Exploring Different Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment used to alleviate the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, primarily associated with menopause in women and hormone deficiency in men. This research article provides an in-depth overview of the various HRT options available, the types of HRT, when to start HRT, how to get HRT, a comparison between estrogen gel and patches, and an exploration of the three primary hormones used in HRT.

Introduction:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has become a widely used treatment for individuals experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. HRT can be essential in improving the quality of life for those suffering from menopause, androgen deficiency, or transgender individuals undergoing gender transition. This article delves into the different aspects of HRT, including its options, types, initiation timing, access, and a comparison between estrogen gel Vs. patches, as well as a look at the three types of hormones used in HRT.

HRT Types & Options:

Hormone replacement treatment (HRT) comes in a variety of forms.

People can:

include a variety of hormones, including progestogen, estrogen, or both (a specialized doctor may occasionally prescribe testosterone as well).
be utilized in several forms, including pills, patches, gel, spray, vaginal rings, pessaries, and cream.
be used or consumed on various occasions - Routines might be continuous or cyclical (sequential). [1]

Let’s take a look at the HRT types and HRT options in a nutshell:

Hormone Replacement Therapy comes in various forms, catering to different individual needs. The main HRT options include:

Estrogen-only HRT
Combined HRT (estrogen and progestin)
Androgen Replacement Therapy (ART)
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Different HRT types are chosen based on individual circumstances and medical recommendations. Common types include:

Oral HRT (tablets)
Transdermal HRT (patches)
Intramuscular HRT (injections)
Topical HRT (gel or cream)
Subcutaneous HRT (pellets)

When to Start HRT:

“When to start HRT?” people often inquire.

Women typically experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, however, it can occur younger. Anyone who has periods is affected by it. Along with discomfort relief, HRT also offers additional advantages, such as osteoporosis prevention.

It's especially crucial to utilize HRT or the combination pill if you have early or premature menopause (before age 45 or 40, respectively). Oestrogen levels rise as a result, helping to shield you from diseases like osteoporosis. It is often recommended that you continue HRT until you are at least 51 years old.

You can use HRT for an unlimited amount of time; nevertheless, see your doctor for guidance. Your therapy will typically be reviewed once a year. You will often need to take HRT for 2 to 5 years, although it may be longer in rare circumstances, to treat symptoms like hot flushes.

It's advised to use HRT just when the advantages exceed the hazards. Your symptoms, age, and other risk factors you may have will all play a role in this. You can continue taking vaginal estrogen for as long as you need to treat vaginal dryness because it does not have the same hazards as other kinds of HRT. [2]

How to Get HRT:

The next common question is, “How to get HRT?”

To embark on your HRT journey, you should follow these essential steps:

Consult a Healthcare Provider or Endocrinologist:

The first and most crucial step in obtaining HRT is to seek out a healthcare provider or an endocrinologist who specializes in hormone-related issues.

Discuss Symptoms, Medical History, and Goals:

During your consultation, you will engage in a comprehensive discussion with your healthcare provider or endocrinologist.

Undergo Necessary Blood Tests and Assessments:

To determine the most appropriate HRT regimen for you, your healthcare provider will likely order a series of blood tests and assessments. These tests will measure your current hormone levels and assess your overall health.

Receive a Prescription for the Suitable HRT Type and Dosage:

Based on the results of your assessments and the discussion with your healthcare provider, you will receive a prescription for the specific type of HRT and the corresponding dosage.

Obtain HRT from a Pharmacy or Healthcare Facility:

With your prescription in hand, you can then proceed to obtain your HRT from a pharmacy or a designated healthcare facility.

Estrogen Gel vs. Patch:

Skin patches are an additional ERT kind. Alora, Climara, Estraderm, and Vivelle-Dot are a few examples. There are additional patches that combine estrogen and progesterone, such as Climara Pro and Combi patches. Only used to minimize the risk of osteoporosis, Menostar contains less estrogen than other patches. Other symptoms of the menopause are not alleviated by it. The patch is often worn on your lower stomach, just below the waist. The patch would subsequently be changed once or twice each week following the instructions.

In addition to mirroring oral therapy's benefits, this estrogen patch offers added advantages. It's convenient, eliminating the need for daily pill intake. Moreover, it's safer for those with liver issues since the estrogen bypasses the liver and enters the bloodstream directly. While a 2007 study suggested lower blood clot risks compared to oral estrogen in postmenopausal women, further research is required before concluding patch safety superiority. Currently, all estrogens have the same black-box warning regarding clot formation. [3]

Another method of ingesting estrogen is by the use of creams, gels, and sprays like Evamist, Divigel, and Estroge. Similar to patches, this estrogen therapy is absorbed into the circulation through the skin. Although there are different instructions for using these lotions, they are typically used once a day. On one arm, estrogel is administered from the wrist to the shoulder. On the legs, estrasorb is administered. The arm is treated with evamist.

For those with liver and cholesterol issues, estrogen creams are a safer alternative to oral estrogen since they are absorbed via the skin and enter the circulation immediately.

3 Types of Hormones:

The primary 3 types of hormones in HRT are:

Estrogen: The primary female sex hormone. Estrogen HRT can help alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Progestin: A synthetic form of progesterone often combined with estrogen in postmenopausal women to protect the uterine lining.

Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone. Testosterone HRT is used to address symptoms of androgen deficiency in both men and women.

Conclusion:

Hormone Replacement Therapy offers a range of options and types to address hormonal imbalances in individuals. Decisions regarding when to start HRT, how to access it, and which type to choose depend on individual needs, medical guidance, and preferences. Additionally, understanding the differences between estrogen gel and patches can aid in selecting the most suitable form of treatment. The three primary hormones used in HRT—estrogen, progestin, and testosterone—play distinct roles in hormone replacement, and their selection should be based on individualized medical assessments and goals. Ultimately, the choice of HRT should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective management of hormonal imbalances.