Do the Kind transdermal patches contain estrogen or progesterone?

Transdermal Patches and Hormone Content

Yes, transdermal contraceptive patches contain both estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone). The specific formulation available in the United States contains norelgestromin (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). 1

Hormone Composition of Transdermal Patches

Contraceptive Patches

• The combination hormone transdermal contraceptive patch (Ortho Evra) contains 0.6 mg norelgestromin and 0.75 mg ethinyl estradiol, measuring approximately 1.75 × 1.75 inches 1
• The patch releases 150 μg of norelgestromin and 20 μg ethinyl estradiol daily when applied to the skin 1, 2
• One patch is applied weekly for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by 1 patch-free week during which withdrawal bleeding occurs 1

Hormone Replacement Therapy Patches

For hormone replacement therapy (not contraception), different transdermal patch formulations exist:

• 17β-estradiol (17βE) patches can be used alone or in combination with progestins 1
• Combined patches containing 17βE and levonorgestrel are available in some countries, releasing doses such as 50 μg of 17βE and 7-10 μg of levonorgestrel daily 1
• Sequential combined patches deliver 17βE alone for 2 weeks, followed by combined 17βE and progestin for 2 additional weeks 1

Important Clinical Considerations

Estrogen Exposure

• The contraceptive patch provides 1.6 times higher estrogen exposure compared to low-dose combined oral contraceptives 1
• This increased estrogen exposure has raised concerns about a potentially increased risk of venous thromboembolism, with studies showing mixed results ranging from no increased risk to a 2.4-fold increase 3
• The FDA has identified a potential increased risk of venous thromboembolism with the patch 1

Efficacy Considerations

• Typical use failure rates are similar to combined oral contraceptives at 9% 1
• The risk of pregnancy with correct use is slightly higher for women weighing more than 198 pounds (0.9% vs 0.3% in the first 12 months) 1
• Body weight above 90 kilograms (198 pounds) is associated with lower efficacy 4

Side Effects

• Side effects are similar to other combined hormonal methods, with the addition of application site reactions such as hyperpigmentation, contact dermatitis, and skin irritation 1
• Transient increase in breast tenderness is more common with the patch compared to oral contraceptives 4