ocal HRTEvery hormone in the body has its role. They act as chemical messengers and manage several natural bodily processes. Some of these processes depend on a chain reaction that involves multiple hormones.
Estrogen is a crucial sex hormone in the female body. It plays a role in the reproductive system and is involved in the development of secondary sex characteristics.
Sometimes, hormones can become imbalanced, and when this happens, it’s essential to understand your options. Estrogen replacement therapy is a form of HRT that can be helpful for women in menopause or with other types of hormonal imbalances. Let’s take a look at how it works and what you can expect.
Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is used to replace declining levels of hormones to reach a specific therapeutic level. It’s commonly used in women who are in menopause, as hormone levels can fluctuate and decline significantly during this time.
The goal of HRT is to enable the body to maintain healthy, balanced hormone levels, thereby supporting overall health.
Estrogen replacement therapy comes in different forms. The specific hormones used depend on certain factors. For example, women without a uterus may be provided with estrogen therapy. In women with a uterus experiencing a deficiency of essential hormones, estrogen-progestogen therapy is often used. Sometimes, testosterone is added in women with certain indications, like HSSD.
Hormonal Disruptions in Women
Women who are starting the period of perimenopause or are experiencing menopause may begin to notice physical, emotional, and mental changes. Feelings of fatigue and insomnia are common.
Hot flashes and night sweats plague many women.
They may notice drier skin and thinner hair. Energy levels fluctuate, and many women report feeling constantly tired and overwhelmed by life. Women complain about a loss of sexual drive and vaginal dryness, which leads to painful intercourse.
These are just a few of the effects of low hormone levels that menopausal women can experience
Unfortunately, low estrogen also puts women at risk for developing osteoporosis and brittle bones. Low estrogen levels tend to allow the body to retain fat around the stomach area, which isn’t good for maintaining a healthy heart. It’s not a simple direct cause in menopausal women, but rather an attributing factor, along with metabolism, age, and other elements.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
If you are experiencing hormonal changes, you may have considered hormone therapies.
This may be an effective way to restore hormonal balance. With that said, talk to your doctor first. They can help you understand your body’s needs.
Women go through menopause at a variety of ages, and you want to rule out any serious medical issues that may be causing hormone imbalances.
Local vs Systemic Estrogen Replacement Therapy
There are two main types of estrogen therapy delivery systems for women.
Systemic HRT
The first is systemic estrogen therapy, which uses the bloodstream as its delivery system.
The medication enters the bloodstream through various routes, including oral administration (such as pills or capsules), a skin patch, or a spray.
Systemic hormone treatment contains higher levels of estrogen that are absorbed throughout the body.
It is used to treat the common issues associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and low estrogen levels.
Local HRT
The second type of HRT delivery system is called local estrogen therapy.
It is administered topically using creams, vaginal rings, or tablets.
Lower doses of estrogen are released into the body using local therapy.
It is usually used to treat the vaginal and urinary symptoms of menopause. Local estrogen therapy acts locally on the vaginal skin. Only minimual absorption occurs into the bloodstream.
Common side effects include discomfort, irritation, burning, and vaginal itching. Sometimes, a milky-white discharge can also occur.
This type of low-dose estrogen therapy is usually administered twice a week, following an initial loading dose. It’s also considered a safe choice for long-term therapy, but your healthcare provider may recommend regular check-ins.
Assessing the Differences
Each of these two treatments works differently from the other. They don’t offer the same benefits, and each has its own specific use cases.
It’s essential to go over the pros and cons of each hormone treatment delivery system with your healthcare specialist. The most striking difference between the two is that local therapy only treats neighboring tissues while systemic treatment offers a more systemic effect.
The safety and effectiveness of any treatment can vary depending on individual health risks. You also have to consider the type of hormone therapy, the dosage, and the length of treatment.
It is essential to discuss the potential side effects of any treatment you are considering with your healthcare specialist, so that personalized advice can be provided based on your health history and current individual situation.
Can I Get Estrogen OTC?
Many women prefer to get an estrogen OTC option, but this is generally not possible. To gain access to prescription estrogen replacement therapy, such as estrogen pills, you’ll have to consult a professional.
With that said, some supplements contain plant-based ingredients that mimic the behavior of estrogen. Always be cautious when using this type of product. Research the best estrogen supplements if you want to try them out first, and take a close look at the list of ingredients.
Supplements that promote increases in estrogen are not regulated by the FDA, which is why it’s essential to be careful when looking at estrogen OTC options. It’s generally better to first get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional and then discuss your options with them.
Is Estradiol the Same as Estrogen?
When asking if estradiol is the same as estrogen, it’s important to note that estradiol is actually a type of estrogen.
Estrogen is a class of hormones. Estradiol is a kind of estrogen, alongside other types such as estrone and estriol. It’s essential to understand this difference when exploring estrogen replacement therapy.
How Androgenix Can Help
If you’re concerned about fluctuating hormones during menopause or feel like you experience signs of low estrogen, then it’s important to get a thorough series of tests done. Androgenix can help you better understand your health and hormones, and provide a comprehensive treatment plan if needed. Reach out to learn how we can help.
