The signs of menopause can be bothersome and disruptive. Who wouldn’t desire relief after going through hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness? Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for menopause. Estrogen supplements are frequently used and proven to be effective.
Estrogen supplements are available in various forms, such as patches, pills, vaginal creams, and other options. You have many choices for discovering what is most suitable and convenient for you.
What Is The Function Of Estrogen Supplements?
Hormone replacement therapy, also known as estrogen supplements, is the most commonly used method for controlling menopause symptoms. Menopause causes a decline in natural estrogen levels, leading to these symptoms.
Estrogen supplements function by substituting the estrogen that your body is no longer producing. Having a higher level of estrogen leads to a decrease in symptoms of menopause.
Which Hormones Are Found In Estrogen Supplements?
Estrogen supplements contain three primary types of estrogen: estradiol, conjugated estrogens, and esterified estrogens. Estradiol is a synthetic version of the natural hormone estrogen. Conjugated estrogens come from pregnant horse urine. Esterified estrogens contain a blend of plant-derived estrogens and estrogens obtained from pregnant horses.
Some estrogen supplements may also include a synthetic form of progesterone called progestin. An example that is frequently seen is medroxyprogesterone acetate. Progestin is not effective in alleviating menopause symptoms. It is provided to prevent the uterus from experiencing harmful side effects that may occur with estrogen usage.
What Kinds Of Estrogen Supplements Can Be Found On The Market?
Multiple varieties of estrogen supplements are currently on the market. Some significant variances exist between them, including the symptoms they can alleviate and their potential side effects.
Estrogen Patches
An estrogen patch may alleviate various menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. These are commonly worn on the lower abdomen or buttocks, and they are replaced weekly or bi-weekly.
Estrogen Pills
Estrogen pills have existed for the longest time out of all estrogen supplements. Like patches, pills are effective for managing various symptoms of menopause.
Usually, they are ingested once daily.
Estrogen Gels And Sprays
Estrogen gels and sprays are put on the skin. Every estrogen gel and spray is authorized by the FDA for the treatment of hot flashes and night sweats. One specific gel is also able to assist with symptoms in the vagina.
Estrogen gels and sprays are usually used once daily. However, the location of their application differs depending on the product.
Creams
Estrogen creams belong to the category of vaginal estrogen products. By using a tool, you insert a dose into your vagina. Frequently, women use it several times weekly; however, their intake may vary, especially in the initial stages of use. These medications specifically target vaginal symptoms like dryness and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Vaginal Suppositories
Vaginal estrogen suppositories are available in tablet or capsule form, also known as inserts. They are inserted into the vagina with a tool, typically two times per week following daily usage in the initial two weeks. While they can alleviate vaginal symptoms, they are not effective in relieving hot flashes or night sweats.
Vaginal Estrogen Rings
Vaginal estrogen rings are slender silicone rings inserted into the vaginal cavity. They are kept in position for 90 days and steadily emit estrogen throughout this period. After 90 days, you take out the old ring and replace it with a new one.
Injections
Estrogen can also be administered through an injection into a muscle (intramuscular) or under the skin (subcutaneously). Medications are usually administered through injections every 3 to 4 weeks. Your healthcare provider can show you how to administer injections to yourself, allowing you to self-administer doses at home.
Which Is More Effective For Menopause Relief: Estrogen Patches Or Pills?
Experts typically view estrogen patches and pills as equally effective in providing relief from menopause symptoms. However, several significant distinctions render estrogen patches the favored option for most women because:
More estrogen is taken in – Upon ingestion of oral estrogen, the liver begins metabolizing the medication. This is a typical aspect of the absorption of oral medications. However, estrogen patches allow for skipping this first step. As a result, you have increased levels of estrogen entering your bloodstream.
More consistent estrogen levels – Another advantage of bypassing the first liver processing step with the patch is more consistent estrogen levels. Estrogen pills generally result in a slight increase in estrogen levels immediately after taking them, which then decreases over the next 24 hours. When estrogen levels decrease, symptoms of menopause may resurface or intensify. Having more consistent levels of estrogen during the day can lead to more reliable relief from symptoms for certain women.
Less pronounced impact on triglyceride levels – Triglycerides are a form of lipid present in the blood. Elevated levels of triglycerides can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease in the future. Estrogen patches may increase triglyceride levels, but they have a smaller impact compared to estrogen pills.
Possibly reduced chance of developing blood clots – Using estrogen can increase the likelihood of developing blood clots. However, research indicates that estrogen patches could pose a reduced risk of blood clots compared to estrogen pills. Nevertheless, further research is required to verify this.
How Do You Know If You Will Benefit From Taking Estrogen Supplements?
Some of the prevalent signs of low estrogen include hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. However, alterations in sleep patterns, decreased libido, and fluctuations in mood may also occur. A lot of women initially attempt over-the-counter solutions such as black cohosh supplements and vaginal lubricants. If the mentioned solutions are ineffective or if menopause symptoms appear severe, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider regarding the appropriateness of using estrogen supplements.
Each person’s experience with estrogen supplements is unique and personal. Estrogen supplements are the top choice for relieving menopause symptoms. It is likely that you will derive some benefits from them.
No matter if you are addressing hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal symptoms, you should see improvements in around 1 to 3 months. If you do not experience any improvement after taking estrogen pills for 3 months, inform your healthcare provider.
