Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an important treatment for symptoms of menopause and other hormonal imbalances. It involves the administration of hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and bone loss that often come with menopause.
Understanding the different types of HRT can help women make informed decisions about their health care. This article explores the various types of HRT, focusing on treatments involving oestrogen, progesterone and combined therapies.
Understanding HRT Hormones
Hormone Replacement Therapy is used to supplement the hormones that the body produces less of during menopause, typically affecting women between ages 45 and 55, though it can occur earlier.
The primary hormones involved in HRT are oestrogen and progestogen. Oestrogen is important for regulating menstrual cycles, maintaining bone density and supporting overall reproductive health.
Progestogen is added to HRT regimens for women who have not had a hysterectomy to protect the lining of the uterus from the effects of oestrogen alone. Although not officially licensed for treating menopausal symptoms, testosterone can be prescribed by a specialist. It is sometimes used to address specific issues such as reduced libido.
HRT aims to alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness and prevent long-term degenerative diseases like osteoporosis.
Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy
Before getting into the types of HRT, it’s important to understand what HRT is and why it’s used. Hormone Replacement Therapy is primarily used to replace the oestrogen that the body no longer makes after menopause.
This is important because oestrogen plays a key role in managing the health of various bodily functions, including temperature regulation, bone density and vaginal health.
Oestrogen Therapy
Oestrogen therapy, often referred to as ET, is one of the most common forms of hormone replacement. It is particularly useful for treating menopausal symptoms and preventing osteoporosis. Oestrogen can be administered in various forms, including tablets, skin patches, gels and vaginal creams, rings or tablets.
- Oral Oestrogen: Typically taken as a pill, this is one of the most traditional methods of administering oestrogen.
- Transdermal Patches: These are patches applied to the skin which release oestrogen directly into the bloodstream.
- Topical Gels and Creams: Applied directly to the skin, these forms allow oestrogen to be absorbed directly at the site of application.
- Vaginal Products: These are used primarily to treat vaginal and urinary symptoms and are available as creams, tablets or rings.
Benefits and Risks: The primary benefit of oestrogen therapy is its effectiveness in relieving menopausal symptoms. It can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis by maintaining bone density. However, oestrogen therapy can increase the risk of endometrial cancer if used alone without progesterone in women who still have their uterus. It may also increase the risk of blood clots and stroke, especially in pill form.
Progesterone Therapy
Progesterone therapy or progestin-only therapy, involves the use of synthetic progesterone, known as progestins. It is primarily used to protect the lining of the uterus in women who are taking oestrogen therapy but still have their uterus.
- Oral Progestins: These are taken as a pill and are the most common form of progesterone therapy.
- IUDs (Intrauterine Devices): Certain IUDs release progestin locally within the uterus.
- Vaginal Suppositories: These are inserted into the vagina and are another way to deliver progestin.
Benefits and Risks: The main benefit of progesterone therapy is the prevention of endometrial cancer in women who are undergoing oestrogen therapy but have not had a hysterectomy. The risks include potential mood swings, weight gain and, in some forms, an increased risk of breast cancer.
Combined Hormone Therapy
Combined hormone therapy, also known as oestrogen-progestin therapy, combines doses of oestrogen and progesterone. This therapy is often prescribed for women who still have their uterus, to mitigate the risk of endometrial cancer from oestrogen alone.
- Continuous Combined Regime: Oestrogen and progestin are taken together daily.
- Sequential Regime: Oestrogen is taken alone for the first part of the menstrual cycle, followed by a combination of oestrogen and progesterone for the rest.
Benefits and Risks: The benefits of combined therapy include a reduced risk of endometrial cancer and effective relief from menopausal symptoms. However, it may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular issues, especially in older women or those starting HRT many years after menopause.
HRT Treatment Routines
Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment routines are tailored to individual needs but typically follow a few common approaches: continuous, cyclical or local. Continuous HRT involves daily doses of combined oestrogen and progestogen, suitable for postmenopausal women. It aims to provide steady hormone levels, helping to prevent the recurrence of menopausal symptoms.
Cyclical HRT, recommended for women experiencing menopausal symptoms but still having periods, alternates between oestrogen-only and combined oestrogen-progestogen phases, mimicking a natural menstrual cycle.
Local or topical, HRT is used primarily for specific symptoms such as vaginal dryness; this includes low-dose preparations like creams, rings or tablets applied directly to the vaginal area.
Each regimen addresses different aspects of hormone replacement, focusing on alleviating symptoms while balancing hormone levels effectively and safely. Decisions on which routine to follow should always be made in consultation with our pharmacists, considering individual symptoms, health risks and personal preferences.
Buying HRT Medication Online in the UK
At Pharmacy Planet, you can conveniently buy HRT medications online in the UK, including popular options like Elleste and Estradot patches. These patches provide a consistent supply of hormones to help manage menopausal symptoms effectively.
Our online platform ensures a seamless ordering process, with medications delivered directly to your door. Whether you’re looking to start new therapy or continue your current regimen, Pharmacy Planet offers a safe and reliable way to purchase your HRT medications, ensuring your health needs are met efficiently and discreetly.
Need Guidance on Selecting the Right HRT Medication?
Choosing the right type of Hormone Replacement Therapy involves considering various factors, including personal health history, the severity of symptoms and personal preferences.
Women considering HRT should discuss with our pharmacists to thoroughly understand the benefits and risks associated with each type of therapy. Ultimately, the goal of HRT is to provide relief from menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life, making an informed choice critical to achieving these outcomes.
Start your online consultation with our team at us today. Our experts are here to provide personalised advice and support, ensuring you choose the best treatment for your needs. Start your journey to better health with confidence.
