🧭 Understanding Different Types of HRT

Not all hormone therapies are the same—and that’s a good thing. Different types of HRT work in different ways, and they come with varying risks, benefits, and routes of delivery. Here are some essential points to understand:

• ✅ Each preparation can work differently in the body (e.g. oral vs transdermal, synthetic vs body-identical).
• ✅ Some are better suited to specific symptoms—for example, patches or gels may be more effective for mood and migraines, while vaginal estrogen targets urogenital symptoms directly.
• ✅ Different options suit different people at different times in their lives. What worked (or didn’t) in your 30s might be different to what you need in your 50s.
• ✅ Tolerability history matters—if someone did well (or poorly) on the pill or Mirena, that gives valuable clues about what might work now.
• ✅ Route matters for risk—e.g. transdermal estrogen avoids liver metabolism and has a lower clot risk compared to oral estrogen.
• ✅ We can tailor therapy to medical history, symptom profile, preferences, and evolving needs—it's not one-size-fits-all.

🧠 In short: HRT is a tool—and like any tool, its value lies in how well it's matched to the person, the moment, and the goal. The more we understand the options, the better we can personalise care.

Lesson Summary

Understanding different types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is crucial as they each work differently in the body and come with varying risks, benefits, and routes of delivery. Here are some key points to consider:

• Each preparation of HRT can work differently in the body based on factors like oral vs transdermal administration or synthetic vs body-identical hormones.
• Specific symptoms may be better addressed with certain types of HRT such as patches or gels for mood and migraines, or vaginal estrogen for urogenital symptoms.
• Different people may require different types of HRT depending on their age and the stage of life they are in.
• Past tolerability history with hormone therapies can provide insight into what may work best now.
• The route of administration can impact risks, with transdermal estrogen having a lower clot risk compared to oral estrogen due to avoiding liver metabolism.
• HRT can be personalized based on medical history, symptoms, preferences, and changing needs—it is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

In summary, HRT is a valuable tool that should be matched effectively to the individual's needs, moment in life, and health goals. Understanding the options available allows for personalized and optimal care.