Estradot Estradiol Transdermal Patch (Vivelle Dot)

Estradot (Vivelle Dot) is a prescription estradiol transdermal (through-the-skin) patch used for hormone therapy in menopause. This page explains what it does, how it is commonly used, and what safety topics to review with a clinician. It also outlines access basics for people paying cash without insurance.

What Estradot (Vivelle Dot) Is and How It Works

This medicine delivers estradiol, a form of estrogen, through the skin into the bloodstream. Compared with some oral estrogen products, a patch can provide steadier hormone levels for certain people. BorderFreeHealth coordinates access with US shipping from Canada after prescription review, which can support continuity for long-term therapies.

Dispensed through licensed Canadian partner pharmacies.

In the body, estradiol helps address symptoms linked to lower estrogen levels after menopause. These symptoms can include vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and may also involve vaginal tissue changes. Systemic estrogen can also be used in some cases to help prevent bone loss after menopause, when a prescriber judges benefits to outweigh risks. The specific goal, dose strength, and duration should match the prescription and the official product information.

Who It’s For

Estradot (Vivelle Dot) is generally prescribed for adults who need systemic estrogen therapy for menopause-related concerns, such as bothersome hot flashes, or for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in selected cases. People exploring menopause symptom support can browse condition-focused options in Menopausal Symptoms, which groups related prescription treatments in one place.

This therapy is not appropriate for everyone. A clinician may avoid systemic estrogen in people with a history of estrogen-dependent cancers (such as certain breast or uterine cancers), unexplained vaginal bleeding, active or past blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or severe liver disease. Pregnancy is also a contraindication. Risk can change based on age, smoking status, migraine history, and the presence or absence of a uterus (because some people also need a progestin to protect the uterine lining). A complete medication list and medical history are important before starting or continuing treatment.

Dosage and Usage

Estradot (Vivelle Dot) is typically worn as a continuous patch and changed on a regular schedule set by the prescription. Many estradiol transdermal systems are replaced twice weekly (about every 3–4 days), but the exact timing should follow the product instructions and prescriber directions. If a patch loosens or comes off, the label guidance usually describes whether to reattach, replace, or continue the schedule.

When placing a patch, it is usually positioned on clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen or buttock area, avoiding the breasts and areas where tight clothing rubs. Sites are rotated to reduce irritation. Oils, lotions, or powders can interfere with adhesion, so skin is commonly left free of these products where the patch will sit. Hands are washed after handling, and the patch is pressed firmly for several seconds so the edges seal.

Why it matters: Consistent wear and site rotation help reduce both symptom swings and skin reactions.

Strengths and Forms

Estradot (Vivelle Dot) is available in multiple dose strengths, and selection is individualized by the prescriber. Strengths are often described in micrograms (mcg) delivered per day, and some references list milligrams (mg) as an equivalent daily amount. Availability can vary by market and pharmacy source, so a prescriber may specify an exact strength to avoid substitution.

The following strengths are commonly referenced for this product family:

For broader browsing across related prescriptions, the Womens Health category collects systemic and local estrogen options, along with non-estrogen therapies used for different menopause goals.

Storage and Travel Basics

Patches are commonly stored at room temperature in their sealed protective pouch until use. Heat and humidity can affect adhesives and drug stability, so storage in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight is typical. Keeping patches in original packaging also helps prevent accidental sticking or contamination.

For travel, many people carry patches in a hand bag in case checked luggage is exposed to temperature extremes. Airport security screening generally does not affect patches, but it can help to keep the pharmacy label available if questions arise. If a patch is damaged, discolored, or no longer sticks well, it should not be used and a pharmacist should be consulted for next steps.

Quick tip: Keep an extra patch and the schedule information together for trips.

For more context on menopause-related health needs over time, see Menopause And Beyond Guide.

Side Effects and Safety

Like other systemic estrogen therapies, an estradiol patch can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include skin irritation where the patch sits, breast tenderness, headache, nausea, or mood changes. Some people also notice fluid retention or changes in vaginal bleeding patterns, especially early in therapy. Any persistent or concerning symptom should be reviewed with a clinician.

Serious risks with systemic estrogen may include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and certain cancers; risk varies by individual factors and whether a progestin is also used. Urgent evaluation is generally recommended for symptoms such as chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, one-sided weakness, severe sudden headache, vision changes, or painful leg swelling. New or unusual vaginal bleeding after menopause should be assessed promptly.

Prescription details are confirmed with the original prescriber before dispensing.

People looking for practical safety reminders and symptom discussions can also browse Womens Health Posts for related reading.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Drug interactions with transdermal estradiol are often less about stomach absorption and more about how the body metabolizes hormones. Some medications and supplements can change estrogen levels, including certain seizure medicines, rifampin-like antibiotics, and St. John’s wort. Thyroid replacement dose needs can also shift in some people using estrogen, so clinicians may monitor symptoms and laboratory values when therapy changes.

Other cautions involve situations that increase clot risk, such as major surgery with prolonged immobility. Smoking, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and certain inherited clotting disorders can also raise risk. Because interactions and contraindications depend on the full medical picture, a complete medication list (including over-the-counter products) should be shared with the prescribing clinician and pharmacist.

For bone-health background and risk awareness, see Recognizing Early Osteoporosis Signs and Navigating Osteoporosis Treatment.

Compare With Alternatives

Estradot (Vivelle Dot) is one option within systemic estrogen therapy, and the best fit depends on symptoms, risk factors, and personal preferences. Some alternatives are also patches but differ in wear time, patch size, or dose range. For example, Climara Patch is another estradiol patch product, and some versions are designed for once-weekly replacement.

Other options combine estrogen with a progestin in a single patch for certain people who have a uterus; Estalis Patch is an example of a combination product family. Non-patch systemic forms include gels or sprays, and there are also local (vaginal) estrogen products that target mainly vaginal symptoms rather than whole-body symptoms. Reading about oral conjugated estrogens may be helpful for context, such as Premarin For Menopause and Premarin Helps Hot Flashes.

Pricing and Access

Costs for estradiol patches can vary by strength, package size, and source. Estradot (Vivelle Dot) is prescription-only, and a valid prescription is required before it can be dispensed. BorderFreeHealth supports cross-border access by working with Canadian partner pharmacies and maintaining prescription documentation for the dispensing process. People may choose this route when managing self-pay therapy, including when continuing treatment without insurance.

Cash-pay access is available when insurance is not used.

For site-wide offers that may apply to eligible prescriptions, Site Promotions lists current options and basic terms. To proceed on the site, submit the prescription information for review and select prompt, express shipping during checkout.

Authoritative Sources

For the most reliable details on indications, contraindications, and boxed warnings, it helps to read official labeling and regulator-backed patient education. These resources complement pharmacist counseling and clinician guidance, especially when comparing systemic estrogen products or reviewing risk factors.

A neutral starting point for patient-facing safety information is the MedlinePlus drug record: MedlinePlus estradiol transdermal patch information.

For broader regulatory context on menopause hormone therapy benefits and risks, see the FDA consumer guidance: FDA menopause and hormone therapy overview.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.