Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs are used to supplement hormones that decline naturally with age or are low for other reasons. The main categories of HRT drugs are:
Estrogens
- Premarin: conjugated estrogens made from pregnant mare's urine
- Estrace: estradiol
- Vivelle: estradiol transdermal patches
- Climara: estradiol transdermal patches
- Divigel: estradiol gel
- Elestrin: estradiol gel
- Estring: estradiol vaginal ring
- Femring: estradiol acetate vaginal ring
Progestins
- Provera: medroxyprogesterone acetate
- Aygestin: norethindrone acetate
- Crinone: progesterone gel
- Prometrium: micronized progesterone
- Depo-Provera: depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension
Androgens
- Testosterone cypionate injections
- Testosterone enanthate injections
- AndroGel/Testim: testosterone gels
- Striant: testosterone buccal system
Tibolone
- Livial: tibolone tablets
Some
additional details on commonly used HRT preparations:
- Premarin contains estrogens extracted from the urine of pregnant mares. It is often used in HRT for relief of moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
- Estradiol patches, gels, and creams can provide sustained estrogen delivery through the skin. Popular brand name products include Vivelle dots, Climara patches, Divigel, Elestrin, and Estrogel.
- Progestins like Provera (medroxyprogesterone) and Aygestin (norethindrone) are used in combination HRT to provide protection against uterine cancer risk from unopposed estrogen therapy.
- Testosterone treatment aims to improve sexual function, bone density, muscle mass and strength, and energy levels. Options include AndroGel/Testim gels, testosterone injections, and Striant buccal tablets.
At Balance Hormone Clinic clinic, our team of endocrinologists and hormone specialists offer customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to help both men and women restore optimal hormone balance. Contact us today for a consultation!
I hope this overview on popular HRT medications has been helpful. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!