The 4 Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Published on: 14 October 2019 Last Updated on: 10 September 2024

During menopause, estrogen levels in your body drop. Some women experience unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), also known as Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT), is the most effective way to treat these menopausal symptoms.

HRT involves estrogen-containing medications that replace the hormones that are no longer produced after menopause. Studies have found that hormone therapy also helps to prevent bone loss and reduce fractures in postmenopausal women.

If you want to relieve the symptoms of menopause, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of hormone replacement therapy can help you determine the right type for you. Highlighted below are the four types of HRT for menopause.

Here are the 4 types of Hormone Replacement Therapy:

1. Estrogen Pills

One of the most common forms of HRT is an oral medication. The pills include conjugated estrogens and are typically taken once daily without food. However, some have more complicated dosing schedules.

Pros

Like other forms of HRT, estrogen pills can lessen or remedy the bothersome symptoms caused by menopause. They also reduce the risk of osteoporosis (weakening of the bones).

Cons

Estrogen, on its own, slightly increases the risk of thrombosis and stroke. When used with the hormone progesterone, the risk of heart disease and breast cancer is heightened.

Like other HRT treatments, oral estrogens have side effects.

These include painful swelling of the breasts, vaginal discharge, headache, and nausea. People with liver problems should opt for other forms of estrogen as oral estrogens can be hard on the liver.

In addition, estrogen may not be absorbed, especially if you are taking certain medications or if you have stomach problems.

2. Skin Patches

Another type of HRT is skin patches, with examples including Alora and Estraderm. There are also combined estrogen and progesterone skin patches. Follow the instructions and replace the patch once or twice weekly.

Pros

First, the patch is convenient. You can stick it without worrying about taking oral medicine every day. The patch is also great for people with liver ailments as the estrogen goes passes directly into the bloodstream, avoiding the liver. Studies have proved that patches do not present a risk of thrombosis to postmenopausal women compared to oral estrogens.

Cons

Estrogen patches do have side effects. These include painful swelling of the breasts, vaginal discharge, headache, and nausea. The patch can also irritate the skin on which it is applied.

Do not expose estrogen patches to high temperatures or direct sunlight. The heat can bring about the rapid release of estrogen from some. Therefore, do not use a tanning bed or sauna when wearing an estrogen patch.

3. Topical treatment

Estrogen gels, creams, and sprays are another way of incorporating estrogen into your body. Like skin patches, this type of estrogen treatment is directly absorbed into the blood. They are normally administered once a day.

Pros

Since these topical estrogen treatments journey directly into the blood, they are low risk for people with liver problems.

Cons

A possible problem with the use of this type of estrogen treatment is that the gel, cream, or spray can be rubbed or washed off before being completely absorbed. Always let the treatment of dry before dressing and apply after bathing.

Since estrogen is directly absorbed through the skin, do not let your family members come into contact with these creams or gels. Ensure you clean and dry your hands after using the medication.

4. Vaginal Suppositories

These types of estrogen treatments are applied directly to the vagina. These treatments are most suitable for women who suffer particularly from vaginal dryness, itching, pain, or burning sensation during intercourse. The medication includes vaginal tablets, creams, and vaginal rings.

The exact dosing schedule depends on the product. However, the vaginal ring must be replaced every three months.

Pros

Research has proved that vaginal suppositories are more effective in treating vaginal symptoms of menopause than other types of estrogen treatment.

Some vaginal rings produce low doses, impacting the surrounding region only. This is favorable since they do not subject the whole body to high amounts of estrogen. In theory, this reduces the risks of estrogen treatment and is a safe method to reassure women unable to receive systemic treatment.

Cons

Vaginal suppositories containing low amounts of estrogen are only useful for menopausal symptoms brought about due to hysterectomy. They do not treat other symptoms, such as hot flashes. Although high doses of suppositories offer solutions to these symptoms, they may carry risks of cancer. Most doctors do not recommend long-term vaginal estrogen therapy in women who still have a uterus, as this may escalate the threat of endometrial cancer.

In conclusion, work closely with your doctor to decide on the best option from the various available hormone replacement therapies. Also, talk to your physician about how long you can take HRT and how to limit potential risks.

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Integrating Therapy And Activities In Residential Treatment

The integration of therapy and activities in residential treatment facilities is a pivotal aspect of modern mental health care. This approach combines traditional therapeutic methods with various activities, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment and providing a more holistic recovery experience for residents. In residential treatment settings, therapy remains the cornerstone of the recovery process. This typically involves a combination of individual and group therapy sessions, utilizing various psychotherapeutic techniques and other evidence-based practices. These therapies are designed to address the underlying causes of mental health issues, helping residents develop coping mechanisms and better understand their conditions. Integrating activities alongside therapy adds a crucial dimension to the treatment process. Activities in residential treatment facilities can range from physical exercise, such as yoga or swimming, to creative endeavors like art or music therapy. These activities are not merely recreational; they are carefully chosen for their therapeutic benefits. For instance, physical activities can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, while creative therapies offer a non-verbal outlet for expression and emotional exploration. One significant benefit of integrating activities into treatment is the enhancement of therapy effectiveness. Engaging in activities can help residents apply and reinforce the skills learned in therapy sessions. For example, participating in a group sport can improve social skills and teamwork, reflecting the interpersonal skills taught in group therapy. Another advantage is the promotion of a holistic approach to wellness. Mental health is intrinsically linked to physical and emotional well-being. Activities like mindfulness meditation or nutritional workshops contribute to overall health, which is crucial for mental health recovery. These activities encourage residents to adopt healthier lifestyles, which can have long-lasting benefits beyond their time in the facility. The diverse array of available activities further enhances the personalization of the treatment experience. Recognizing that residents have unique interests and respond differently to various activities, offering a wide range of options ensures that each resident can discover activities that deeply resonate with them. This approach not only tailors the treatment experience to individual preferences but also boosts resident engagement and enjoyment, fostering a more meaningful and effective recovery journey. The variety of activities becomes a dynamic tool in creating a therapeutic environment that accommodates diverse needs and promotes holistic well-being. Incorporating activities into residential treatment also fosters a sense of community and belonging among residents. Participating in group activities builds camaraderie and support, essential elements in the recovery journey. It creates opportunities for residents to form meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences. Moreover, these activities provide practical skills and hobbies that residents can continue after leaving the facility. Skills learned through activities such as gardening, cooking, or painting can be valuable tools for stress management and self-care in daily life. Integrating therapy and activities in residential treatment offers a comprehensive approach to mental health recovery. This integration enhances the effectiveness of traditional therapies, promotes holistic wellness, allows for personalization of the treatment experience, builds community, and equips residents with practical skills for life post-treatment. What Is Integrative Therapy? Academics have argued that psychotherapy and psychology are essentially different. According to them, treatment takes a backseat because of the insistent modalities. We define ourselves in a certain way and set up “false dichotomies when, in practice, we routinely straddle multiple approaches.” Integration is a term that suggests the bringing together of things. When dealing with clients, it suggests that we adapt to both the needs of clients and their context by blending fragmented theoretical frameworks as well as their methods. Human beings are complex, and they bring unique hopes, needs, and challenges to therapy. A therapist's chief challenge lies in attempting to make an honest integrative therapy that amalgamates different philosophical commitments, assumptions, and values. They must also admit that not all of these practices and theories can be compatible. So, when integrative therapists treat their clients, they must consider the what, how, and when of integration. This would typically involve one of the four potential approaches. Theoretical integration: Transcends the individual models by making a single model Technical eclecticism: Combines the effective bits of different approaches Assimilative integration: Works mainly in a single model whole, also integrating several aspects of other approaches Common factors: Focuses on the right practices as well as elements from all approaches History of Integrated Therapy Human interest in therapeutic integration dates back as far as Freud and the contemporaries of the father of psychology in the early 1900s. Sandor Ferenczi, a relational psychoanalyst from Hungary, wrote a paper in 1933. He argued that instead of staying too true to the stereotypical techniques, we must take our cues from the patient and adopt the most suitable approach at a time in the best interest of the patient. Aaron Beck claimed in 1991 that cognitive behavioral therapy could actually be integrative therapy. He said that because of the broad sweep of psychology and the resulting integration of different technical procedures, cognitive therapy is integrative therapy. It is possible that we can challenge his claims today, but CBT is a prime example of the combination of two or more approaches. In that case, the awareness of the client’s belief system going through a change can improve the therapist’s efforts on their behavioral change. Holistic Therapy and Integrative Therapy Partnerships The combination of integrative therapy and holistic therapy has repeatedly proved to be effective and valuable in palliative care. It helps clients deal with their discomfort, pain, anguish, and fear related to their past, present, and future. When traditional Western medicine cannot help the chronically and terminally ill, treatments like imagery, therapies, and meditation, along with psychotherapy, tend to offer hope for them. Their needs for peace and calm at nearly the end of their lives are met with a lot of help. Other approaches, when combined with integrated psychotherapies, get into the details of theology, spirituality, religion, and existential motives. Wrapping Up Integrated therapy offers a strong and flexible approach to psychotherapy that addresses each client’s complex as well as unique needs. It aims to help create a comprehensive framework that will prioritize effective dialogue between different approaches by bringing together techniques and theories from various psychological models. Read Also: Ketamine Therapy: A New Hope For Treating Depression And Anxiety What Is Thinspo? | Impact On Physical And Mental Health Psychedelic Therapy for Mental Health Conditions

7 Benefits of a Daily At-Home Yoga Practice

An ancient art that is over 5000 years old is once again gaining worldwide popularity. Yoga, the art of science and wellness that was given to the world by India has gained a massive following in advanced western countries. It is an art and science that pushes human beings to go back to their roots and look within to find solutions to problems. Yoga is an all-inclusive model of development for both, mental as well as physical well-being. If you are someone that is familiar with Yoga or has been struggling with mental health issues, you would have heard about the term- Cortisol. This is a hormone that leads to negative thoughts, insecurities, and stress. This is the ‘Stress Hormone’. Science has shown that practicing Yoga for as little as fifteen minutes a day can help reduce the amount of Cortisol that is secreted by your brain. In this article, we look at the seven benefits of a daily at-home yoga practice. We speak to leading experts at a black owned yoga studio and requested them to help us come up with the list of benefits. Yoga: A Proven Ancient Science or something simply concocted out of thin air? First things first. Before we get to the list of benefits, let us try and address an issue that critics of Yoga have been vehemently espousing for many years. The first mention of Yoga as a form of health and wellness can be found in ancient texts that are over five thousand years old. The evidence of Yoga has been documented by academicians and historians in the Harappan and Indus Valley civilizations. It has for the last few decades helped millions over the world deal with the following issues- Combat stresses, anxiety, and depression. Build better health of internal organs. Create a Positive Outlook towards life. Improve Focus, Attention, and Concentration. Strengthen the Core and Muscles and Joints. In short, Yoga has nothing but positive effects on the human body. It is a breathing exercise, meditation, and physical regimen all built into one. List of 7 Benefits of a Daily At-Home Yoga Practice: 1. The Greatest Asset to Fight Mental Health Issues- Most medical experts point out that the breathing exercises that are a major part of Yoga help relieve tensions, stresses, and anxieties. This helps ward off negative energies, creates positive thoughts, and diminishes the hormone Cortisol production. Practicing Yoga for 15 minutes a day can be the best bet to fight and prevent mental health issues from emerging. 2. Builds Core Strength and Improves Flexibility- A lot of Yoga is improving the core strength of your body. This is not some muscle like a bicep or triceps. The closest you can start to compare this with the Shaolin Monks and their level of mental toughness. The flexible nature of the exercises when doing Yoga can help in muscle strengthening, conditioning, and improving joints and other connective tissues’ health. 3. Helps in Improving Digestion and Food Absorption- Stress is a major factor that affects digestion. IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is something that a majority of professionals face. Doing Yoga regularly can help improve the digestion system of the body. It can help in the positive absorption of food, minerals, and vitamins into the body. Just fifteen minutes of regular Yoga can help achieve a lot in this regard. 4. Lead to Weight Reduction in Obese Individuals- Obesity is one of the most dangerous illnesses currently affecting western developed countries. While going for strict diet regimens and sweating it out at the gym are options, Yoga should be tried as a great alternative strategy. Studies and trials have shown that Yoga through controlling the brain and the body can help in weight reduction in a major way. 5. Helps in Boosting Energy Levels within the Body- I am sure most of us have felt out of breath and energy even after waking up from an entire night of sleep. When you start doing Yoga, you will realize that your energy levels are always at an optimum. The reason for the same is that Yoga helps create energy by channeling positivity from the brain and the body. This helps boost productivity and help in success. 6. Improves Sleeping Patterns and Counters Insomnia- Insomnia is a clear and pressing issue of our times. Poor mental health is one of the major factors that trigger insomnia. With Yoga, you will be able to improve the sleeping patterns. Yoga is based heavily on breathing exercises. With the right flow of oxygen into the body, sleep gets positively impacted. The clear mind and brain also help massively. 7. Wards off Diseases and Infections and help stay healthy- Yoga has been found to have a lot of positive effects in strengthening the Immune System of the body. It can help one stay healthy and ward off normal infections and diseases. At the end of the day falling ill is a function of a weak immune system. Regularly doing Yoga can help an individual to stay healthy for long periods and avoid falling sick all the time. The Final Word: You do not have to slog countless hours in a yoga studio to enjoy all the benefits that have been listed above. All you need to do is find an expert practitioner that understands your issues and can devise a Yoga regimen that best suits you. The key is to be regular when it comes to Yoga. You cannot expect immediate results. It is slow, yet the detailed process that is more a way of living than a quick fix solution. With the Coronavirus pandemic causing everyone to stay indoors, the best Yoga centers are coming up with at-home sessions that you can safely do and enjoy from the comfort and safety of your home. All you need to do is fix a session, join it via a Zoom link and follow what the trainers are doing. This is a simple and effective way to stay in tune with Yoga in the changed situation we are living in. Read Also: How To Live Healthily Even If You Have A Full-Time Job 5 Ways To Deal With Your Insomnia Are You Wondering About The Risk Factors For Depression? Effects of Anxiety on Heart Disease

Some supplements you need to know right now

There are tons of supplements out there today, I would like to share some popular ones with you, the obesity I feel you need to know. For those who don't know what supplements are, they are a product that is meant to add a little bit to our diet, some can be taken in form of pills, capsules, tablet,s or oil. There are certain supplements you need to know right now to get a better dosage cycle. They are extracted from different sources of foods or nowadays purely synthetic, they usually contain necessary classes of food such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Well, I’m sure you all learned that your 3rd grade and higher institution. First off, I understand some of us don't completely get the nutrients we need from our food, so we rely on these supplements to help fill the gap, left for me, I would say we should all depend on food to get all the nutrients we need, but hey! We need these still, I’m also guilty of this too, when you live in this busy world, you'll understand what I mean. Essential Supplements You Need To Know Right Now There are certain essential supplements that you must know at your end while you want to make use of the supplements for your better health. 1. PROBIOTIC Do you know your gut has over 400 types of probiotics, don't know what these are? Think of them as the good tiny bugs that help you digest food properly or good bacteria that help you fight bad bacteria there are also present in your - that sounds crazy, I know. That's not all, they also help you fight infections that surround your digestive tract and control inflammatory bowel disease. What can this do as a supplement? When it turned to a dietary supplement, they help you prevent diarrhea, cramps (no thanks to medications and antibiotics. Before you head for work, make sure you take one as you will be sure to get a healthy digestive system. There are other ways to get the supplements, some of which are yogurt, kefir, etc. When shopping for probiotics, there are certain things you need to always look out for, some of which include the strain of bacteria and the dosage. bacteria aren't one size fits all come on different bacteria manage different conditions, make sure you look out for that. 2. VITAMIN D3 One of the vitamins that are trending in the research industry today. As a kid, we were told to stay outside in the morning to enjoy the sun if your childhood was like mine comma this was why your parents told you told you to do so. The sun is one of the major sources of vitamin D, I’m not saying you should stay in the sun, only a little bit of exposure can give you vitamin D. Don't get it twisted, there are two types of vitamin D, one is gotten from fortified foods (known as vitamin D2) while the other is gotten from the sun or exposure to Ultraviolet light (vitamin D3). Vitamin D is known to regulate phosphorus and calcium in the body, according to the latest revelation, it is also responsible for I immediately the regulation of insulin in our body and our body. Both can also be converted to hydroxyvitamin D3, an active form in the blood. If you are at higher latitude and you're experiencing winter, there's no way you'll be able to get the d3 you need, so I advise you get it from eggs and sardines. 3.OMEGA 3 I have a thing for this supplement, I take it every time, one of the reasons why I do so is because I'm trying to boost my immune system, and OMEGA 3 can help me do just that, research also finds it beneficial for heart-related issues, inflammatory response and brain health too. There are claims that it can help boost our mood and fight depression, improve your sexual life and make you sleep better all of which is due to the fact that it serves as a building block for a healthy brain. Natural sources would be your Salmon, the dark leafy greens, walnuts and of course, fatty fish. I'm sure, one if not all of these are found in our everyday food, if no seems to be your answer, you can get it as supplements from a pharmaceutical company, they should also contain DHA and EPA, these are the two fatty acids that are responsible for keeping us fit and healthy every day. 4. CLA SAFFLOWER OIL The CLA Safflower oil pills are a form of dietary supplement, the formula is made up of mostly Safflower oil when used, it helps to increase the mass of one’s muscle and enhance your metabolic rate. Experts have deemed it to be the healthiest oil so far. There are two types of oil that are extracted from the Safflower, the first has a higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the other is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. The oil is extracted from a plant known as Safflower. You could either take the oil by mouth to help fight diabetes, prevent heart-related diseases including the hardening of the heart. And for those in the fashion industry, they make use of this supplement to for hair growth. And for women who have menstrual issues, safflower oil can help treat that too. The main reason why I didn’t add it to the other supplement is that it is not fully recognized. Take for instance, in the United States, the Safflower Oil is not approved by their Food and Drug Administration, you will only find them in some FDA registered labs (that’s why I’m bold enough to add it to the list). To take it, you will need to consult your MD, since it can lead to some side effects that you might not know of. The best way to avoid these side effects is to take it by mouth or inject the oil emulsion (Liposyn) There are other supplements that are worth mentioning too: Multivitamin Protein powder Green Powder Read Also: A Little On The Side…Or Not? Your Guide To Supplemental Insurance What Are Virtual Reality Workouts And How Will They Affect Exercise?

The 4 Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Here are the 4 types of Hormone Replacement Therapy:

1. Estrogen Pills

2. Skin Patches

3. Topical treatment

4. Vaginal Suppositories

How CBD Oil Capsules Are Changing People’s Lives

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Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Integrating Therapy And Activities In Residential Treatment

7 Benefits of a Daily At-Home Yoga Practice

Some supplements you need to know right now

The 4 Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Here are the 4 types of Hormone Replacement Therapy:

1. Estrogen Pills

2. Skin Patches

3. Topical treatment

4. Vaginal Suppositories

Share this Article

How CBD Oil Capsules Are Changing People’s Lives

How Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer Is Related?

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related