Explore estrogen alternatives to the patch for personalized menopause relief

Explore estrogen alternatives to the patch for personalized menopause relief

Explore estrogen alternatives to the patch for personalized menopause relief

The ongoing estradiol patch shortage has left many women frustrated, worried about running out of medication, and wondering what happens if they can no longer find the dose that has been working for them. Fortunately, the patch is not the only way to receive systemic estrogen. In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson reviews several alternatives, including estradiol gel, estrogen spray, Femring, and oral estrogen. She also explains why the way estrogen is delivered matters. Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to hot flashes, disrupted sleep, mood changes, brain fog, and other symptoms, which is why Dr. Watson notes, “We do better at steady state. We do better when things are kind of predictable.”

“Women absolutely deserve to have access to hormone replacement therapy.” – Dr. Polly Watson

For many women, estradiol gel may be one of the simplest alternatives because it continues to deliver estrogen through the skin and is available in multiple doses. Another option is Femring, a vaginal ring that provides systemic estrogen. It is important not to confuse Femring with Estring: Femring provides systemic hormone therapy, while Estring is primarily a local vaginal estrogen treatment and does not provide the same systemic effect. Dr. Watson initially had reservations about Femring but changed her mind after trying it herself: “I don’t feel it. I don’t know that it’s there.” Oral estrogen is another possibility for some women, but because it passes through the liver, it can increase sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), potentially reducing available testosterone, and it carries different blood-clot considerations than transdermal estrogen.

If you can’t find your usual estradiol patch, don’t assume your only choices are to go without estrogen or settle for a treatment that doesn’t work well for you. Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, current dose, medical history, cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle, and preferences so you can find the best alternative for you. Dr. Watson also recommends checking smaller independent and grocery-store pharmacies, which may have different inventory during a shortage. At Hormone Wellness MD, we provide personalized hormone and functional medicine care for women throughout North Carolina and Alabama, helping women navigate menopause with an individualized, evidence-based approach. If you’re struggling with your current HRT or need help understanding your options, our team is here to help.

• “This is not just vanity. This is not just about not having a hot flash or having a bad mood or brain fog.” – Dr. Polly Watson
• “I like things that we can adapt and respond within a reasonable time frame if someone has an unexpected side effect.” – Dr. Polly Watson
• “We do better at steady state. We do better when things are kind of predictable and we know what’s coming.” – Dr. Polly Watson

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast#Disclaimer

She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with you to help find a solution to address the imbalance in your system and restore your health.