September 27, 2018

5 Different Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Do you suffer from menopausal symptoms? Have you considered hormone replacement therapy to help with your symptoms?

Data shows that 44% of postmenopausal women have used some type of hormone replacement.

There are a lot of different hormone replacement therapies to choose from. Your options can be overwhelming. Check out five types of hormone replacement therapy and how they can help you.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment to help relieve the symptoms of menopause. Menopausal symptoms include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Difficulty sleeping

HRT may also help with the bone mass loss that leads to osteoporosis. Not everyone is a candidate for hormone replacement therapy. Those women that are may find great relief from their menopausal symptoms.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Let’s move onto the different types of hormone replacement therapies.

1. Oestrogen Gel

Oestrogen is typically used in hormone replacement therapy. Oestrogen gel is applied to the skin and then absorbed into the body. This can be a convenient option for some women. The gel can also help prevent blood clotting. Beware though if you still your uterus as this can be a contributing factor to cancer.

Oestrogen can also be applied as a cream or ring within the vagina. This can help with vaginal dryness.

2. Hormone Pellet Therapy

Hormone pellet therapy consists of pellets that are created to work with your body. They release what you need when you need it. The pellets are natural and identical to the hormones within the human body.

This can be a convenient option for people who forget to take their doses daily. Pellet therapy can provide mood stabilization, mental focus, and overall better well being.

3. Natural Hormone Supplements

Some women prefer a more natural route when it comes to their health. There are possible ways to encourage normal hormone production without medication.

Options include coconut oil and magnesium. It’s important to also limit caffeine intake as caffeine can mimic stress and interfere with natural hormone production.

4. Cyclical HRT

If you need hormone therapy and are still having a period, cyclical HRT may be a good option for you. Two options for cyclical HRT are monthly or trimonthly. If you have an irregular period, the latter is the ideal option.

With the monthly schedule, you would take estrogen every day. During the last 14 days of your menstrual cycle, you would add progestogen. For a trimonthly schedule, you would do the same except add in progestogen for 14 days every 3 months.

5. Continuous Combined HRT

Continuous combined HRT is the combination of both estrogen and progestogen every single day. This is a better option for women who are post-menopausal.

What Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy Are Right for You?

When it comes to choosing types of hormone replacement therapy, you should discuss all your options with a health care provider. Whether you prefer medicinal or more natural options, you do have choices when it comes to your health.

If you want to learn more about hormone therapy for either women or men, check out what options we offer. We can help you restore balance and feel more rejuvenated and revitalized.