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 a range of forms including patches, pills, and vaginal creams, offering numerous options to help you find the most suitable and convenient choice for your needs.
What Is The Function Of Estrogen Supplements?
Hormone replacement therapy, also referred to as estrogen supplements, is the most widely used approach for managing menopause symptoms, which are triggered by the decline in natural estrogen levels that occurs during menopause.
Estrogen supplements work by replacing the estrogen that the body is no longer producing, which in turn helps reduce symptoms of menopause due to the resulting higher estrogen levels.
Which Hormones Are Found In Estrogen Supplements?
There are three main types of estrogen found in estrogen supplements: estradiol, conjugated estrogens, and esterified estrogens. Estradiol is a synthetic form of the hormone estrogen. Conjugated estrogens are derived from the urine of pregnant horses. Esterified estrogens are a combination of estrogens that come from plants and pregnant horses.
Some estrogen supplements also contain a synthetic version of progesterone known as progestin, with medroxyprogesterone acetate being a common example. However, progestin does not help with menopause symptoms. Instead, its purpose is to protect the uterus from potential negative effects associated with taking estrogen.
What Kinds Of Estrogen Supplements Can Be Found On The Market?
There are several types of estrogen supplements available, and they differ from one another in terms of the symptoms they can treat and the potential side effects they may cause.
Estrogen Patches
An estrogen patch can help relieve several symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Typically, these patches are applied to the lower abdomen or buttocks and are replaced either every week or every other week.
Estrogen Pills
Estrogen pills have the longest history among all estrogen supplements and, similar to patches, are effective in managing a range of menopause symptoms.
Usually, they are ingested once daily.
Estrogen Gels And Sprays
Estrogen gels and sprays are applied directly to the skin. The FDA has authorized all estrogen gels and sprays for treating hot flashes and night sweats, with one particular gel also providing relief from vaginal symptoms.
Estrogen gels and sprays are typically applied once a day, but the application site varies by product.
Creams
Estrogen creams are classified as vaginal estrogen products, which involve inserting a dose into the vagina using an applicator. The typical usage is several times a week, although this can vary, particularly when first starting treatment. These medications are designed to alleviate vaginal symptoms such as dryness and discomfort during sex. Additionally, some women may consider other products, including Vella orgasm cream, to address further intimate health concerns.
Vaginal Suppositories
Vaginal estrogen is available in the form of tablets or capsules, also referred to as inserts. These inserts are placed inside the vagina using a special tool, usually twice a week after initial daily use for two weeks. Although they can help with vaginal symptoms, they do not provide relief from hot flashes or night sweats.
Vaginal Estrogen Rings
A slender silicone ring is inserted into the vaginal cavity where it remains in place for 90 days, releasing estrogen continuously during this time. Once the 90 day period has ended, the old ring is removed and replaced with a new one.
Injections
Estrogen can also be given by injection into a muscle or under the skin. These injections are typically given every three to four weeks. A healthcare provider can teach patients how to give themselves injections, which can then be done at home.
Which Is More Effective For Menopause Relief: Estrogen Patches Or Pills?
Estrogen patches and pills are generally considered to be equally effective by experts in alleviating menopause symptoms, but there are several key differences that make patches the preferred choice for many women.
When oral estrogen is ingested, the liver starts to break it down, which is a normal part of how the body absorbs oral medications. However, using estrogen patches bypasses this initial step, resulting in higher levels of estrogen being released directly into the bloodstream.
Using the patch to bypass the initial liver processing step offers the benefit of maintaining more consistent estrogen levels. Unlike estrogen pills, which cause a slight surge in estrogen levels immediately after ingestion followed by a decrease over the next 24 hours, the patch provides a steadier release. As estrogen levels fluctuate with pill use, menopausal symptoms can return or worsen when estrogen levels drop. For some women, consistent estrogen levels throughout the day result in more dependable symptom relief.
Triglyceride levels are less affected by estrogen patches than by estrogen pills. Triglycerides are a type of lipid found in the blood, and high levels can raise the risk of heart disease. While estrogen patches can cause an increase in triglyceride levels, the effect is smaller compared to estrogen pills.
Using estrogen can increase the risk of blood clots, but research suggests that estrogen patches may have a lower risk compared to estrogen pills. However, more research is needed to confirm this potential benefit.
How Do You Know If You Will Benefit From Taking Estrogen Supplements?
Low estrogen levels can manifest through various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Additionally, sleep disturbances, reduced sexual desire, and mood swings may be experienced. Many women first try to alleviate these symptoms using over-the-counter remedies like black cohosh supplements and vaginal lubricants. In cases where these methods prove ineffective or menopause symptoms are particularly severe, consulting a healthcare provider about the potential use of estrogen supplements is recommended.
Every individual’s experience with estrogen supplements is distinct and personal. Estrogen supplements are often preferred for alleviating menopause symptoms, and it is probable that they will provide some benefits for you.
You can expect to see improvements in symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal symptoms within 1 to 3 months. If you have been taking estrogen pills for 3 months and have not noticed any improvement, you should notify your healthcare provider.
