The short answer
Climara is an estradiol-only transdermal patch changed once a week. Its current label approves it for moderate-to-severe hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause, moderate-to-severe vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause, low estrogen from hypogonadism, removal of the ovaries, or primary ovarian failure, and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. People with a uterus usually also need a progestogen. Climara Pro is a different product that contains levonorgestrel.
Boxed warning on the current Climara label
The current Climara label (DailyMed, March 2026) carries a boxed warning for endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disorders, probable dementia, and breast cancer. It warns that unopposed estrogen raises endometrial cancer risk in people with a uterus, and that estrogen should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia. In November 2025 the FDA asked hormone therapy manufacturers to remove some boxed-warning language, but a product's warning changes only when its own label is revised.
Contraindications on the label include undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, current or past breast cancer, estrogen-dependent cancer, current or past blood clots, current or past stroke or heart attack, liver disease, known blood-clotting disorders, serious allergic reaction to the product, and pregnancy.
Current label check
The medication-specific claims on this page were checked against these current product labels on 2026-10-03.
| Product label | Label date | Boxed warning on that label |
|---|---|---|
| Climara (estradiol) patch | 2026-03-26 | Endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disorders, probable dementia, breast cancer |
Established evidence
FDA-approved uses
- Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause
- Moderate-to-severe vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause (local vaginal products should be considered first when this is the only symptom)
- Hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure
- Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis (non-estrogen medicines should be considered first when this is the only goal)
Strengths and how it is used
Climara is labeled in strengths of 0.025, 0.0375, 0.05, 0.06, 0.075, and 0.1 mg of estradiol per day. One patch is worn for seven days, then replaced. The label advises the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals, with periodic reassessment.
| Product | What it contains | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Climara | Estradiol only | Once weekly |
| Climara Pro | Estradiol + levonorgestrel | Once weekly |
| Vivelle-Dot, Dotti, Minivelle | Estradiol only | Twice weekly |
| Menostar | Estradiol only, 14 mcg per day | Once weekly; osteoporosis prevention only |
Applying the patch
The label directs application to clean, dry skin of the lower abdomen or upper buttock, avoiding the breasts and the waistline where clothing rubs. Sites should be rotated, with at least a week before reusing the same site. Used patches still contain estradiol and should be folded sticky sides together and thrown away out of reach of children and pets.
Established evidence
If you still have a uterus
Because Climara contains estrogen alone, the label says a progestogen should generally be added for people with a uterus to reduce endometrial cancer risk. People without a uterus generally do not need one, although some with a history of endometriosis may.
Established evidence
Common side effects
- Skin redness or irritation at the site
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Headache
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting, which should be reported
- Nausea or bloating
Monitoring
The label lists blood pressure elevation, triglyceride increases, gallbladder disease, and changes to thyroid hormone needs among its warnings. Prescribers typically review symptoms, blood pressure, breast screening, and any abnormal bleeding, and reassess whether to continue.
Questions to ask a healthcare professional
- Is a weekly or twice-weekly patch better for my skin and routine?
- Which progestogen should I use with it?
- Would a lower strength control my symptoms?
Questions, answered
What people ask about Climara
Is Climara the same as Climara Pro?+
No. Climara contains only estradiol. Climara Pro contains estradiol plus levonorgestrel and is approved only for people with a uterus.
How often do I change Climara?+
Once a week, per the label.
Does Climara have a boxed warning?+
Yes. As of October 2026 its current label still carries a boxed warning for endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disorders, probable dementia, and breast cancer.
Does Kindr Health offer Climara?+
This page is educational and does not state or imply availability through Kindr Health.
Kindr Health does not claim to offer Climara on this page. Availability and prescribing are not implied.
A broader care pathway
Explore menopause care
Learn how Kindr Health care pathways work. An educational page is not a statement that this medication is available or appropriate for you.
SOURCES & REFERENCES
Every clinical claim on this page is sourced.
- Climara (estradiol transdermal system) prescribing information (2026) — DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1e9702c4-f2d7-4ea8-b6e8-7dca31671864
- FDA initiates removal of boxed warnings from menopausal hormone therapy products (2025) — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services / FDA. www.hhs.gov/press-room/fact-sheet-fda-initiates-removal-of-black-box-warnings-from-menopausal-hormone-replacement-therapy-products.html
- FDA approves labeling changes to menopausal hormone therapy products (first six labels) (2026) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration. www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-labeling-changes-menopausal-hormone-therapy-products
- The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society (2022) — The Menopause Society (Menopause journal). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35797481
This resource is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change a prescription without guidance from a licensed healthcare professional.