Hormone Therapy Types

Hormone Therapy Types

“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…”.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 and osteoporosis.

Symptoms

What may the type of HT prescribed, depend on?

In Types of Hormone Therapy: Forms of Hormone Therapy, reviewed 17 March 2026, 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”.2

Types

Are there many types of HT or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

On page one in HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens, reviewed May 2026, the Women’s Health Concern (the patient arm of the British Menopause Society) explain:

“Many types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are available and there is no one type, dose or regimen that suits all women. It is important to understand which hormones are used, and why and how they are used, so that for each woman who chooses to take HRT, the treatment is individualised to best suit her needs. This should take into account symptoms, medical history, period pattern (if present) and current national and international recommendations and guidelines”.3

Two Main Types

What are the two main types of 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”.4

Uterus or No Uterus

Can the types of HT be different if you have or do not have a uterus?

In Treatments for Menopause: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – Types of MHT the (Australasian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“Estrogen is the main hormone given to relieve menopausal symptoms. If you’ve had surgery to remove your uterus (a hysterectomy), this might be the only form of MHT you need.

If you still have a uterus, estrogen and progesterone are used together. Progesterone reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus)”.5

Estrogen

What are some different types of estrogen?

In Types of Hormone Therapy: Forms of Hormone Therapy MedlinePlus include:

“Estrogen comes in several forms:

  • Nasal spray
  • Pills taken by mouth
  • Skin gel
  • Skin patches, applied to the thigh or belly
  • Vaginal creams or vaginal tablets to help with dryness and pain with sexual intercourse
  • Vaginal ring

Most women who take estrogen and who still have their uterus also need to take progestin. Taking both hormones together lowers the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer. Women who have had their uterus removed cannot get endometrial cancer. So, estrogen alone is recommended for them”.6

Progesterone or Progestin

What are some different types of progesterone or progestin?

In Types of Hormone Therapy: Forms of Hormone Therapy MedlinePlus also include:

“Progesterone or progestin comes in:

  • Pills
  • Skin patches
  • Vaginal creams
  • Vaginal suppositories
  • Intrauterine device or intrauterine system”.7

Vaginal Dryness

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

In Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use the Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) note:

“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 Treatments for Menopause: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Do You Take MHT? the JH also note:

“You may need to try different dosages or methods to find what works best for you. Your doctor should help manage this process”.9

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. Bleeding on HRT Explained | Dr Louise Newson Live
  2. Bleeding on HRT: What’s Normal and What’s Not
  3. Can HRT Stop Your Periods?
  4. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  5. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  6. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  7. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Management
  8. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Menopause In Cancer Survivors: Managing Complex Care
  9. FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause
  10. FDA Direct: Removing Black Box Warnings for HRT (Part 1/2)
  11. FDA Removes Black Box Warning on HRT- What Does That Mean for the UK
  12. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  13. Find A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  14. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  15. Finding the Right Hormone Treatments (HRT): Types, Doses and What Works
  16. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  17. HRT
  18. HRT Questions Answered
  19. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  20. HRT, Breast Cancer and the Real Risks of Not Taking Hormones
  21. HRT: How To Find the Right Dose & Type | Dr Louise Newson
  22. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A Summary
  23. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Benefits and Risks
  24. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  25. How Vaginal Hormones Can Transform the Health of Women
  26. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  27. Management of Unscheduled Bleeding on HRT
  28. Menopause
  29. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Hormone Therapy Types
  30. Menopause and HRT: Fact and Fiction
  31. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  32. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]Hormone Therapy Types
  33. Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
  34. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  35. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  36. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  37. Practical HRT Tips | Dr Louise Newson
  38. Pros and Cons of HRT Patches
  39. Q&A – Doses and Types of HRT | Dr Louise Newson
  40. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  41. Shared Decision-Making and MHT Safety In Women With VMS [Video] [8/14 Episodes]
  42. Slynd As Endometrial Protection
  43. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
  44. The Real Danger To Women Isn’t Hormone Therapy, It’s Bad Science
  45. The Role of Topical Vaginal Oestrogen
  46. The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trials and Clinical Practice
  47. Tibolone As Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  48. Treatments for Menopause
  49. Types of Hormone Therapy
  50. UCalgary Research Reveals Importance of Route of Administration of Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  51. Updated 2024 NICE Menopause Guidance Summary
  52. Vaginal Dryness
  53. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  54. What NO ONE Tells You About Hormone Therapy With Dr. Kelly Casperson
  55. What Types of Vaginal Oestrogens Are There?
  56. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Types of Hormone Therapy: Forms of Hormone Therapy. Review Date: 17 March 2026. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000695.htm Accessed: 24 July 2026
  2. Types of Hormone Therapy: Forms of Hormone Therapy. Review Date: 17 March 2026. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000695.htm Accessed: 24 July 2026
  3. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens. Reviewed: May 2026:1. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt-types-doses-and-regimens/ Accessed: 24 July 2026
  4. Hormone Therapy: Types of Hormone Therapy. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/hormone-therapy Accessed: 24 July 2026
  5. Treatments for Menopause: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – Types of MHT: Oestrogen and Progesterone Therapy. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/treatments-for-menopause/ Accessed: 24 July 2026
  6. Types of Hormone Therapy: Forms of Hormone Therapy. Review Date: 17 March 2026. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000695.htm Accessed: 24 July 2026
  7. Types of Hormone Therapy: Forms of Hormone Therapy. Review Date: 17 March 2026. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000695.htm Accessed: 24 July 2026
  8. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2025:1. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/default-document-library/MenoNote-Deciding-About-HT-2025.pdf Accessed: 24 July 2026
  9. Treatments for Menopause: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – Types of MHT. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 24 July 2026
Topic Last Updated: 24 July 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 24 July 2026

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by
Copyright © 2011 – 2026 Meno Martha®. All Rights Reserved. | The information provided on  Meno Martha, Meno Martha International Menopause Directory and/or menomartha.com is for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for or replace the medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of your qualified health care providers. | By using this service you accept Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Terms of Use which incorporate Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy. | Meno Martha® is a registered Trademark | Meno Martha International Menopause Directory® is a registered Trademark.
Meno Martha and/or Meno Martha International Menopause Directory do not sell, produce or endorse any products, services or content of any kind including pills or potions for ‘menopause symptom relief’. Please Contact Us if you see or receive any advertisements allegedly by, for or on behalf of Meno Martha and/or Meno Martha International Menopause Directory.