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    Common Hormone Therapy Programs for Women

    Woman talking a pill and holding a glass of water.

    Which hormones you take and when you take them is called your hormone therapy (HT) program, or regimen. Your program is tailored for you, based on certain factors. These factors include whether you have a uterus and your risk of cancer. Whether or not you have reached menopause is also a factor. Note that there are both risks and benefits to HT. Discuss these with your healthcare provider before starting 1 of these HT programs:

    Cyclic estrogen and progestin

    You take estrogen all month and progestin about half the month. This method is based on a normal menstrual cycle. You may have bleeding.

    Combined continuous

    You take a lower dose of progestin. Both estrogen and progestin are taken each day of the month. You’re likely to have the symptoms of a menstrual cycle. And you still reduce your risk of uterine cancer. But symptoms may be present during the entire cycle.

    Combined continuous with a break

    You take 5 to 7 days off before estrogen and progestin each month. You may have less irregular bleeding with this program.

    Unopposed estrogen

    Estrogen is prescribed by itself. This is most likely if you have had a hysterectomy. It's unusual to use this choice if you still have a uterus, and you would need yearly tests to check for uterine cancer.

    Combined estrogen and androgens

    Estrogen is combined with hormones called androgens. This choice may be prescribed if your symptoms are not controlled by estrogen alone and you have had a hysterectomy. If you have a uterus, you may need estrogen, androgen, and progesterone combined. 

    Birth control pills may be prescribed if you are close to menopause and start to have symptoms. These pills control the menstrual cycle. You will still have monthly bleeding.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
    Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
    Online Medical Reviewer: Irina Burd MD PhD
    Date Last Reviewed: 12/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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