What Is Better: Pills, Patches or Creams for Hormone Replacement?

Hormone replacement therapy is often administered with the use of patches, creams or pills. There have not been enough studies to show which is better; however, any form of hormone replacement therapy that helps abate your symptoms is good.

Significance

• Hormone replacement therapy is used to manage menopause and its symptoms, such as hot flashes, changes in libido, and sleeplessness. Hormone replacement is meant to restore a woman's estrogen and progesterone.

Types

• The hormones can be given through pills, patches or creams.

Identification

• Creams are applied to any thin skin areas, like the inner forearms. Patches are placed on a clean area of skin and replaced once or twice a week. Pills are taken once a day, or according to a doctor's orders.

Expert Insight

• After doing her own test with patients, Dr. Jane Murray at www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com found that her patients were responding better to patches and creams rather than pills.

Benefits

• Hormone replacement not only releives the symptoms of menopause but also can prevent bone loss, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Warning

• Hormone replacement therapy can increase the chances of having a stroke, gallbladder disease and high blood pressure.