During menopause, women experience a decrease in the production of estrogen. Estrogen is a vital hormone that is produced by the ovaries. A deficiency in this hormone can lead to serious health issues, such as heart and kidney disease. For that reason, many women seek estrogen replacement treatment during and after menopause. There are several methods of estrogen hormone replacement available to patients.
Oral Medication
Various forms of estrogen treatments are available in prescription pill form. Conjugated estrogens, esterified estrogens, estradiol and estropipate are commonly prescribed as oral treatments. A physician will determine which medication is appropriate for the patient. This type of treatment may cause nausea in the first few weeks, but that side effect should ease over time. For maximum benefits, women should remember to take the estrogen pill at the same time each day.
Patch
Estradiol estrogen is available in transdermal form. Also known as the estrogen patch, it is a convenient way for women to receive a steady dose of prescription estrogen throughout the day. Many patients opt for the patch for its convenience and comfort. However, there are some stringent guidelines to wearing the patch. It is should never be placed on the breasts or any location where clothes will tightly rub the body. For best results, the patch should also be worn on a different area of the body each time a new patch is applied.
Vaginal Ring
Estrogen replacement therapy can now be administered internally with a vaginal ring, available by prescription. This is a device that is manually placed inside the vagina where it rests near the cervix. Over a period of time, the vaginal ring will release a low and steady dose of estrogen. The vaginal ring may be beneficial to women who are experiencing personal dryness and/or a low sex drive.
Topical Cream and Gel
Lotions and gels are available by prescription that contain estrogen hormones. This topical treatment is usually applied to the legs or thighs. It is important to wash the hands before and after the application of topical estrogen. Patients should also be sure that the lotion or gel has completely absorbed and dried before resuming normal activity. This is to ensure that the estrogen isn't accidentally transferred to another person.
Dietary Estrogen
Some women opt for natural, over-the-counter hormone therapy. Phytoestrogens, also known as dietary estrogens, are chemicals found in plants that mimic the effects of estrogen. There are many sources of phytoestrogens, including soy, flaxseed, pinto beans, lima beans and sprouts. Soy is one of the most commonly sought supplements for natural estrogen therapy. However, there haven't been extensive studies on the effectiveness and safety of dietary estrogen. Women who wish to use natural sources of hormone replacement should consult a physician, as phytoestrogrens can interfere with other treatments and conditions.
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