Pellets, Patches, Creams or Shots? Choosing an HRT Delivery Method

When I sat down with Jody Vassallo on the Changing Seasons podcast, she asked one of the questions I hear most often: with so many types of hormone therapy, how do you know which one is right for you?

The Main Options

• Transdermal patches deliver a steady dose through the skin and are changed once or twice a week.

• Creams and gels are applied daily and are easy to adjust.

• Injections are given on a schedule and can work well for some women.

• Pellets are placed under the skin every few months. They're convenient, but the dose can't be adjusted once they're in.

Matching the Method to Your Life

The best option is the one that fits your symptoms, your health history and the way you actually live. Some women love the simplicity of a patch they don't have to think about daily. Others prefer a cream so they can fine-tune their dose. Your provider should explain the tradeoffs rather than offering one approach to everyone.

Side Effects Have Causes

We also talked about side effects, like reflux, that some women notice when starting hormones. Side effects are information. Often a change in dose, timing or delivery method makes a big difference, so don't give up on hormone therapy before talking it through with your provider.

Progesterone is a good example. For women who struggle with anxiety or sleep, the form and timing of progesterone can matter a great deal, and a compounding pharmacist can sometimes help tailor it.

Listen to the Full Conversation

We went deeper into HRT options, side effects and how to personalize treatment in the full episode. Listen on Changing Seasons. If you'd like help figuring out what's right for your body, learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement or work with me.