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The use of transdermal patches to deliver estrogen can simplify compliance, but may be limited by the occurrence of skin irritation. Estrogen patches are currently manufactured in two forms -- those that deliver estrogen, contained in an alcohol reservoir, through a semipermeable membrane ("reservoir" patches), and those that have estrogen dissolved in an adhesive matrix across the whole patch ("matrix" patches). This study compared the two designs in 82 women who had previously discontinued transdermal treatment due to skin irritation.
The women were randomized to either a reservoir or matrix patch for eight weeks, and then crossed over to the alternate patch; they were allowed to switch sooner if they had unacceptable skin irritation. Of t…