17a-estradiol is found in the estrogen patch. The estrogen patch is a delivery system for estradiol used as hormone replacement therapy to treat the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and to prevent osteoporosis. Originally marketed as Vivelle (Novartis), it was discontinued in 2003 and reintroduced in a smaller form as Vivelle-Dot. Although the estrogen is given transdermally rather than in the standard oral tablets, the estrogen patch carries similar risks and benefits as more conventional forms of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy.

17a-estradiol is found in the estrogen patch. The estrogen patch is a delivery system for estradiol used as hormone replacement therapy to treat the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and to prevent osteoporosis. Originally marketed as Vivelle (Novartis), it was discontinued in 2003 and reintroduced in a smaller form as Vivelle-Dot. Although the estrogen is given transdermally rather than in the standard oral tablets, the estrogen patch carries similar risks and benefits as more conventional forms of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy.