Abstract

Transdermal estrogen/progestin absorption dosage unit have been developed which comprise a backing layer, an adjoining polymer layer is an adhesive layer in which at least minimum effective dose of an estrogen is dissolved or microdispersed. Adhered to the polymer layer in an adhesive layer in which is dissolved and/or microdispersed at least minimum doses of progestin. Presently preferred is use of the natural estrogen, 17-beta-estradiol, or ethinyl estradiol or combinations thereof and of the progestin, norethindrone or norgestimate or combinations thereof. The units have biologically acceptable adhesive and polymer layers. The adhesive layer can have dispersed one or more skin permeation enhancing agents. A separating layer can optionally be used in making the dosage units, which separate space the adhesive and polymer layers, which permits estrogen tansmission from the polymer layer during treatment. Dosage units are provided which transdermally deliver at least minimum daily doses of the estrogen and progestin for multiple days, such as for one week. The invention also provides a process of fertility control and estrogen replacement therapy using the novel dosage units. Also, the invention provides a fertility control system for fertility control using the novel dosage units.