Hormone Therapy Types

“The type of HRT most suited to a woman will depend on
a variety of factors, including her stage in the menopausal
process, and whether or not she has had a hysterectomy”.1

Umbrella

What may the Hormone Therapy Types Umbrella include?

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

  • Combined/Combination HT/HRT
  • Continuous HT
  • Continuous Oestrogen and Progestogen Combinations
  • Cyclical/Sequential HT/HRT
  • Estrogen Therapy (ET)
  • Estrogen-Progestogen Therapy (EPT)
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Hormone Therapy (HT)
  • Hormone Therapy Forms
  • Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  • Oestrogen Only HT/HRT/Therapy
  • Oestrogen and Progestogen Combination HRT
  • Progestin/Progestogen

Date

What can it be important to be clear about with hormone therapy (HT) information?

It can be important to be clear about the date of all information including the date of HT information, because this information may have been updated.

Symptoms or Chronic Conditions

What can it also be important to be clear about with HT information?

It can also be important to be clear about whether HT information is about the use of HT for the management of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness or for the prevention of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis.

Two Main Types

What are the two main types of hormone therapy (HT)?

In Hormone Therapy: Types of Hormone Therapy the Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) elaborate on:

“Systemic and low-dose are the two main types of hormone therapy.

  • Systemic therapy: When hormones are delivered throughout the body via pills, patches, sprays, gels, or a vaginal ring, this is known as systemic therapy. Systemic doses are absorbed into the bloodstream at high-enough levels to have significant effects in widespread areas, which is needed to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes
  • Low-dose therapy: Also called vaginal estrogen therapy (ET) for GSM after menopause, this therapy is administered into the vagina and is effective for both moisturizing and rebuilding tissue. Very little goes into blood circulation, so the risks are far lower”.2

Not One-Size-Fits-All

Is HT one-size-fits-all?

No. In HRT: Types, Doses and Regimens the (British) Women’s Health Concern (WHC) 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”.3

In Types of Hormone Therapy: Forms of Hormone Therapy the (United States) MedlinePlus elaborate on:

“The type of HT your provider prescribes may depend on what menopause symptoms you have. For example, pills or patches can treat night sweats. Vaginal rings, creams, or tablets help relieve vaginal dryness”.4

Different Types

Hormone Therapy TypesWhat are some different types of HT?

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 note:

“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

In HRT: Which HRT? the WHC explain:

“The type of HRT most suited to a woman will depend on a variety of factors, including her stage in the menopausal process, and whether or not she has had a hysterectomy. Most forms of HRT combine different amounts of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone (synthetic progesterone is called progestogen).

There are over 50 different combinations of HRT currently available. Most women will make their choice whether to take HRT, and which form of HRT to take, with the help of their doctor”.6

Uterus or No Uterus

Is the type of HT prescribed for women with a uterus different from the type of HT prescribed for women without a uterus?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use  the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:

“Hormone therapy involves taking estrogen in doses high enough to raise the level of estrogen in your blood in order to treat hot flashes and other symptoms. Because estrogen stimulates the lining of the uterus, women with a uterus need to take an additional hormone, progestogen, to protect the uterus”.7

Vaginal Dryness

What type of HT may be prescribed for women with vaginal dryness?

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

“If you are bothered only by vaginal dryness, you can use very low doses of estrogen placed directly into the vagina. These low doses generally do not raise blood estrogen levels above postmenopause levels and do not treat hot flashes. You do not need to take a progestogen when using only low doses of estrogen in the vagina”.8

Health Care Provider

How do I find out what type of HT to use?

In Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Therapy the NHS elaborate on:

“The type of HRT that’s best for you depends on different factors, like if you’ve had a hysterectomy, what stage of menopause you’re at, and your personal preferences.

If you’re considering taking HRT, talk to a GP about the options suitable for you”.9

In Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Long Do You Need To Take MHT? the (Australasian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health also 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 Types?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hormone Therapy Types?

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 & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
  2. BMS Statement on Testosterone
  3. BMS TV: Bioidentical Hormones
  4. BMS TV: HRT and Bleeding
  5. BMS TV: HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits
  6. BMS TV: HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer
  7. BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  8. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  9. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy
  10. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  11. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  14. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  15. 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)
  16. Experts Answer Your Menopause Questions In New Video
  17. FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause
  18. Guidance on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  19. HRT
  20. HRT Questions Answered
  21. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  22. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  23. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  24. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Benefits and Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  25. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Continuous Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets, Capsules and Patches
  26. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Oestrogen Tablets, Patches, Gel and Spray
  27. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets and Patches
  28. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Side Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Tibolone
  30. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  31. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Utrogestan (Micronised Progesterone)
  32. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen
  33. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – About Vaginal Oestrogen
  34. 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]
  35. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  36. Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
  37. Joint BMS FSRH RCGP RCOG SfE and RCN Women’s Health Forum Safety Alert
  38. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life] [Other Languages and Formats]
  39. Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  40. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
  41. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Venous Thromboembolism
  42. Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke
  43. Menopause
  44. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  45. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  46. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  47. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 3. The Risks & Benefits of HRT
  48. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
  49. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  50. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  51. Menopause and HRT
  52. Menopause and HRT: Fact and Fiction
  53. Menopause: Hormone Therapy – What Is Hormone Therapy for Menopause?
  54. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Hormone Therapy Types
  55. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  56. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  57. Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy [2024]
  58. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  59. Q&A – Doses and Types of HRT | Dr Louise Newson
  60. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  61. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause
  62. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
    Hormone Therapy Types
  63. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
  64. The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trials and Clinical Practice
  65. Tibolone As Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  66. Types of Hormone Therapy
  67. UCalgary Research Reveals Importance of Route of Administration of Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  68. Updated 2024 NICE Menopause Guidance Summary
  69. Urogenital Problems
  70. Vaginal Dryness
  71. Vaginal Dryness
  72. Video & Podcast Library: Videos – World Menopause Day 2024: Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  73. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  74. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women [Multiply Languages]
  75. World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women
  76. Hormone Therapy TypesWorld Menopause Day 2024: The IMS White Paper: Menopause and MHT In 2024: Addressing the Key Controversies [Multiply Languages]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. HRT: Which HRT? Publication Date: November 2021. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt/ Accessed: 08 January 2025
  2. Hormone Therapy: Types of Hormone Therapy. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/hormone-therapy 08 January 2025
  3. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimes. Published Date: September 2021. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt-types-doses-and-regimens/ Accessed: 08 January 2025
  4. Types of Hormone Therapy: Forms of Hormone Therapy. Review Date: 31 March 2025. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000695.htm Accessed: 08 January 2025
  5. Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 2. What Is MHT? Types of HT. 2024:4. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-WMD-Leaflet_English.pdf Accessed: 08 January 2025
  6. HRT: Which HRT? Publication Date: November 2021. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt/ Accessed: 08 January 2025
  7. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 08 January 2025
  8. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 08 January 2025
  9. Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy Options (HRT). Page Last Reviewed: 09 March 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/types-of-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/ Accessed: 08 January 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://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 08 January 2025
Topic Last Updated: 08 January 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 08 January 2025

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