Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
What are the types of HRT medications offered by Carie Boyd?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be delivered through various methods, depending on a patient’s symptoms, medical history, preferences, and how their body responds to treatment. A healthcare provider can help tailor the treatment to the individual’s needs. Carie Boyd offers the following HRT medications:
Small pellets containing hormones are implanted under the skin (usually in the buttocks), where they release hormones steadily over several months.
- Hormones are injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously, delivering a dose that lasts for weeks or months.
HRT is taken as a daily pill, typically containing either estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progesterone.
These forms of HRT may be applied directly to the skin, or internally, depending on the desired effect.
Hormone pellets or Injections?
Hormone Pellets – Small pellets are implanted subcutaneously, where they release hormones steadily over several months.
- Administration: The insertion process is a minor surgical procedure.
- Hormone Release: Pellets provide a steady release of hormones that are maintained for months.
- Adjustability: Adjustments can be made with future insertions, based on patient response.
Hormone Injections – Hormones are injected into the muscle or subcutaneously, delivering a dose that lasts for weeks or months.
- Administration: Requires regular injections.
- Hormone Release: Hormone levels can fluctuate between injections, leading to peaks and troughs.
- Adjustability: Dosing and frequency can be easily adjusted.
Carie Boyd is a reliable source of HRT medications with exceptional customer service, free pharmacist consultations, and free 2-day shipping to most US states & territories.
Contact or call us at (817) 282-9376 (Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm CT).
Summary
| Feature | Hormone Pellets | Hormone Injections |
| Method | Minor surgical implantation | Regular injections |
| Duration | 3-6 months per procedure | 1-4 weeks per injection |
| Hormone Release | Steady and consistent | Peaks and troughs |
| Convenience | Semi-monthly implantations | Periodic injections |
| Adjustability | Semi-monthly | Weekly |
HRT Benefits
Offering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can provide several benefits for patients experiencing hormone imbalances due to aging, menopause, or certain medical conditions. Here are the potential benefits:
1. Menopausal Symptoms
- Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: HRT can aid in the alleviation of the vasomotor symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, which can improve sleep and quality of life.
- Vaginal Dryness & Discomfort: Estrogen therapy can help with vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort during intercourse by improving vaginal tissue health.
- Mood: Many women experience mood swings, irritability, or depressive symptoms during menopause, and HRT can help regulate these by stabilizing hormone levels.
2. Bone Health (Osteoporosis)
- Fracture Risk: HRT, particularly estrogen, has been shown to improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures in postmenopausal women.
3. Cardiovascular Health
- Potential Protection Against Heart Disease: While the relationship between HRT and cardiovascular health is complex, some evidence suggests that starting HRT early in menopause may reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and maintaining blood vessel health.
4. Skin & Hair
- Skin Appearance: Estrogen can improve skin elasticity and hydration, which may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote healthier, more youthful skin.
- Hair Health: Hormonal balance helps prevent hair thinning and loss, which can be a concern for many women during menopause.
5. Cognition and Mental Health
- Possible Cognitive Protection: Some studies suggest HRT may lower the risk of cognitive decline or dementia in women who begin therapy early in menopause, although this benefit is still under investigation.
- Sleep: HRT can improve sleep quality by reducing night sweats and hot flashes, which often disrupt sleep.
6. Urogenital Symptoms
- Urinary Health: Estrogen in HRT can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and improve bladder control, easing symptoms of incontinence that may occur after menopause.
7. Psychological and Emotional Symptoms
- Quality of Life: Alleviating physical symptoms and balancing mood can lead to an overall improvement in emotional well-being and quality of life for individuals on HRT.
8. Tailored Therapy Options
- Customization of Treatment: HRT can be personalized in terms of hormone type (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), delivery method (oral, creams/gel, injections), and dosing, allowing for tailored treatment plans that suit individual needs and minimize side effects.
Considerations and Risks
Proper screening, individualized dosing, and monitoring are crucial for minimizing risks. It is important to speak to your patient concerning his/her individual risk when beginning any treatment.
In summary, offering HRT allows medical practitioners to address a wide range of health concerns related to hormonal changes, improving both physical and emotional well-being for patients when administered appropriately.
References:
Hodis, H. N., & Mack, W. J. (2022). Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy and Reduction of All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease: It Is About Time and Timing. Cancer journal (Sudbury, Mass.), 28 (3), 208–223. https://doi.org/
North American Menopause Society. (n.d.). Menopause Topics: Hormone Therapy. The Menopause Society. https://menopause.org/
Girard, R., Météreau, E., Thomas, J. et al. Hormone therapy at early post-menopause increases cognitive control-related prefrontal activity. Sci Rep 7, 44917 (2017). https://doi.org/
