to note that hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women can increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and irregular bleeding, and the addition of progestogens can help prevent these risks 4. However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2012, which recommends that hormone therapy be given at the lowest effective dose and treatment should be reviewed regularly 2.