The female hormones estrogen and progesterone are naturally produced by the ovaries. They are taken as hormone replacement therapy in women who have undergone menopause or who have low levels of this hormone. Estrogen and progesterone help relieve symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and in some cases, heart disease, which are more common in post-menopausal women. Estrogen is available in pill form as well as skin patches and creams. Progesterone may be taken as its synthetic form progestin and is available in oral pill form and as a cream. These hormones have potent effects on the body and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Step 1
Discuss hormone replacement therapy with your doctor. Taking estrogen and progesterone replacement medications may be beneficial for you. Your doctor can decide if these medications are right for you.
Step 2
Take a progesterone replacement medication, such as Prometrium, exactly as prescribed. Progesterone pills are usually taken in one dose per day of 200 to 400 mg tablets. Swallow the tablets without chewing, with a glass of water. Progesterone can be taken with or without food.
Step 3
Take estrogen tablets exactly as prescribed, with your progesterone medication. Take this medication with or without food, and swallow it whole with a drink of water. Estrogen is usually taken once a day. Take the exact dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Step 4
Consume the combined progesterone and estrogen therapy as directed by your doctor. A typical hormone therapy schedule consists of taking progesterone and estrogen daily for about two weeks of every month, stopping the dosages for two to three weeks and resuming the medication. Alternatively, you may take different dosages at varying times of the month. Understand the medication schedule properly, and ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have.
Step 5
If you miss a dose of progesterone and estrogen, do not double the next medication dosage or take more than than the prescribed amount in one day. Resume the dosage, and speak to your doctor if you have skipped several dosages. Take the medication at the same time each day to help prevent forgetting it.
Tips and Warnings
- The main benefits of HRT are thought to be due to estrogen replacement. Women who undergo hysterectomies or the surgical removal of the womb, may only require estrogen and not progesterone. Your doctor may start your progesterone and estrogen therapy on low doses and gradually increase these medications as needed. Progesterone and estrogen are also available in other forms, such as gels and creams. Talk to your doctor about the best method of hormone replacement therapy for you.
- Hormone replacement therapy remains a controversial medical subject that is still under research and debate. Risks of taking progesterone and estrogen replacement medications include increased risk of breast cancer in women who take this therapy for long durations, gallbladder disease, blood clots and high blood pressure. Discuss any concerns and symptoms you have with your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription estrogen replacement medication
- Prescription progesterone replacement medication
