Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be delivered as oral pills/capsules, skin patches, gels/sprays, creams, vaginal estrogen (local), pellets, injections, and troches/lozenges. The “best” option depends on your goals, medical history, convenience, and how your body absorbs hormones. Many patients do well with transdermal estradiol (patch or gel) plus micronized progesterone at bedtime if the uterus is present. Pellets and injections are convenient for some but are harder to fine-tune between visits.
Key Points
- Multiple Delivery Routes: Oral pills/capsules, transdermal patches/gels/sprays, creams, vaginal tablets/rings/creams (mainly local effect), pellets, injections, and troches/lozenges.
- Route Matters For Safety: Transdermal estradiol provides steady levels and avoids first-pass liver metabolism; oral estrogen can affect liver proteins (and sometimes thyroid dosing).
- Uterine Protection: If you still have a uterus and use systemic estrogen, pair it with a progestogen (commonly micronized progesterone) to protect the uterine lining.
- Titration & Monitoring: Start low, reassess at 4–12 weeks, and adjust dose/route. Pellets and some injections are less adjustable once administered.
- Quality & Fit: Use FDA-approved options when suitable; compounded formulations help when you need custom dosing or to avoid fillers—use reputable pharmacies and close follow-up.
- We practice responsible, testing-informed BHRT with telehealth where permitted.
What The Options Are
Oral Pills/Capsules
- Examples: Oral estradiol; micronized progesterone (often taken at bedtime and can aid sleep).
- Pros: Simple, familiar dosing.
- Considerations: Oral estrogen undergoes first-pass liver metabolism; may slightly change clot profile and raise thyroid-binding globulin (occasionally requiring thyroid dose adjustments).
Transdermal Patches
- Pros: Steady estrogen levels, changed 1–2×/week; avoids first-pass liver effects.
- Considerations: Possible skin irritation or adhesive issues.
Gels/Sprays (Transdermal)
- Pros: Flexible dosing; easy daily routine.
- Considerations: Must apply consistently and allow to dry to avoid skin-to-skin transfer.
Creams (Transdermal; Often Compounded)
- Pros: Custom strengths and combinations (e.g., estradiol ± estriol).
- Considerations: Variable absorption person-to-person; requires precise, consistent application.
Vaginal Estrogen (Local)
- Forms: Low-dose tablets, rings, or creams.
- Best For: Vaginal dryness, discomfort, urinary symptoms with minimal systemic absorption.
- Note: Usually not the main treatment for hot flashes/night sweats.
Pellets (Subcutaneous)
- Pros: “Set-and-forget” convenience for 3–6 months; no daily dosing.
- Considerations: Hard to adjust once inserted; potential peaks/side effects if the dose is too high; typically cash-pay.
Injections
- Examples: Estradiol esters (less common for women), testosterone in select cases.
- Pros: Rapid onset; predictable for some.
- Considerations: Peaks and troughs, visit or self-injection logistics; careful dose control to avoid androgen-related side effects.
Troches/Lozenges (Buccal)
- Pros: Customizable dosing; dissolves in the cheek for absorption.
- Considerations: Taste/texture preferences; absorption can vary.
How We Help You Choose
We match your delivery method to your history, risk profile, lifestyle, and goals:
- Comprehensive Intake: Symptoms, personal/family risk (breast/clotting), medications, preferences.
- Baseline Labs (As Indicated): Safety labs (CBC/CMP, lipids), hormone context, ± thyroid and others when relevant.
- Start Low, Titrate Smart: Many start with transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone (if uterus intact); reassess at 4–12 weeks.
- Fine-Tune For Fit: Adjust dose/route for symptom relief and side effects; consider local vaginal estrogen for genitourinary symptoms; discuss pros/cons of pellets or injections before choosing a less-adjustable route.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Keep up with routine screening (e.g., mammography) and promptly evaluate any unexpected vaginal bleeding.
Safety, Side Effects & When To Seek Care
Common early effects include breast tenderness, bloating/water retention, headache, mood shifts, skin irritation (patch/gel), and spotting in the first months. Contact the clinic if these persist—simple route/dose changes usually help. Seek urgent care immediately for chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/vision changes, one-sided weakness/numbness, calf pain/swelling, or heavy vaginal bleeding.
Next Steps
Not sure which BHRT form fits your life? We’ll walk you through options and design a plan that’s effective, safe, and easy to live with.
- Ready To Talk It Through? Book A Discovery Call
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