When you enter menopause, the estrogen and progesterone levels in your body reduce significantly. These hormonal changes can cause uncomfortable symptoms like cold flashes, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and more. Doctors like this obgyn, regenerative medicine, & hormone specialist houston tx often treat these symptoms through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT boosts your hormone levels by reintroducing estrogen and progesterone into your body. Depending on your symptoms and preferences, you can receive this treatment in the following five ways.
Implants
HRT hormones can be delivered to your system through tiny implants inserted under the skin, usually in your abdominal area. These devices are timed to release estrogen into your body for several months before they need to be replaced. Due to their long validity period, they can be ideal for you if you don’t want to take your hormones daily. You will need to get progestogen separately, such as through the intrauterine device (IUD). This implant releases the hormone into your uterus for between three to five years and can be a form of birth control.
Gels (Estrogen and Testosterone)
Your doctor may also prescribe estrogen gel to rub onto your skin once daily. This delivery method is a very low-risk and convenient way to receive your HRT. However, if you still have a womb, you may need to accompany your estrogen gel with another form of progestogen. This approach is designed to lower your risk of uterine cancer.
Tablets
If you can remember to take your pill every day, you can receive your hormone dosages through tablets. This is the most common and simplest way HRT is delivered. You usually need to take your estrogen-only or combined hormone pill once a day. But, you should know that tablet-delivered HRT carries a slightly higher risk of some HRT risks, like blood clots, than other methods.
Skin Patches
You can also receive HRT treatments in the form of patches. Once prescribed, you stick them to your skin, where they infuse the hormones through the tissue and into your body. The patches are viable for several days, after which you need to replace them. Usually, your doctor may recommend combined or estrogen-only patches, depending on your symptoms. They are a good choice if you cannot remember to take your pills every day or wish to avoid the risk of blood clots and side effects like indigestion.
Vaginal Estrogen
Lastly, some people take their estrogen hormones as a cream, ring, or pessary inserted in their vagina. The primary role of this method of delivery is to resolve vaginal dryness, although it can also relieve other symptoms like hot flushes. Unlike other options, vaginal estrogen does not increase your breast cancer risk, so you can take it without a progestogen.
Balanced Hormones for a Healthier, Happier Life
A healthy balance of hormones in your body can leave you feeling better and more energetic. It can also relieve uncomfortable symptoms, help you manage your weight, and make sex more presumable. Whatever your reason for seeking HRT, you have many delivery options available to you. You can discuss your symptoms and lifestyle with your gynecologist to determine which one works best for you. Call a specialist today to get started on your HRT treatments and enjoy the innumerable benefits.
