When we talk about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it can encompass several hormones. The most studied hormone for HRT is estrogen; therapy with just this hormone is often referred to as ERT.  However, for most women a progesterone compound, whether "natural" or synthetic, is often included to eliminate the uterine cancer risk that is associated with using estrogen alone.  For years these were the only two hormones considered in HRT.

Recently there has been attention drawn to testosterone and some of its precursors (DHEA).  It seems that some women may benefit from small doses of these hormones.

Once you decide to use hormones, the next step is to choose which form to use -- pills, patches, or creams. Should the hormones be "natural"?  And exactly what makes a hormone natural?

Natural Hormones

Estrogen

Phytoestrogen

Progesterone

Testosterone and DHEA

SERMS (designer estrogens)

Pills, Patches or Creams

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home / Pain Therapy / Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) / Hormone Choices  / Resources / Contact