5 Forms of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Women Can Consider
Women’s skin becomes prone to sagging, thinning, and wrinkling as they age. These changes occur because they begin producing less estrogen, particularly during the menopause phase. Thanks to HRT, women can boost their estrogen levels and reduce the appearance of aging. Besides making you appear younger, it can prevent bone loss.
There are various HRT forms, and if you are curious about them, you can talk to any Plano anti-aging & hormone specialist. To have a rough idea about them, here they are below.
Tablets
Some HRT tablets you can take include Duavee, Estrace, Ogen, Premarin, and Femtrace. Typically, you take them once a day. There are different ways of taking these tablets. Sometimes, your doctor may ask you to take them with or without food. Other tablets have complicated dosing schedules, which would require you to note them down.
Although HRT has risks, they are much higher in tablets. One common side effect of tablets is a blood clot. You will experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and swelling when you get it.
Vaginal Estrogen
This HRT treatment is available as a cream and a ring. It is suitable for those who have experienced menopause, painful urination, and a sudden need to urinate. If you opt for the cream one, apply it inside the vagina. As for the ring, you should carefully insert it into the vagina and let it remain for three months.
There are some precautions to observe. In case you are allergic to vaginal estrogen, inform your doctor about it. Also, if you have liver disease, you should tell your physician about that since using this treatment may trigger blood clots.
Skin Patch
The patch treats certain menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and irritation. It contains hormones, so when you wear it on your arm, it transfers them to your blood vessels through the skin.
The patch has risks, particularly for women above 60 years old. You could develop heart disease or blood clots. If you feel sick after using a skin patch, it would be best to see a doctor to consider other HRT alternatives.
Implants
They are small crystalline pellets that contain 100% bio-identical hormones. Doctors insert them under your skin, either in the buttock or stomach. That means they must create incisions in the skin and cover up the wounds.
Once inserted, they begin releasing estrogen into the body. Implants can last for 3-5 years. That means you have to regularly visit a doctor to assess their condition.
Estrogen Gel
When you apply the gel to your skin, your body instantly absorbs estrogen from it. Unlike most gels, this one is not greasy and does not stain clothing. It helps to relieve menstrual symptoms within three months.
Your doctor will determine how much you should apply. You may need one or two metered doses a day.
When some people think of estrogen, they only look at it as a hormone that gives women body features, e.g., pubic hair. Others think of it in cosmetic terms. However, we have seen that in limited amounts, you can experience hot flashes or irregular periods. Therefore, there is a good reason to consider HRT if you have any of these issues.
HRT is just one way of replenishing your limited hormones. Other ways of boosting estrogen are by exercising regularly, taking antidepressants, and cutting down on coffee and alcohol.