Different Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Though the hormone replacement therapy was started as Estrogen replacement therapy, therapies that are more similar are included in that category mainly as treatments for aging and to improve the longevity.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy

This is mainly used for relief of menopausal symptoms and also to remain feminine and young for ever. Natural, semi synthetic and synthetic estrogens are used. Natural estrogens are preferred as the side effects are minimal.

Estrogen therapy can be given in the form of

• Oral drugs
• Injections
• Vaginal suppositories
• Pellets

The dosage is tailored to the needs of the person. There are three regimens.

• Unopposed estrogen - where estrogen only like equine estrogen 0.625 mg daily is given
• Estrogen plus cyclic progesterone - where estrogen plus medroxy progesterone 5 or 10 mg for 10 to 14 days per month is given
• Estrogen plus continuous progesterone – estrogen plus 2.5 to 5 mg of medroxy progesterone acetate daily is given.

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Therapy can be short term and long term. Short term therapy is used for relief of vasomotor symptoms and genitor urinary atrophy. Long term therapy is used for protecting the heart and the bones. To get optimum results, the therapy should be continued for at least 5 years beyond menopause.

Progesterone Replacement Therapy

This is used mainly to increase the psychological well being and to increase the sexual desire. Dehydro epiandrosterone (DHEA) is a breakdown product of testosterone with similar effects. Testosterone can be replaced through 5 methods.

• Injections
• Pellets
• Patches
• Lozenges
• Gels and Creams

Pellets are the best form of testosterone replacement therapy. In this, testosterone pellets are placed in the fat tissue of the body just below the skin. The hormone is released slowly from it to enter the blood circulation. This lasts for 4-6 months after which another pellet has to place under the skin. Testosterone is known to cause the following side effects.

• Worsen breast and prostate cancers
• Decrease the good cholesterol
• Increase the viscosity of blood.

Human Growth Hormone Replacement therapy

Human growth hormone is believed to have anti aging effect by increasing the muscle mass, decreasing the fat content and improving the stamina. This creates a sense of well being.
Though hGH is marketed in the forms of oral sprays, nasal sprays, powders, tablets and capsules, none of them are effective. Because it is not absorbed through mouth, spray or by sub lingual route. The only effective form is the injection form and also it is available only on prescription by a doctor. The dose is 0.03 mg/kg/ week. Side effects like fluid retention, joint pain can be avoided if smaller dose of 0.01 mg/kg thrice a week is administered.

Currently FDA approves the use of hGH only for two conditions.

• Hypopituitarism
• Somatotropin deficiency syndrome

Melatonin Replacement Therapy

Melatonin is responsible for the functioning of the biological clock in the body. These biological clocks also called as “Circadian Rhythm” or “the sleep/ wake cycle” is responsible for the fluctuations of hormonal levels of the body during different parts of the day and thus control the body functions. For example, the blood level of the hormone cortisol is high in the morning and low in the evening which is due to the circadian rhythm. If melatonin is taken at the wrong time it affects this rhythm resulting in disruption of the body functions. This hormone decrease with age and so replacement is believed to prevent aging and thus improve life span.

The daily dose of melatonin is 3mg. It is available in the following forms.

• Natural, animal or bovine form – should be avoided as they may contain viruses and other contaminants.
• Synthetic form

It can be given in the form of pills or it can be used as a cream. It can be used singly or in combination with DHEA, vitamins and minerals like zinc for better results. It is taken as a single dose everynight.It has got no side effects at all. Pregnant and nursing mothers, persons with allergic disorders and those with leukemia and lymphoma should avoid it.

Who Can Use Hormone Replacement Therapy?

The different kinds of Hormone Replacement Therapy are used nowadays with anti aging and improved longevity in mind.

Estrogen and Progesterone Replacement therapy are used in women

• Who has attained menopause
• Who have had their ovaries removed for various causes
• Who have defective ovarian development
• Who have defective functioning of the ovaries
• Estrogen is used for treating prostate cancer

Testosterone Replacement Therapy can be used

To increase the sexual desire in both men and women

Growth Hormone and Melatonin Replacement therapy can to used

• To delay aging
• To increase life span
• Melatonin can be used to restore normal sleep pattern

The incidence of infectious diseases is decreasing and the standard of living is improving. People want to look not only good but also young. The hormone replacement therapy is showing some good results. Though there are quite a few alternatives for the hormonal replacement therapy, the natural hormone replacement therapy or the bio identical hormone replacement therapy is found to be very effective though a bit costly.

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