Ways of Taking HRT: Hormone replacement with pills, injections, patches or creams

For example, estrogen and progestogen can be taken in pills, patches, injections and creams. They can also be taken on a variety of schedules. Continuous therapy is given daily either via a pill or a patch can be used for two days a week for instance.

In addition, HRT can be offered on a cycle where hormones are given for a period of time and then withheld for a specific time. Oral hormones taken in a pill form are convenient. There are not as effective for some woman as intramuscular injects.

One of the problems with this way of taking HRT is that the pill may be digested before enough of the hormone can be released into the system. Intramuscular injects is another means of taking hormones.

Intramuscular injections are given every few weeks and may cause hormone fluctuations as the hormones are absorbed into the system.

Some women like the convenience of using transdermal patches as a way to take HRT. Patches are worn continuous and supply a steady stream of hormones. Some women have reported difficulty with rashes while using patches.

Another popular way to take hormones is by using vaginal hormone creams. These creams are applied directly onto the vagina. It is an effective way to help reduce vagina symptoms of menopause such as dryness and thinning on the vaginal wall. Progestins are occasionally given via the use of suppositories.

Subcutaneous pellets are a way of taking HRT whereby pellets are inserted under the skin. Though this means of taking HRT is convenient, there may be problems associated with its use. For instance, if the dosage is wrong or the pellet has to be removed it requires surgery. In addition, side effects such as weight gain have been reported.

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