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Difference Between Estrogen & Other Hormone Replacement Medications

Menopause can be a frustrating and confusing time for women, and hormone replacement therapy is a tempting option for the reduction of menopausal symptoms. However, there are several types of hormones used during replacement therapy. These include estrogen, progestin, and a new development in hormone replacement therapy called bioidentical hormones.

  1. Menopause

    • Menopause is the time in a woman's life when the menstrual cycle ends. When this stage occurs, usually between the ages of 45 and 55, the body produces significantly less female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

    Hormone Replacement Therapy

    • The loss of hormones can lead to irritating symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats, and in some cases osteoporosis. Thus, many women take synthetic replacement hormones to avoid these symptoms.

    Estrogen

    • Estrogen is the most common hormone administered during replacement therapy. This hormone is the main female sex hormone; when administered after menopause, it can reduce or eliminate most menopausal symptoms.

    Progestin

    • Progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone, is usually given in combination with estrogen because estrogen given alone increases the risk of uterine cancer. This is not necessary if you have had a hysterectomy.

    Bioidentical Hormones

    • Bioidentical hormone therapy involves hormones which are duplicates of natural female hormones (estradiol and progesterone, for instance). Both the North American Menopause Society and the FDA warn against their use because there is little or no scientific evidence about the effects of these hormones or if they are properly absorbed in the body.

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