Hormone patches represent a hormone replacement therapy that can be self-applied by the patient and used for prolonged hormonal imbalances, contraception, or to treat menopause when numerous symptoms are present. The short-term efficacy of hormone patches has not been disputed to date. However, in long-term use as a contraceptive and menopausal therapeutic, hormone patches are controversial because of proven adverse side effects and risks. Benefits must be weighed against potential health risks on an individual basis.
What are hormone patches?
Hormone patches provide a more consistent dosage of hormones. In the case of hormone patches, absorption occurs through the skin. A hormone patch is an easily applied, patch-shaped dosage form for certain hormone preparations. It contrasts with the classic oral forms of administration by tablets or other forms of administration with the aid of a syringe. Hormone patches provide a more consistent dosage of hormones. In the case of hormone patches, absorption takes place through the skin. Transdermal hormone patches or hormonal depot patches are nowadays preferably filled with sex hormones. Thyroid hormones, for example, have not yet been administered via a hormone patch.
Forms, types, and styles
On the subject of forms, types and kinds, it is necessary to distinguish between a hormone patch for contraception and one for the treatment of severe menopausal symptoms. In more recent times, men are also given a hormone patch if they suffer from hormone deficiency conditions. The hormones on the hormone patch are different in each case and are dosed differently. How small or large the hormone patch is cut by each manufacturer is not so crucial. What is more important is how high the dose of hormones on the patch is. For a hormone patch intended as a contraceptive, the monthly pack contains three patches. Each hormone patch stays on the skin for one week. In the fourth week, no hormone patch is applied. The menstrual period is initiated in this way. The placement of hormone patches with estrogens or progestins must be tailored as individually as possible to the needs and risks of the patient. The composition and dosage of the patch ingredients vary. A price of 30 to 80 euros per piece on average makes the hormone patch a relatively expensive dosage form. Hormone patches require a prescription so that they do not fall into patients’ hands without medical supervision. For good reason, hormone patches should not be taken on one’s own without medical supervision. Not all hormones are equally well suited for administration via a patch.
Structure, function and mode of action
In terms of structure and function, the hormone patches available on the market are similar. It is usually a square, approximately 5 by 5 centimeters skin-colored patch that you attach to the skin. Hormone patches should be placed in a different location each time they are applied to prevent skin irritation from the adhesive surface. The hormone dose contained in the hormone patch is slowly and regularly diffused through the skin, bypassing the usual route through the digestive system. When hormone patches are used as contraception, the hormone patch – similar to the pill – is discontinued after three weeks to allow menstruation to occur. One advantage of hormone patches over the classic birth control pill is that diarrhea or vomiting do not affect hormone absorption, since hormones are not absorbed through the digestive tract.
Medical and health benefits
Today, opinion is divided on the medical and health benefits of hormone patches. After initial euphoria, a certain disillusionment has set in. People today do not prescribe hormone patches as often as they did immediately after they were invented. The long-term use of hormone patches is controversial because of the possible side effects and consequential risks. Thromboses, heart attacks, strokes and embolisms can occur as a result of a long-term hormone patch prescription if a corresponding family predisposition or coagulation disorder is known. Certain risk groups – smokers, for example – are also at greater risk from long-term use of hormone patches.However, the advantage of the hormone patch is a liver relief compared to conventional orally administered hormone preparations. The hormones from the hormone patch are not partially broken down in the digestive system, but act in full dose where they should. Consequently, the dosage can be arranged much better via a hormone patch than with conventional forms of administration. In this respect, the benefits of hormone patches are high for some patients but questionable for others.
