HRT Patches Making Hormonal Balance Easier And Safer
HRT patches allow you to quickly and safely balance your hormones without worrying about taking pills or overdosing. What are HRT patches and what are their benefits? Find out
Hormone replacement therapy has saved many from the vagaries of aging. Symptoms such as insomnia, mood swings, and low libido can now be controlled, thanks to innovations in modern medicine. While the most common mode of administering HRT is using pills, HRT patches are gaining popularity as a more convenient and safer method. HRT can be administered through HRT patches, oral pills, vaginally, or by injection.
Are HRT Patches Better Than Pills?
A recent study by Elisabeth Sharp and Jennifer Roby indicates that HRT patches are safer than their oral alternatives. The study was an investigation into the increased risk of venous thrombosis among HRT patients.
As more scientific studies and clinical trials are conducted, medicine experts are increasingly prescribing patches in place of pills and other administration methods.
Where Should You Wear HRT Patches?
Where you wear your HRT patches is completely dependent on the type of HRT and your hormone levels. For instance, estradiol patches work best when worn on the lower belly, hips, and buttocks. However, be sure to rotate the location to avoid skin irritation.
The patches vary in size and type of adhesive. If the adhesive peels off too easily, where the patch in an area you can easily monitor without dislodging it. If the patch is too big, wear it in an area covered by clothing. If your brand doesn’t stay on, ask your doctor to recommend an alternative brand.
How Often Should You Change Your Patches?
Every patch type has its own prescription type. Most patches are meant to be worn from 3 to 14 days. It all depends on the type of HRT, the concentration in the patch, your hormone levels, and your doctor’s recommendations. Do not self-prescribe. It is always best to consult a qualified practitioner to avoid complications and to achieve optimal results.
What Are The Side Effects Of HRT Patches?
HRT patches have much lower risk factors compared to tablets, gels, implants, and pessaries. However, there are not enough clinical trials or scientific studies to accurately determine their risk levels. Some of the possible risks include:
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Stroke
- Breast Cancer
What Are The New Approaches To HRT?
Advances in medicine have new pharmacological approaches in various stages of research, development, distribution, and strategic application. Pharmaceutical companies are constantly looking for new ways to safely administer HRT that will reduce potential risks and side effects.
Long-term single tablets, known as continuous-combined transdermal HRT, are already in the market, replacing the weekly patches and daily pills. Oral patches are already in clinical trials in the UK and Europe. They are meant to bypass liver metabolism for a stable effect on organs. Vaginal estrogen and progesterone gels are already in the market, applied every 2 days allowing for stable endocrine activity.
Are HRT Patches Safer and Easier To Use?
HRT patches are more convenient. You simply stick it on and continue with your business. You need not remember to take your pills or follow a daily prescription.
They have lower risk factors compared to gels, pessaries, and oral pills. This is due to the slower release of hormones, which avoids the spikes likely to exacerbate the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
Administering HRT via patches bypasses the liver, which reduces the load on the liver and reduces risks of cirrhosis and liver failure. They also have milder side effects compared to oral tablets.
Have you tried any HRT patches lately? Share your experience in the comments. Contact our board-certified practitioners if you or someone you know needs hormone replacement therapy.
References
ClotCare Online Resource – Blood Clot Risk of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Patch, Birth Control Patch, & Oral Contraceptives
British Columbia Medical Journal – Hormone replacement therapy: What is available now, and what is on the horizon