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Which HRT treatment method is right for me?

Starting an HRT treatment plan can feel daunting, but rest assured, it's more than just a quick fix. It's about supporting your evolving self as you age. Bioidentical HRT isn't just about alleviating your menopause symptoms right now but also about nurturing your long-term wellness. Winona offers bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA in various treatment forms.

Ultimately, every woman’s body and medical history is unique, warranting a personalized combination of hormones and treatment methods. Such important health decisions can feel overwhelming, but your Winona physician will be there to help you make informed choices about what’s best for your body and lifestyle.

Hormones Available by Treatment Method
Body
cream 		Vaginal
cream 		Tablets/
capsules 		Patch
Estrogen
Progesterone
Estrogen +
Progesterone
DHEA
Treatment Types
Winona offers the following methods of delivery:
body-cream

Body Cream

Applied
topically
vaginal-cream

Vaginal Cream

Localized to the
vaginal area
patch

Patch

Applied
topically
oral

Capsules & Tablets

Taken
orally
Body Cream
body-cream
FSA/HSA-ELIGIBLE
PLANT-DERIVED
Estrogen
Progesterone
Estrogen + Progesterone
DHEA

Creams are a means of transdermal dosing, meaning the medication is absorbed through the skin’s layers and deposited into the bloodstream. This method of delivery bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, more quickly distributing the medication throughout the body. Winona offers estrogen-only cream, progesterone-only cream, and estrogen + progesterone cream.

Benefits of HRT Body Creams:

    • A gentler option for those with cholesterol and lipid concerns: Delivery through the skin allows for smaller dosages and bypassing the liver.

    • Both estrogen and progesterone in one product: For those who require both hormones, a compounded body cream is an efficient option for HRT treatment.

    • Steadier absorption for stable hormone levels and reduced fluctuation: Because creams are absorbed gradually through the skin, they allow for a more sustained release of hormones into the bloodstream.

    • Comfortable and convenient application: Creams can be applied to various parts of the body, allowing individuals to choose the most comfortable and convenient application site.

Body
cream 		Vaginal
cream 		Tablets/
capsules 		Patch
Estrogen
Progesterone
Estrogen +
Progesterone
DHEA
Products
Estrogen Body Cream
Starting at $89/month
Estrogen Body Cream (with Progesterone)
Starting at $89/month
Progesterone Body Cream
Starting at $89/month
Vaginal Cream
vaginal-cream
FSA/HSA-ELIGIBLE
PLANT-DERIVED
Estrogen
Progesterone
Estrogen + Progesterone
DHEA

Vaginal estrogen cream is another form of transdermal delivery that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract for quicker absorption. The treatment is applied directly to the vaginal area, providing a controlled dose of estrogen through the skin. It’s used locally to target genitourinary symptoms in particular, but the estrogen is also distributed throughout the body for general symptom relief. Winona offers vaginal cream with estrogen only.

Benefits of Vaginal Estrogen Cream:

    • Targeted relief for genitourinary symptoms: Vaginal estrogen cream targets the genital area directly, making it particularly effective for addressing vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort, as well as urinary symptoms like frequent urination and incontinence.

    • Reduced risk of systemic side effects: Because vaginal cream is applied locally, it has lower systemic absorption compared to creams applied to larger areas of the body. This reduces the risk of systemic side effects like bloating, breast tenderness, or mood swings.

    • Lower doses to achieve results: Due to its targeted delivery and reduced systemic absorption, vaginal estrogen cream treatment often requires lower doses.

    • Protection for breast and endometrial tissue: Vaginal estrogen cream doesn’t significantly raise circulating blood levels of estrogen, so breast and endometrial tissue are less exposed to the hormone.

Body
cream 		Vaginal
cream 		Tablets/
capsules 		Patch
Estrogen
Progesterone
Estrogen +
Progesterone
DHEA
Products
Vaginal Estrogen Cream
Starting at $89/month
Patch
FSA/HSA-ELIGIBLE
PLANT-DERIVED
Estrogen
Progesterone
Estrogen + Progesterone
DHEA

Estrogen patches are small, sticker-like adhesives designed to allow for direct skin absorption and the gradual and controlled release of hormones into the bloodstream. This form of transdermal dosing bypasses the liver's initial metabolism, resulting in a lower required dosage compared to oral medications. The patch is easy to apply and provides a convenient way to receive hormone treatment without the need for daily administration. Winona offers HRT patches with estrogen only.

Benefits of Estrogen Patches:

    • Stable hormone levels throughout the day: The patch provides a consistent and steady release of hormones into the bloodstream, helping to maintain stable hormone levels throughout the day.

    • Good for those with gastrointestinal issues: Because the patch doesn’t require ingestion, it can be a good option for those who are sensitive to gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation.

    • Low maintenance regimen: The patch requires changing only once or twice weekly, depending on the specific patch, which makes it a preferred option for individuals looking for a low-maintenance HRT regimen.

    • Ease of consistency: The convenient nature of the patch can make treatment consistency easier than with other methods that require more frequent dosing.

Body
cream 		Vaginal
cream 		Tablets/
capsules 		Patch
Estrogen
Progesterone
Estrogen +
Progesterone
DHEA
Products
Estrogen Patch
Starting at $149/month
Capsules & Tablets
capsule
FSA/HSA-ELIGIBLE
PLANT-DERIVED
Estrogen
Progesterone
Estrogen + Progesterone
DHEA

HRT capsules and tablets are taken daily, like other pills or supplements. They are filtered through the liver, which breaks down a significant portion of the hormones. To account for this, the dosages of hormones in oral delivery methods are higher than those of transdermal options. Winona’s estrogen comes in vegan tablets, while the progesterone and DHEA come in capsules that contain gelatin.

Benefits of Oral HRT:

    • Systemic distribution: Oral HRT is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the digestive system, allowing for systemic distribution of hormones.

    • The most effective delivery of DHEA: Winona only offers oral DHEA. The metabolic process allows DHEA to be converted to estrogen and testosterone for the most effective means of absorption.

    • Beneficial for those with sensitive skin: Some individuals may experience skin sensitivity or irritation with topical treatment methods. Oral HRT bypasses the skin entirely, potentially reducing the risk of dermatological side effects.

    • Easily incorporated daily: Oral HRT is a convenient option for individuals who prefer a simple and familiar method of medication intake.

Body
cream 		Vaginal
cream 		Tablets/
capsules 		Patch
Estrogen
Progesterone
Estrogen +
Progesterone
DHEA
Products
Progesterone Capsule
Starting at $39/month
DHEA
Starting at $27/3 months
Estrogen Tablet
Starting at $54/month