Hormone Replacement Therapy
When a woman reaches menopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases significantly. HRT is a means of replacing these hormones that are no longer being produced by the body. This type of therapy is usually commenced at menopause or may be started while a woman is in the perimenopausal phase, nearing menopause. In years past, many physicians would recommend that women take HRT for the rest of their lives to realize the maximum benefits; however, in light of the most current research, HRT is not advised for all women. It is crucial that the decision to take HRT be made on an individual basis after a complete review of a woman’s medical history.
How is hormone therapy replacement administered?
According to the American Medical Association, HRT can be administered in a variety of methods, including the following:
Estrogen pills
Estrogen pills can either be taken every day or for 25 days each month. Women who have had a hysterectomy can take estrogen alone, while those who have not may take a combination pill (estrogen and progestin).
Estrogen/Progestin pills
There are two methods - the continuous method and the cyclic method - for taking estrogen and progestin. In the continuous method, a pill that contains both estrogen and progestin is taken daily. Occasionally, irregular bleeding may occur.
The cyclic method involves taking estrogen and progestin separately - with estrogen taken either every day or daily for 25 days of the month and progestin taken for 10 to 14 days of the month. This may cause monthly "withdrawal" bleeding.
Estrogen and estrogen/Progestin skin patches
Using this method, a patch is applied to the skin of the abdomen or buttocks for 3 ½ or 7 days. The patch is then discarded and a new one is applied. The patch can be left on at all times, even while swimming or bathing, and either the estrogen, or estrogen/progestin combination is delivered through the skin into the bloodstream. Progestin can be taken in a pill form with the patch. The patches may cause monthly bleeding.
Estrogen cream
Estrogen cream is inserted into the vagina or used locally around the vulva to help with vaginal dryness and urinary problems.
Raloxifene
Raloxifene is an estrogen-like drug (sometimes called "designer estrogen") that is part of a new class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
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