Oestrogen is also available as a cream, pessary or ring that is placed inside your vagina. Implants of HRT are not widely available and are not used very often. An IUS releases a progestogen hormone into the womb. It can stay in place for 3 to 5 years and also acts as a contraceptive. If you're taking a different form of oestrogen and need to take progestogen alongside it, another implant option is the intrauterine system (IUS). But if you still have your womb, you'll need to take progestogen separately too. This may be a convenient option if you do not want to worry about taking your treatment every day or every few days. The implant releases oestrogen gradually and lasts for several months before needing to be replaced.
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HRT also comes as small pellet-like implants that are inserted under your skin (usually in the tummy area) after your skin has been numbed with local anaesthetic. Like skin patches, gel can be a convenient way of taking HRT and does not increase your risk of blood clots.īut if you still have your womb, you'll need to take some form of progestogen separately too, to reduce your risk of womb cancer. Oestrogen gel is an increasingly popular form of HRT. Using patches can also help avoid some side effects of HRT, such as indigestion, and unlike tablets, they do not increase your risk of blood clots. Skin patches may be a better option than tablets if you find it inconvenient to take a tablet every day. Oestrogen-only and combined HRT patches are available. You stick them to your skin and replace them every few days. Skin patches are also a common way of taking HRT. However, it's important to be aware that some of the risks of HRT, such as blood clots, are higher with tablets than with other forms of HRT (although the overall risk is still small). For some women this may be the simplest way of having treatment. They are usually taken once a day.īoth oestrogen-only and combined HRT are available as tablets. Tablets are 1 of the most common forms of HRT. Talk to a GP about the pros and cons of each option. Oestrogen-only HRT is usually only recommended if you have had your womb removed during a hysterectomy. HRT involves either taking both of these hormones (combined HRT) or just taking oestrogen (oestrogen-only HRT). progestogen – either a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone (such as dydrogesterone, medroxyprogesterone, norethisterone and levonorgestrel), or a version called micronised progesterone (sometimes called body identical, or natural) that is chemically identical to the human hormone.oestrogen – types used include estradiol, estrone and estriol.HRT replaces the hormones that a woman's body no longer produces because of the menopause. If you're considering HRT, talk to your GP about the options suitable for you, as well as possible alternatives to HRT. Different types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are available.