The decision-making is still not over, even after the patient decides to undergo estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). There are multiple types of estrogen therapy available in various different forms, such as patches, suppositories, pills, and more.
The most appropriate hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will depend on the patient’s medical condition, symptoms, personal preferences, and what they need from treatment.
American Integrative Pharmacy (AIP) is an advanced integrative pharmacy offering safe and innovative compounding solutions to patients in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance, South Bay, Orange County, and various Southern California locations. In addition, it provides services such as online prescription refills for delivery across the United States.
Estrogen Treatment: Pills
What are they?
The most common form of ERT is oral medication. The examples include estradiol (Estrace), Estrogens (Premarin), and Estratab. It is vital to follow the doctor’s guidelines for dosing. A majority of estrogen pills are taken once daily without food. Some forms of ERT have more complex dosing schedules.
Advantages
Similar to other forms of estrogen therapy, estrogen pills can resolve problematic menopause symptoms. They can also reduce osteoporosis risks. There are newer methods of getting ERT, but oral estrogen meds are the best-studies form of estrogen therapy.
As oral estrogen can be hard on the liver, it is not suitable for people with liver damage. They should instead choose a different way of getting estrogen.
At times, estrogen may not be well absorbed, particularly if the patient is taking certain meds or has stomach issues. It may also increase the cholesterol levels as it is metabolized in the liver.
Estrogen Treatment: Skin Patches
What are they?
Skin patches are another form of ERT. Some examples are Vivelle-Dot, Alora, Climara, and Estraderm. Menostar contains a lower estrogen dose than other patches, and it is only used for decreasing the risk of osteoporosis development. It cannot help with other symptoms of menopause.
The patch is typically worn on the lower stomach, underneath the waistline. The patient would need to change the patch once or twice weekly, depending on the instructions.
Advantages
Besides offering the same advantages as oral therapy, this form of estrogen therapy has various additional benefits. The patch also offers convenience. The patient can stick it on and not worry about taking a pill every day.
Estrogen pills can be detrimental for individuals with liver issues, but patches are alright as the estrogen bypasses the liver and enters the bloodstream directly.
According to a 2007 study, the patient does not pose a risk of blood clots in postmenopausal women, unlike oral estrogen. More studies are necessary prior to making definitive conclusions on whether patches are safer compared to pills.
Estrogen Treatment: Topical Creams, Gels, and Sprays
What are they?
Estrogen gels (such as Divigell and Estroge), and sprays (such as Evamist) offer another method of getting estrogen into the system. Similar to patches, this form of estrogen is absorbed through the skin directly into the blood.
The specific on the application of these creams differ, but they are typically used once daily. Estrogel can be applied on one arm, from the wrist to the shoulder, while Estrasorb is applied to the legs. Evamist is used on the arm.
Advantages
As estrogen creams are absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream directly, they are safer in comparison to oral estrogen for individuals with liver and cholesterol issues.
AIP, led by Dr. Neema Yazdanpanah, provides compounding pharmacy solutions, including online prescription refills, to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay, Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide.
For more information on compound pharmacy medications available or to make an online prescription purchase, please click here or call Toll Free 1-855-247-7948.
American Integrative Pharmacy is located in Lomita, CA serving residents in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance and surrounding areas. Online prescription sales are available across the US.
