How to Choose Estrogen - Menopause 1. Most women are confused about which form of estrogen is best- -and with good reason. There are many forms of estrogen and progesterone - - pills, patches, injections, suppositories, and implants. Furthermore, there are many different brands and chemical formulas of both hormones, and more brands and forms will become available in the future. There is no way of making this subject, or the choice, simple. Natural Progesto-Life Cream (BIo-Identical USP Progesterone). Potent & Natural Herbal Pills. First, we will consider the different delivery methods. Most pills are taken more or less daily. They are convenient for most women and are usually less expensive than some of the other forms of estrogen. Some women experience side effects (spotting, flashes, headaches) from the . The peaks and troughs and duration of action vary with different pills.
Estrogen patches can make the rise and fall in blood levels of estrogen more gradual; hence, they may be better for women who get headaches or flashes from daily fluctuations in hormone levels. They are normally used every few days (once or twice weekly) and are nice for women who forget to take pills, since the presence of a patch serves as a reminder to change the patch. Skin irritation from the patch can be a problem, and sometimes the patch may fall off when you sweat. Over- the- counter gels and creams are not regulated by the FDA and have not been tested for safety. These products are usually used once or twice daily. Injections, usually weekly or monthly, provide more even blood levels of the hormones. They also eliminate the problem of having to remember your pill or keep track of your patch. However, they can require a visit to the doctor's office and may provide higher hormone levels than necessary. In theory, all of the potential side effects of estrogen can apply to vaginal use. In practice, however, the amount absorbed is a fraction of what would be absorbed through standard HRT. They are not widely used because they require an office visit for insertion, and there are concerns about the safety of potentially high estrogen levels. Another consideration is whether you want your HRT regimen to be . The most popular method is called . This method is simple, ensures an appropriate balance of hormones, and minimizes the risk of endometrial cancer; breakthrough bleeding (spotting) is a common side effect. Most estrogen pills are taken once a day without food. Some have more complicated dosing schedules. WebMD Editors’ Picks: News and Trends in Menopause. Quiz: Hot Flashes Keeping You Both Awake?Many women and their doctors prefer to use less frequent progestin at regular intervals - - also called a pulsed regimen - - for 1. This counteracts any uterine lining buildup stimulated by the estrogen. Depending on the estrogen dose and your risk factors for endometrial cancer, doses of progestin may be cycled as often as once a month or as infrequently as every six months. Talk with your doctor about the different methods - - and benefits and risks associated with each - - of taking HRT. New information becomes available all the time about the pros and cons of HRT. New doses and routes of administration will arise that may be favorable for your lifestyle or risk factors. Also, a new health condition may increase the risks of either taking or not taking HRT. Some doctors, if you don't ask, will not raise the issue and will either automatically refill your existing prescription or not mention the possibility of starting HRT if you aren't already taking it. A woman who was not previously sexually active but is now may benefit from the vaginal lubricating effects of estrogen. Update your family and personal history with your doctor, and see if there is new information that may be significant for you. On the next page, we'll take a look at some nonhormonal treatments for menopause. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
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