There are different forms in which estrogen hormone replacement therapy can be administered. The human ovaries produce two types of estrogen i.e. estradiol and the normal natural estrogen. HRT involves the use of estradiol and other types of estrogen intending to protect the bone from a condition called osteoporosis. The patient decides on whether to use pills, suppositories, patches, and more. The type of therapy differs from one person to another depending on the preference, health, symptoms, and what is to be treated. Below are the types of Estrogen replacement therapy used.
Estrogen treatment pills
Oral medication is the most commonly used type of ERT. The pills are taken once a day with no food. They work by treating the menopause symptoms and lowering the risk of osteoporosis. When used exclusively, estrogen therapy leads to side effects such as blood clots. Stroke risks among other problems. When used in combination with progestin hormone, it increases breast cancer and heart attack risks. People with liver damage should not use estrogen treatment since it has strong effects on the liver during its metabolization.
Estrogen treatment skin patches
Exist in both pure estrogen patches and combine estrogen and progesterone patches. The patches are normally placed on the lower stomach or below the waistline. They stick onto the body and one does not have to swallow pills every day. They are also usable to those patients with liver issues, unlike the pills. They have side effects such as cancer risk, stroke, and risk of more serious problems. The patch may also affect the skin of the part where it is applied and require protection from direct heat and sunlight.
Estrogen therapy topical creams, gels, and sprays
These type of ERT drugs are introduced into the body by direct absorption into the bloodstream from the skin.it may be applied on the arm, wrist, shoulder or even legs depending on the type of drug. This method is safer for use by patients with liver and cholesterol issues since the drug is taken into the bloodstream directly from the skin. Their use may lead to effects such as cancer and stroke. They may also rub off or wash off before they can be completely absorbed into the bloodstream hence need more time to fully dry after application.
Estrogen treatment vaginal suppositories, rings, and creams
These types of medications are applied directly to the vaginal area. They target vaginal problems such as dryness, itchiness, and pain during intercourse. This method is more effective in treating symptoms of menopause that affect the vaginal area. The drugs only affect the immediate area of contact hence reduced body exposure to high levels of estrogen hormone. High dosages of these types of medication have similar side effects as those of other therapy methods.
There are two main types of estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy namely systemic hormone therapy which involves administration of a higher dose of estrogen in patches, gel, cream, or spray form. The dose of estrogen is absorbed and distributed throughout the body. The second method is Low dose vaginal products which involve the use of low doses of estrogen in vaginal preparations that help by controlling the amount of estrogen being absorbed by the body. They are taken in form of creams, tablets, or rings.
Benefits of Estrogen Therapy
1. Treat Menopause Symptoms.
During puberty and early stages before menopause, the body produces high levels of estrogen However as a woman gets older, and approaches menopause the estrogen levels start to decline. This leads to menopausal symptoms. Doctors always prescribe estrogen therapy to help treat and control the symptoms.
2. Improve vaginal health.
Low levels of estrogen cause changes in vaginal pH, tissues, and lining. Some of the vaginal issues that result include inflammation of vaginal tissues, dryness, and pain due to soreness and dryness. Estrogen replacement therapy treats these problems.
3. Help ovary issues.
Ovary issues such as hypogonadism, removal of both ovaries, and both ovaries failure can be treated using estrogen supplementation. It reduces the effects of premature menopause in women whose ovaries have been removed and treats the symptoms due to ovary failure.
4. Bones protection
Estrogen therapy can be used to treat bone loss or reduce bone loss during the menopausal period.
Estrogen therapy may result in some side effects and risks that require attention. The risks always vary from one patient to another. Older women are more prone to the risks when they undergo estrogen therapy at around 60 years. The type of estrogen used and what hormone it is combined with also leads to a variation of the risk expected. Finally, family medical history also dictates the chances of the risks when undergoing therapy. Patients with genetic family conditions such as cancer or heart disease are more likely to have higher risk levels. Some of the risks associated with estrogen therapy include.
i. Increased risk of blood clots hence stroke, heart attack, or death.
ii. Depending on the medical history of a patient, estrogen therapy may cause breast cancer risk.
iii. May cause the premature end of pregnancy if a woman gets pregnant while on estrogen medication. It otherwise results in birth defects in babies.
iv. The breast tissue becomes denser for women on estrogen making it hard to detect early breast cancer.
The type of hormone therapy selected have varying effects and have different risk levels. Estrogen in healthy people helps in the reproductive system and protection of bones and skin by offering healing properties in case of bruises or injury. As an individual grows older, the body estrogen production declines. Doctors at Liv Natural not only help to make life easier by prescribing hormone therapy that eases the symptoms but also ensures that the root cause of the disease is addressed. This therapy generally works by restoring the estrogen levels in the body. Benefits reaped by patients who have undergone estrogen therapy are bone protection to prevent bone loss during menopause, solve ovary related problems, improvement in vaginal health issues, and relieve menopause symptoms.