Hormone Therapy Options

“Hormone therapy is available as a daily pill,
but it also may be taken as a skin patch,
gel, cream, spray, or vaginal ring”.1

Umbrella

What may the Hormone Therapy Options Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • HRT/HT/MHT Dose
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Forms/Medicines/Options/Preparations/Types/Ways To Take
  • Hormone Therapy (HT) Forms/Medicines/Options/Preparations/Types/Ways To Take
  • Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) Forms/Medicines/Options/Preparations/Types/Ways To Take

Not One-Size-Fits-All

Are HT options one-size-fits-all?

No. In HRT: Types, Doses and Regimes the (British) Women’s Health Concern explain:

“Many types of HRT are available and there is not one type, dose or regimen which suits all women. It is important to understand which hormones are used, why and how so that for each woman who chooses to take HRT, the treatment is individualised to best suit her needs, taking into account types of symptoms, medical history, period pattern if present and current national recommendations and guidelines”.2

Options

What are some hormone therapy (HT) options?

On page two in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Pill or Non-Pill the North American Menopause (NAMS) (now the Menopause Society) note:

“Hormone therapy is available as a daily pill, but it also may be taken as a skin patch, gel, cream, spray, or vaginal ring. Non-pill forms may be more convenient. Hormone therapy pills need to be taken every day, but skin patches are changed only once or twice weekly, and the HT vaginal ring is changed only every 3 months. Hormone therapy taken in non-pill form enters your blood stream more directly, with less effect on the liver. Studies suggest that this may lower the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs compared with HT taken as a pill”.3

In Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Do You Take MHT? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:


Hormone Therapy Options“MHT can be prescribed in different dosages and methods, depending on your needs and responses. For example, you might be prescribed pills, patches, gel, vaginal creams or an intrauterine device (IUD).

You may need to try different dosages or methods to find the right combination. Your doctor must supervise this process”.4

On page four of Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 2. What Is MHT? Types of MHT the International Menopause Society’s (IMS) Leaflet for Women for World Menopause Day 2024, the IMS elaborate on:Hormone Therapy Options

“MHT can be taken in different forms which include:

  • Tablets: Easy to take, but may have higher risks of blood clots
  • Patches, sprays, and gels: Absorbed through the skin and are often safer for women with certain risk factors
  • Vaginal creams, gels, tablets and rings: Often used for vaginal symptoms like dryness or discomfort during sex”.5

Dose

What is recommended about the dose of HT?

In Menopause: Hormone Therapy – What Is Hormone Therapy for Menopause? the (United States) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) note:

“If you decide to use hormone therapy, use it at the lowest dose that helps. Also use hormones for the shortest time that you need them”.6

In Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – After You Start Taking HRT the NHS also note:

“You’ll usually start with a low dose, which may be increased later. Your symptoms should improve after a few days or weeks.

A GP will usually recommend a review appointment 3 months after you start taking HRT, or if you change your type of HRT. This is to see how well it’s working. If everything is OK, you’ll usually have 1 review a year”.7

Who is a GP?

Dots and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Vaginal Oestrogen

When may vaginal oestrogen be used?

On page two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “Low-dose and ultra-low dose vaginal oestrogen preparations can be taken by perimenopausal and menopausal women experiencing genitourinary symptoms and continued for as long as required. All vaginal oestrogen preparations have been shown to be effective in this context and there is no requirement to combine vaginal oestrogens with systemic progestogen treatment for endometrial protection, as low-dose and ultra-low dose vaginal oestrogen preparations do not result in significant systemic absorption or endometrial hyperplasia”.8

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help to choose what HT to use?

If you would like help to choose what HT to use, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

On page two in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Options the NAMS explain:

“Each woman must make her own decision about HT with the help of a healthcare professional. If you decide to take HT, the next step is to choose between the many HT options available to find the best dose and route for you. With guidance from your healthcare professional, you can try different forms of HT until you find the type and dose that treats your symptoms with few adverse effects”.9

What if I have any concerns about HT?

In Menopause Management: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Long Do You Need To Take MHT? the JH note:

“It can take around six months to find the right MHT. Once you’ve found an MHT that works for you, it’s important to review it with your doctor each year”.10

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Hormone Therapy Options?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hormone Therapy Options?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. BMS Statement on Testosterone
  2. BMS TV: Bioidentical Hormones
  3. BMS TV: HRT and Bleeding
  4. BMS TV: HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits
  5. BMS TV: HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer
  6. BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  7. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy
  8. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  13. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  14. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Impact of Estrogen Deficiency on Quality of Life In Asia and the Role of Continuous Combined MHT In Treatment (EN)
  15. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens
  16. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens [Video]
  17. FAQS: Hormone Therapy for Menopause
  18. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  19. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  20. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  21. HRT
  22. HRT Questions Answered
  23. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  24. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  25. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  26. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  27. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Benefits and Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  28. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Continuous Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets, Capsules and Patches
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Oestrogen Tablets, Patches, Gel and Spray
  30. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets and Patches
  31. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Side Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  32. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Tibolone
  33. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  34. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Utrogestan (Micronised Progesterone)
  35. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen
  36. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – About Vaginal Oestrogen
  37. Hormone Replacement Therapy: Does It Cause Vaginal Bleeding?
  38. Hormone Therapy
  39. Hormone Therapy: Four Things A Mayo Clinic Women’s Health Specialist Wants You To Know [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network. Name Super/CG: Taryn Smith, M.D./Internal Medicine/Mayo Clinic]
  40. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  41. Hot Flashes
  42. Hot Flashes
  43. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  44. Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
  45. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  46. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video]
  47. Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  48. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
  49. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Venous Thromboembolism
  50. Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke
  51. Menopause
  52. Menopause
  53. Menopause
  54. Menopause and HRT: Fact and Fiction
  55. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Hormone Therapy Options
  56. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  57. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  58. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 3. The Risks & Benefits of HRT
  59. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
  60. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  61. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  62. Menopause and HRT
  63. Menopause and HRT: Fact and Fiction [Video]
  64. Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
  65. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment
  66. Menopause: Identification and Management NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Hormone Therapy Options
  67. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  68. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  69. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  70. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  71. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  72. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause
  73. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
    Hormone Therapy Options
  74. The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trials and Clinical Practice
  75. The Women’s Health Initiative Trials: Clinical Messages
  76. Urogenital Problems
  77. Vaginal Dryness
  78. Vaginal Dryness
  79. Video & Podcast Library: Videos – World Menopause Day 2024: Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  80. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies [18 October 2024]
  81. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  82. Webinars: Previous – Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  83. Hormone Therapy OptionsWebinars: Previous – Non-Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  84. What Are the Benefits and Risks of HRT?

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Pill or Non-Pill. 2022:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 22 February 2025
  2. HRT: Types, Doses and Regimes. Published Date: September 2021. British Menopause Society https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt-types-doses-and-regimens/ Accessed: 22 February 2025
  3. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Pill or Non-Pill. 2022:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 22 February 2025
  4. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Do You Take MHT? Last Updated: 03 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management#menopausal-hormone-therapy-mht Accessed: 22 February 2025
  5. Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 2. What Is MHT? Types of MHT. 2024:4. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-WMD-Leaflet_English.pdf Accessed: 22 February 2025
  6. Menopause: Hormone Therapy – What Is Hormone Therapy for Menopause? Content Current As of: 14 December 2023. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/menopause#hormonetherapy Accessed: 22 February 2025
  7. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – After You Start Taking HRT. Page Last Reviewed: 07 February 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/about-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/ Accessed: 22 February 2025
  8. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayesena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 22 February 2025
  9. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Options. 2022:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 22 February 2025
  10. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Long Do You Need To Take MHT? Last Updated: 03 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management#menopausal-hormone-therapy-mht Accessed: 22 February 2025
Topic Last Updated: 22 February 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 22 February 2025

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