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estradiol

Generic Menostar
Used for Osteoporosis
Used for Osteoporosis

Menostar (estradiol) is a skin patch used to prevent bone loss after menopause. It’s convenient to use because it’s a once-weekly patch, but it’s not a first-choice option for treating bone loss.

Last reviewed on September 26, 2021
basics-icon

What is Menostar (estradiol)?

What is Menostar (estradiol) used for?

  • Prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause

How Menostar (estradiol) works

Menostar (estradiol) contains estrogen, which is a natural hormone in your body that helps keep your bones healthy. During menopause, your body makes less estrogen, which puts you at a greater risk for bone loss (osteoporosis). By adding or replacing estrogen, Menostar (estradiol) helps to lower that risk by preventing bone loss.

Are you looking for information on Climara (estradiol) patch for menopause and osteoporosis or Alora (estradiol) patch for menopause and osteoporosis instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMenostar
Drug ClassEstrogen replacement
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Menostar (estradiol)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Upper respiratory infection (16%)
  • Accidental injury (14%)
  • Body pain (13%)
  • Joint pain (12%)
  • Vaginal discharge (11%)
  • Application site reaction (9%)
  • Stomach pain (8%)
  • Bronchitis (6%)
  • Growths on the cervix (6%)
  • Breast pain (5%)
  • Constipation (5%)
  • Indigestion (5%)
  • Dizziness (5%)
  • Muscle pain or weakness (5%)
  • Swelling of the joints (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Swelling of the stomach
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Hot flashes
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Palpitations
  • Hair loss
  • Night sweats
  • Excessive sweating
  • Vision problems
  • Depression
  • Headache or migraine
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Mood changes
  • Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
  • Fluid retention or swelling (edema)
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Weight gain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Stroke: weakness or numbness of arms, legs, or face on one side of the body, slurred speech, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, confusion
  • Heart attack: chest pain or discomfort, chest tightness, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, fast heartbeat
  • Blood clots: legs (cramps, swelling, pain, muscle tightness) and lungs (trouble breathing, chest pain, cough)
  • Breast lumps: breast pain or soreness, swelling, rash
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding: abnormal spotting or bleeding

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Breast tissue changes, new lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple
  • Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
  • Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause, pelvic pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Menostar (estradiol)

thumbs-up

Pros

Available as a convenient once-weekly patch

Can be applied to your skin, so it’s easy to use

Helps to lower the risk of bone loss and fractures

Doesn't cause certain side effects, such as digestive problems or bone pain, commonly seen with bisphosphonates, a first-choice medication for treating bone loss

thumbs-down

Cons

Can become less sticky and fall off with activities like swimming or showering

Must remember to change the application site weekly

Raises your risk for certain cancers, strokes, and heart attacks

Not a first-choice medication for treating bone loss

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Menostar (estradiol)

pharmacist
  • Apply Menostar (estradiol) to a clean, dry area on your lower stomach or upper buttocks. Don't apply it on or around your breasts. Also, avoid areas around your waistline because tight clothes or belts can cause the patch to rub off.

    • Remember to rotate the site where you apply Menostar (estradiol) weekly, and wait at least one week before using the same site again to prevent the skin in that area from getting irritated. To make sure the patch sticks easily onto your skin, avoid applying it to areas that are hairy, oily, or have tattoos or burns.

      • If you still have your uterus, you might also need to take a progestin medication for 14 days every 6 to 12 months while using the patch to help slow the growth of your uterine lining and lower your risk of uterine (endometrial) cancer. Talk to your provider about whether or not you need to take a progestin.

        • Check your breasts monthly for any abnormal changes, like changes in size, shape, or color. Use your hands and fingers to feel for any lumps, swelling, pain, or soreness, and call your healthcare provider if you notice anything worrisome. Due to a higher risk of breast cancer from using Menostar (estradiol), routine checks like this might help with early detection.

          • Estrogen replacement medications, like Menostar (estradiol), can cause serious medical problems, such as breast cancer, stroke, and heart attack. Because the risk is higher when you use estrogen products longer, it’s recommended to use the lowest dose to relieve your symptoms for the shortest time. Have regular discussions with your healthcare provider every 3 to 6 months about how long you need to use Menostar (estradiol).

            • Store Menostar (estradiol) patches at room temperature. Keep each patch in its individual sealed pouch until you're ready to use it.

              • Used Menostar (estradiol) patches might still have some estrogen in them. To keep children and others around you safe, patches need to be thrown away safely. Fold the sticky side of the patch together, put the patch in a child-proof container, and throw it away in a trash can. Don’t flush used patches down the toilet.

                It's important to read the Patient Information before using Menostar (estradiol) to make sure you use it correctly.

                • Remove the patch from the pouch by tearing the notch. Don't use scissors since you can accidentally cut the patch.

                  • Menostar (estradiol) is an oval-shaped clear patch. To apply the patch, only remove the clear plastic film. Don't remove the silver foil sticker that's inside of the pouch.

                    • Apply the sticky side of the patch to your skin, and try not to touch the sticky side with your fingers because this can cause the patch to become less sticky.

                      • After placing the patch onto your skin, press down hard on the patch for at least 10 seconds, and rub down the edges of the patch to make sure it stays on.

                        • Remind yourself by noting down the day of the week as you'll need to change your patch on the same day each week.

                          faqs

                          Frequently asked questions about Menostar (estradiol)

                          What do I do if I forget to change my Menostar (estradiol) patch?
                          Each Menostar (estradiol) patch slowly releases estrogen into your body every day for 1 week. You should apply a new patch every week, but if you forget and it’s been longer than a week, remove your old patch as soon as you remember and apply a new patch right away. Don't apply more than one patch at a time to make up for missed days or doses as this can lead to more side effects. If you forget to apply a new patch as scheduled or you stop using Menostar (estradiol), you can have vaginal spotting, bleeding, or your symptoms might come back.
                          How do I remove my Menostar (estradiol) patch?
                          Remove your Menostar (estradiol) patch slowly and carefully so that you don't irritate your skin. You might have a very small amount of glue remaining on your skin after removing the patch. If you do, let that area dry off for at least 15 minutes. Afterward, gently rub the area with an oil-based cream or lotion to help remove the glue from your skin.
                          Can I go swimming with my Menostar (estradiol) patch on?
                          Swimming or showering while wearing a Menostar (estradiol) patch hasn't been studied, but these activities can cause the patch to fall off or stick to your skin less. If this happens, the patch won’t work as well because your body absorbs less of the medication. Be careful while swimming by making sure your patch is well secured to your skin.
                          What do I do if my Menostar (estradiol) patch falls off?
                          If your Menostar (estradiol) patch falls off for any reason, try to reapply it. If you can't, use a new patch on another area of your skin and continue to follow your original application schedule by applying another patch at your scheduled time.
                          Can Menostar (estradiol) cause cancer?
                          There's a higher risk for certain types of cancers, such as uterine (endometrial) and breast cancer, in people who take Menostar (estradiol) for a long time. Discuss options for lowering your risk with your healthcare provider. If you have vaginal bleeding that isn't going away, let your provider know because that could be a sign of endometrial or ovarian cancer.
                          What's the difference between Menostar (estradiol) and other estradiol patches, like Climara and Alora?
                          Although all of these patches contain estradiol, they each have different amounts of estradiol and are used to treat different conditions. Menostar (estradiol) is only used to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). Along with preventing bone loss, Climara and Alora also treat many menopause symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and burning, hot flashes, and night sweats. While Menostar (estradiol) and Climara are used once weekly, Alora can be used twice weekly. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider to decide which patch is best for you.
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                          warings-icon

                          What are the risks and warnings for Menostar (estradiol)?

                          Menostar (estradiol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                          risk-warning

                          Uterine (endometrial) cancer

                          • Risk factors: People with a uterus | Using Menostar (estradiol) without progestin | Higher doses of Menostar (estradiol) | Long-term use of Menostar (estradiol)

                            There's a higher risk of endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterine lining, in people who use estrogen products alone, like Menostar (estradiol). The chances are higher in people who use Menostar (estradiol) for a long time. If you still have your uterus, you might also need to take another hormone called a progestin medication for 14 days every 6 to 12 months along with the patch to lower your risk. Progestin balances out estrogen's effects by slowing the growth of your uterine lining. Your healthcare provider might also test yearly samples of tissue from your body to make sure you don't have cancer. If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding that doesn't go away or keeps coming back, let your provider know because this can be a warning sign of uterine (endometrial) cancer.

                            risk-warning

                            Breast cancer

                            • Risk factors: Using Menostar (estradiol) with progestin | Long-term use of Menostar (estradiol) | Personal or family history of breast cancer

                              There's a higher risk of developing breast cancer in people using Menostar (estradiol) both alone and with progestin, especially when taking the medications long term. Lower your risk by working with your healthcare provider to use Menostar (estradiol) over the shortest period of time. To help with early detection and to make sure there aren't any abnormal changes in your breasts, you can do monthly breast self-checks at home and yearly breast exams with your healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

                              risk-warning

                              Blood clots and strokes

                              • Risk factors: History of stroke | Personal or family history of blood clots in the veins | Postmenopausal females using estrogen products | Obesity | History of lupus | Using Menostar (estradiol) with progestin | Long-term use of Menostar (estradiol) | Inactivity


                                There's a higher risk for stroke, blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), and blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) in postmenopausal females who use Menostar (estradiol) alone or with progestin. Resting for long periods of time with no walking or activity can also raise the risk of blood clots. You might also have to stop taking Menostar (estradiol) at least 4 to 6 weeks before certain surgeries that can put you at a higher risk for blood clots. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance if you have an upcoming surgery. Seek emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot in the legs (cramps, swelling, pain, or muscle tightness) and lungs (trouble breathing, chest pain, or cough). If you have any signs of a stroke, such as weakness or numbness of the arms, legs, or face on one side of the body, slurred speech, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or confusion, get emergency help right away.

                                risk-warning

                                Heart disease and heart attacks

                                • Risk factors: History of heart attack | Heart disease | High blood pressure | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Obesity | Smoking tobacco

                                  Menostar (estradiol) shouldn't be used alone or in combination with progestin to lower the chances of heart disease. Chances of having a heart attack are higher in postmenopausal females who use Menostar (estradiol) alone or with progestin. If you have any signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, chest tightness, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, or a fast heartbeat, get emergency help right away.

                                  risk-warning

                                  Dementia

                                  • Risk factors: Age 65 or greater | Using Menostar (estradiol) alone or with progestin

                                    Menostar (estradiol) shouldn't be used to lower the risk of dementia. The chances of developing dementia are higher in people over the age of 65 who use Menostar (estradiol) alone or with progestin. If you or your loved one notices that you're becoming forgetful, confused, anxious, or are having a hard time making decisions or solving problems, let your healthcare provider know.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Gallbladder and liver problems

                                    • Risk factors: Postmenopausal females using estrogen products | History of gallbladder problems | History of liver problems with past estrogen use or with pregnancy

                                      There's a higher risk of gallbladder problems in postmenopausal females using Menostar (estradiol), with some requiring surgery. Your body also mainly breaks down or metabolizes Menostar (estradiol) in the liver. For people with a history of liver problems (such as cholestatic jaundice), that have occurred with past estrogen use or during pregnancy, Menostar (estradiol) should be used carefully.

                                      Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any gallbladder or liver conditions or if you notice symptoms, such as stomach pain or swelling, back pain, shoulder pain, dark urine, yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice), loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.

                                      risk-warning

                                      Changes in calcium levels in the blood

                                      • Risk factors: History of breast cancer | Cancer that has spread to the bones | Low parathyroid hormone levels

                                        Using Menostar (estradiol) can lead to severely high calcium in people with breast cancer and in those whose cancer has spread to their bones. If your calcium is high, you might feel thirsty, have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bone pain, muscle weakness, or confusion. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms because you might have to stop using Menostar (estradiol).

                                        Use Menostar (estradiol) with caution if you have low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism), which is a condition that affects the glands in the back of your neck and leads to low calcium in your body. Let your healthcare provider know if you have signs of low calcium such as burning or tingling of your fingers, toes, or lips, muscle pain, or confusion.

                                        risk-warning

                                        Vision problems

                                        A blood clot that blocks part of your eye, known as retinal vascular thrombosis, can develop in people using estrogen products, like Menostar (estradiol). If you suddenly can't see out of one or both eyes or if you have bulging eyes, double vision, or migraines, stop using Menostar (estradiol) and call your healthcare provider.

                                        risk-warning

                                        High triglycerides

                                        • Risk factors: History of high triglycerides

                                          Menostar (estradiol) can raise triglyceride levels in your blood, which can lead to serious conditions like inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). If you have a history of high triglycerides, which is a type of body fat that mostly comes from foods, try to make some dietary changes, like limiting salt and sugar, avoiding alcohol, and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans, and nuts. For more guidance on how to reduce your triglyceride levels, ask your healthcare provider.

                                          risk-warning

                                          Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)

                                          • Risk factors: Low thyroid hormone levels

                                            Menostar (estradiol) can affect thyroid hormone levels in your blood. If you take medications for low thyroid hormone levels, you might require higher doses of thyroid replacement therapy. Your healthcare provider might have you perform regular blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels.

                                            risk-warning

                                            Fluid Retention

                                            • Risk factors: History of heart or kidney problems

                                              Using estrogen products, like Menostar (estradiol), might cause some fluid retention, or edema, and the chances are higher in people who have heart conditions, like congestive heart failure, or kidney damage. If you notice unusual swelling in any part of your body or if you suddenly gain weight over a short period of time, let your healthcare provider know.

                                              risk-warning

                                              Worsening of other health conditions

                                              • Risk factors: History of asthma or diabetes | History of lupus | History of seizures or migraines | Taking other medications that can cause seizures

                                                If you have certain conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider before using Menostar (estradiol) because estrogen products can worsen these conditions by either raising your blood sugar levels or causing asthma attacks.

                                                dosage

                                                Menostar (estradiol) dosage forms

                                                The average cost for 1 package of 4 patches of 14mcg of Menostar (estradiol) is $162.03 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 29.14% off the average retail price of $228.66.
                                                package
                                                Package
                                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                                4 patches of 14mcg1 package$162.03$162.03
                                                patch
                                                Patch
                                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                                14mcg4 patches$162.03$40.51

                                                Typical dosing for Menostar (estradiol)

                                                The typical dose for Menostar (estradiol) is one patch per week applied to your lower stomach or upper buttocks.

                                                drug-cost

                                                How much does Menostar (estradiol) cost?

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                                                contraindications-icon

                                                Menostar (estradiol) contraindications

                                                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Menostar (estradiol) will not be safe for you to take.
                                                • Abnormal vaginal bleeding

                                                • Breast cancer

                                                • Tumor that depends on estrogen for growth

                                                • Blood clots or blood clotting conditions

                                                • History of stroke or heart attack

                                                • Liver problems

                                                • Currently pregnant

                                                alternatives

                                                What are alternatives to Menostar (estradiol)?

                                                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Menostar (estradiol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                                Menostar (estradiol)
                                                Used for:
                                                • Prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause

                                                $162.03 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                                Used for:
                                                $30.62 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                                Used for:
                                                $13.77 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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