What is the difference between HRT and MHT?
When we use the term hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it seems to convey that we are trying to replace hormones to replicate the levels of a young woman
BUT
In reality what we are trying use hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and for the prevention of conditions that increase post menopause
Therefore, the term menopausal hormone therapy or MHT seems to be more appropriate.
Can oral contraceptive or birth control pills be used as Menopausal Hormone Therapy? Yes, BUT they may not be your best option.
Oral contraceptive pills were made to suppress ovulation and the dose required for that is much higher than that required to manage menopausal symptoms. This means that by taking birth control pills, you may be consuming a dose of hormones much higher than what you need.
Contraceptive pills contain synthetic hormones as compared to bio-identical options available to us today for menopausal hormone therapy.
Birth control pills need to be taken orally, as opposed to the option of using bio-identical estrogen transdermally in the form of gels, sprays and patches.
But birth control pills may be the answer for some.
Bottomline, it's important to explore all your options and discuss them with your doctor before you decide which (and if any) option is best for you.
Progestogens can be of 2 types:
Bioidentical progesterone that is structurally identical to what our body produces. It is available as a formulation called micronized progesterone.
Synthetic progestogens OR progestins include a wide range of compounds such as MPA or medroxyprogesterone acetate, norethindrone, levonorgestrel, etc -
While Progestins are similar to progesterone in protecting the lining of the uterus, they are not exactly the same and can have some unwanted effects in the body.
#menopausewize #menopause #menopausematters #hrt #mht #progesterone #progestin #perimenopause #womenover50
Hormone replacement therapy comes in various forms, including pills, patches, creams, and gels.
Each formulation works differently and depending on how the hormone enters your body, it may have different benefits and risks.
For example, the pill form of estrogen can be effective for many women, but when we ingest any drug orally, it is processed through the liver, and in the case of oral estrogen this can give risk to a slightly higher risk of blood clots and hypertension.
Transdermal estrogen, on the other hand, is absorbed through the skin and is available in the form of patches, gels and sprays depending on where you live. Transdermal estrogen is delivered directly through the skin into the bloodstream. Therefore, bypassing the liver usually does not have the side effects that I mentioned earlier. And in general is considered a safer option for estrogen. PMID: 33506261
So, if you are someone…