Types of HRT (Pills, Patches, Gels)
Your HRT Options: Pills, Patches, Gels & More
Personalizing Your HRT: Finding the Right Fit for You
Hormone Replacement Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. One of its greatest strengths is its flexibility, allowing us to tailor your prescription not only by hormone and dose but also by the way it’s delivered to your body. The “best” type of HRT is the one that is safest for you, effectively manages your symptoms, and fits seamlessly into your life.
Understanding your options is the first step in making an informed choice. During your consultation, we will have a detailed discussion about these different methods to select the perfect combination for your unique needs and preferences.
Estrogen
How Estrogen is Delivered
Replacing estrogen is key to managing most menopausal symptoms. The way you take it is a critical part of your treatment plan.
Transdermal Estrogen (Through the Skin)
Transdermal estrogen is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver, and is now the preferred method for most women because it does not raise the risk of blood clots, making it the safest option from a cardiovascular perspective. It can be taken as small transparent patches placed on the thigh or buttock and changed once or twice a week for a simple, steady “set it and forget it” dose; as clear gels from a pump-pack or sachet applied daily to the arms or legs, offering flexibility since the dose can be easily adjusted; or as a fine, quick-drying spray applied once a day to the forearm for a fast, non-greasy application.
Oral Estrogen (Pills)
This is the traditional method of taking estrogen in a daily tablet. While effective, when estrogen is taken orally, it is first processed by the liver. This "first-pass metabolism" slightly increases the risk of blood clots compared to transdermal methods. For this reason, it is no longer the first-line choice for many women, but it can still be a suitable option for some.
Vaginal Estrogen
This is a localized, not systemic, treatment. It comes in the form of very low-dose creams, pessaries, or rings that are placed directly into the vagina. It is used specifically to treat the symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), such as vaginal dryness and bladder issues. It does not treat systemic symptoms like hot flashes and is safe for most women, even those who cannot take systemic HRT.
Progesterone
How Progesterone is Delivered
If you have a uterus, you must take a progestin to protect the uterine lining.
Testosterone
How Testosterone is Delivered
If testosterone is part of your treatment plan, it is prescribed to restore levels back to the normal female range.
