Figuring out hormone therapy can feel like a total maze. If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you’re probably dealing with symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, low libido, or that frustrating weight gain that won’t budge. You don’t have to just put up with it. There are actually some great options to help you feel like yourself again.
But here’s the thing—not all hormone therapy is the same, and what works for one person might not be the best fit for you. So let’s break it down in plain English. We’re talking pellets, creams, oral tablets, and sublingual drops—what they are, how they work, and what you need to know to make the best choice for you. Let’s dive in!
Hormone Pellets
Hormone pellets are tiny, about the size of a grain of rice. A doctor inserts them under your skin, and they release hormones (like estrogen or testosterone) over a few months. Here’s the kicker, you don't have any control over how much of the hormone is released and how your body reacts to the dosage of the hormone, so you’re stuck with the dosage until the pellet wears off.
Pros:
- You’re set for 3-6 months without having to think about it.
- You get a steady hormone dosage.
- Super low maintenance.
Cons:
- It’s a procedure (small, but still).
- If the dosage isn’t right, you’re stuck with it until the pellet wears off.
- Adjustments aren’t easy once it’s in.
- There can be an initial hormone surge that tapers off over time. This is a con because the sudden surge can make symptoms worse temporarily, causing things like headaches, anxiety, mood swings, or even worsened hot flashes. It may take weeks before the dosage stabilizes and your body adjusts, making it an uncomfortable process for many.
If you’re looking for a low-fuss option and don’t need frequent adjustments, pellets might be for you. But if your symptoms change often, it’s not the most flexible choice.
Hormone Creams
Hormone creams are applied to your skin and absorbed into your bloodstream. Your skin is your largest organ and absorbs much of what you put on it, impacting your entire body. These creams often use bioidentical hormones like estradiol (E2) or progesterone.
One of the biggest perks of hormone creams is the control they give you. You can apply the exact dosage your body needs and easily adjust it based on how your symptoms are improving. Since the hormones bypass your liver, you’re also at lower risk of certain side effects.
Pros:
- Easy to use—just rub it on.
- You can adjust the dosage when needed.
- Avoids going through your liver, which lowers some risks.
Cons:
- You have to apply it every day.
- Absorption can vary based on your skin type and application site.
*For best results, apply hormone creams to areas of thin skin, such as your wrists, forearms, inner thighs, or behind the knees, where absorption tends to be more consistent. Creams are great if you want flexibility and control over your dosage—just make sure to integrate them into your daily routine!
Creams are great if you want flexibility and control over your dosage. Just make sure it becomes part of your daily routine.
Oral Hormone Therapy
Taking hormones in pill form is a traditional option. These pills can be synthetic or bioidentical. But here’s something to keep in mind: hormones aren’t naturally processed through your gut. Taking hormone pills can impact your gut lining and flora, which might affect your overall health and how you feel. Here’s a little breakdown Oral hormones are swallowed, processed by your digestive system, and pass through your liver (a process called first-pass metabolism). This can stress your liver, disrupt your gut lining, and impact your gut microbiome, leading to potential side effects like inflammation or digestive issues. This can cause a host of other symptoms like weight gain, changes to skin texture, hair loss, and so much more, all from an oral pill.
Pros:
- Easy to take if you’re used to pills.
- Often covered by insurance.
Cons:
- The liver processes it, increasing risks like blood clots.
- Hormone levels might fluctuate more.
- Can negatively impact your gut health.
Oral hormone therapy may still be a viable option for those without a history of blood clots or significant gut health concerns. However, it's essential to consider the type of hormones you are taking.
Sublingual Hormone Therapy
Sublingual means placing drops or a tablet under your tongue for quick absorption. I’m sure you’re wondering how this is different than taking hormones orally. Well, Sublingual hormones bypass the digestive system entirely. When placed under your tongue, they are absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This avoids the gut and liver processing, reducing the risk of gut-related side effects.
Pros:
- Fast absorption without stressing your liver.
- Easy to adjust your dosage.
- Convenient and non-invasive.
Cons:
- You need to be consistent with taking it.
- Some people might not like the taste.
Sublingual drops are becoming popular because they’re effective and easy to use without many of the side effects linked to other methods.
Spotlight: DHEA, E2 Drops and Pro Drops
Let’s zoom in on three hormones that play a crucial role during perimenopause and menopause: DHEA, estradiol (E2), and progesterone (Pro). Understanding these hormones can help you make informed decisions about the right therapy for your needs.
DHEA Drops
What is it? DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone that helps your body produce other hormones like testosterone and estrogen. As you age, DHEA levels drop, which can lead to symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and saggy skin.
Benefits:
- Boosts energy and stamina.
- Enhances libido and sexual health.
- Supports healthy, glowing skin by promoting collagen.
- Helps with mood and mental clarity.
DHEA drops are great if you’re feeling sluggish and off balance due to low testosterone or other hormonal changes.
E2 Drops
What is it? Estradiol (E2) is the most powerful form of estrogen. It’s essential for keeping your bones strong, your heart healthy, and your brain sharp. When estrogen levels drop, you might notice symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and even bone loss.
Benefits:
- Reduces hot flashes and night sweats.
- Strengthens bones and lowers fracture risk.
- Supports memory and cognitive function.
- Improves skin hydration and elasticity.
E2 drops can be a game-changer for women dealing with estrogen deficiency symptoms. They help restore balance and vitality.
Pro Drops
What is it? Progesterone plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining a healthy balance with estrogen, and supporting sleep and mood. During perimenopause and menopause, progesterone levels can drop, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, poor sleep, and irregular periods.
Benefits:
- Promotes better sleep quality and relaxation
- Balances the effects of estrogen to prevent estrogen dominance
- Reduces anxiety and stabilizes mood
- Supports a healthy menstrual cycle and helps alleviate PMS or irregular bleeding
Pro drops are an excellent option for women experiencing sleep disturbances, mood swings, or signs of estrogen dominance. They can help bring calm and balance to both body and mind.
Which Hormone Therapy is Right for You?
The bottom line: the best hormone therapy for you depends on your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history. Ask yourself:
- How consistent are your symptoms?
- Stable symptoms? Pellets might work well.
- Fluctuating symptoms? Creams or sublingual drops offer more flexibility.
- Do you prefer convenience or control?
- Pellets and pills are convenient but harder to tweak.
- Creams and sublingual drops let you adjust your dosage as needed.
- Do you have any health concerns?
- History of blood clots or liver issues? Sublingual or transdermal options might be safer.
At Glow Natural Wellness, we offer clean, bioidentical hormones in transdermal and sublingual forms to support your health naturally and safely. Here's what makes us different:
- Non-toxic, clean formulations: We prioritize hormone therapies that are free from harmful additives, synthetic fillers, and toxins.
- Cruelty-free and environmentally conscious: Our products are Leaping Bunny certified and not tested on animals.
- Additional support: We provide expert guidance and resources to help you understand your symptoms and optimize your hormonal balance.
- Personalized care: Our hormone specialists work with you to assess your hormone levels, lifestyle, and symptoms, tailoring a plan that suits your needs.
The Importance of Bioidentical HRT
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally produces. Because of this, they are more easily recognized and processed by the body, leading to fewer side effects compared to synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones can be less compatible with your body and have been linked to side effects like inflammation, hormone imbalances, and metabolic disturbances.
If gut health and hormone balance are important to you, it may be beneficial to explore bioidentical options and alternative delivery methods such as sublingual therapy, which bypasses the gut and liver entirely.
In conclusion
Your journey to hormonal balance should be empowering, not overwhelming. Schedule a consultation with one of our hormone experts at Glow Natural Wellness to get the personalized support and clean, effective solutions your body deserves. We're here to help you feel your best every day!
