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The older transdermal estrogen patches deliver estrogen, contained in an alcohol reservoir, through a semipermeable membrane. In the newer patches, estrogen is dissolved in an adhesive matrix and distributed across the whole patch; this design is thought to cause fewer skin reactions. This crossover study compared the two designs in 82 women who had previously stopped using patches after skin reactions.
The women were randomized to either an old-style reservoir patch (Estraderm TTS) or a newer matrix patch (Evorel). After eight weeks, they were switched to the other patch, but they were allowed to switch sooner if they had skin irritation. Of 72 women completing the study, 26 (36%) discontinued the reservoir patch because of skin irritation,…