What are the Different Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy Medications?

Physicians rely on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications for their female patients who are in menopause. The two most common types of therapy are estrogen and progesterone-estrogen therapy. Menopause may have been brought on by normal changes in the body and hormone levels, or may be the result of injury or disease resulting in the needed surgical removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Many women experience hot flashes, unexplained mood swings, and lowered self-esteem due to the hormonal changes occurring in their bodies, as well as changes in the appearance of their skin and hair. Even with the use of hormone replacement therapy medications, adverse side effects can occur, and the decision to use this type of therapy is a personal one between the patient and her physician.

One of the most commonly used types of hormone replacement therapy medications is estrogen based, and is taken alone. Depending on the patient and her needs, this medicine can be taken in pill form, as a patch applied to the skin for a specific amount of time each day, or applied to the skin as a cream. Though useful for relieving the symptoms of menopause, estrogen HRT medications should be used at the lowest possible dose to help control the risk of side effects. Estrogen is also given to patients at risk for osteoporosis.

Progesterone-estrogen combination therapy is another frequently prescribed option for hormone replacement therapy medications. This type of hormone replacement therapy combines the benefits of estrogen therapy with the added advantages of progestin, a synthetic version of progesterone. Progesterone is considered to be useful for women who still have their uterus, and it is believed to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer for these patients. This medication, when used in combination with estrogen, typically eliminates monthly bleeding and other common side effects of menopause unrelated to surgery or disease.

Though considered safe and effective by most of the medical community, the use of hormone replacement therapy medications may result in side effects for the patient. Women taking HRT medications often report breast tenderness, monthly bleeding, or irregular spotting. In most situations, these symptoms disappear on their own and no medical intervention is necessary. Some of the less common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and changes in the coloration of the skin. The most severe side effects of HRT medications are blood clots and stroke, though it is uncommon for these problems to occur.