Menostar

Generic name:estradiol transdermal [ ES-tra-DYE-ole-tranz-DERM-al ]
Drug class:Estrogens

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 14, 2021.

What is Menostar?

Menostar is a skin patch that contains estradiol, a form of estrogen. Estradiol is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries that regulates many processes in the body.

Menostar skin patches are used to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Menostar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Menostar if you have: liver disease, a bleeding disorder, unusual vaginal bleeding, history of a hormone-dependent cancer (such as breast, uterine, ovarian, or thyroid cancer), or if you have ever had a heart attack, stroke, a blood clot, or if you will be having major surgery.

Do not use Menostar if you are pregnant.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Your doctor may prescribe a progestin to help lower this risk. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Using Menostar can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Estradiol should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis to determine whether you should continue treatment with Menostar.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Menostar if you are allergic to estradiol, if you are pregnant, or if you have:

• unusual vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked;

• liver disease;

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

• a recent history of heart attack or stroke;

• a history of hormone-dependent cancer (such as breast, uterine, ovarian, or thyroid cancer); or

• if you have ever had a blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body).

Menostar should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

To make sure Menostar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease;

• risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as diabetes, lupus, smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, having a family history of coronary artery disease, or if you have had a hysterectomy);

• a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills;

• hereditary angioedema (an immune system disorder);

• a thyroid disorder;

• kidney disease;

• asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• migraines;

• lupus;

• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);

• endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;

• gallbladder disease;

• high or low levels of calcium in your blood; or

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