Hormone replacement therapy is a type of medical treatment that involves the administration of synthetic female and/or male hormones such as estrogen, progestin or progesterone and testosterone to relieve symptoms of menopause or sexual problems related to aging. Though most commonly prescribed to women, hormone replacement therapy may also be prescribed to men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction or other testosterone- and age-related declines.
Estrogen
Estrogen is one type of hormone that may be given for hormone replacement therapy. According to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, estrogen-only therapy is usually given to women who have had their uterus surgically removed. There are many types and forms of estrogen available, ranging from oral pills to vaginal tablets to skin patches that are placed on the thigh or stomach. Vaginal tablets and creams may be particularly well-suited for women who suffer from dryness or pain during sexual intercourse, according to the NIH.
Estrogen-containing pills administered orally include conjugated equine estrogens, synthetic conjugated estrogens, esterified estrogens, estropipate, micronized 17-beta-estradiol and ethinyl estradiol, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Micronized 17-beta-estradiol is also available as a vaginal ring, vaginal cream and skin patch, and estropipate--otherwise known as piperazine estrone sulfate--and conjugated equine estrogens are also available as vaginal creams. Estradiol hemihydrate is available as a vaginal tablet, and estradiol is available as both a skin gel and skin cream.
Progesterone or Progestin
According to the NIH, progesterone or progestin is given to most women who are taking estrogen and have not had their uterus removed in order to decrease the risk of developing uterine cancer. Generic medroxyprogesterone acetate, norethindrone acetate and progesterone USP are commonly prescribed progestin pills. Progesterone vaginal gel and levonorgestrel intrauterine device, or IUD--a long-acting birth control object placed by a doctor inside the uterus--are also available, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Combination Drugs
There are a number of combination drugs available for hormone replacement therapy. Most of these are combination estrogen and progestin pills that are taken orally. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, these include conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate, conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate, ethinylestradiol and norethindrone acetate, 17-beta-estradiol and norethindrone acetate and 17-beta-estradiol and norgestimate. Two estrogen and progestin skin patches are also available, containing 17-beta-estradiol and either norethindrone acetate or norgestimate.
Testosterone
Women suffering from severe menopause may be prescribed testosterone as part of hormone replacement therapy to boost sex drive, improve energy and enhance sexual sensitivity and pleasure, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Men may also benefit from hormone replacement therapy with testosterone. According to the Mayo Clinic, prescription synthetic testosterone in the form of an injection delivered by a doctor, a patch or a gel may be given to men who are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone such as erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass and strength, memory loss, mood changes, bone density loss and increases in fat mass. More research is needed to fully understand the advantages and extent of side effects of these treatments.
