What is the difference between estrogen and progesterone HRT?

Estrogen and progesterone are two of the main sex hormones in the human body. As people age, levels of these hormones naturally decline, which can lead to unpleasant symptoms. Replacing these hormones through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate symptoms.
There are key differences between estrogen and progesterone HRT:

• Estrogen HRT contains forms of the hormone estrogen. It is used to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, and osteoporosis associated with menopause. Estrogen HRT comes in different forms like:
  
  
  
  
  • Oral tablets
  
  
  • Transdermal patches
  
  
  • Vaginal creams/rings/tablets
  
  


• Progesterone HRT contains the hormone progesterone. It is used alongside estrogen HRT to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Progesterone HRT comes in forms like:
  
  
  
  
  • Oral capsules
  
  
  • Injections
  
  
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  
  

Some key points of difference:

Symptom relief
- Estrogen is more effective at relieving hot flashes and vaginal atrophy symptoms
- Progesterone helps stabilize the endometrium and reduces risk of hyperplasia

Cancer risks
- Estrogen-only HRT increases risk of endometrial cancer
- Combination HRT with estrogen and progesterone does not increase this risk
- Both increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer

Formulations

• Estrogen
  
  
  
  
  • Conjugated equine estrogens
  
  
  • Synthetic ethinyl estradiol
  
  
  • Transdermal estradiol
  
  
  • Vaginal estrogen creams/tablets
  
  


• Progesterone
  
  
  
  
  • Oral micronized progesterone
  
  
  • Progestins like medroxyprogesterone acetate
  
  
  • Levonorgestrel IUD
  
  

Duration

• Estrogen can be taken short-term or longer for sustained relief


• Progesterone should only be taken cyclically or short-term

Dosing
- The lowest effective dose should be used
- Dosing is individualized based on symptoms and risk factors

Monitoring
- Patients on HRT need regular health checks, mammograms and gynecological checkups

If you are struggling with menopausal symptoms, consider making an appointment with Vitality Hormone Clinic. Our caring medical team specializes in customized bioidentical hormone therapy to help women find relief. Contact us today to learn more about estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and other hormone treatments uniquely formulated to your body and needs.