You’ve been feeling off lately—hot flashes that come out of nowhere, nights spent tossing and turning in sweat-soaked sheets, and a mood that shifts like the wind. Maybe your sex drive has taken a nosedive, or you’re suddenly struggling with brain fog, anxiety, or unexplainable fatigue. These symptoms may feel like they came out of nowhere, but they’re often signs your body is going through hormonal changes, especially during periods like menopause.
At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we understand how life-changing hormone fluctuations can be. Our team takes a holistic approach to helping you feel like yourself again—offering a variety of personalized hormone therapy solutions to relieve symptoms and restore balance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types of hormones available, how they’re delivered, and how to make hormone therapy work best for you.
Types of hormones available
Different hormones address different symptoms and imbalances. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we offer a range of options to support your unique health goals.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a primary female sex hormone that drops significantly during menopause. Low estrogen can cause hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Estrogen therapy helps replenish this hormone to relieve these symptoms and improve quality of life. Estrogen can be delivered using these methods:
- Oral pills
- Skin patches
- Topical gels
- Vaginal creams or tablets
- Vaginal rings
- Nasal sprays
Progesterone or progestin
If you still have a uterus, taking estrogen alone may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. That’s why progesterone—or its synthetic form, progestin—is often prescribed alongside estrogen. It helps protect the uterus and regulate hormone balance. Progesterone or progestin can often be delivered using these methods:
- Oral pills
- Skin patches
- Vaginal creams
- Vaginal suppositories
- Intrauterine devices (IUD/IUS)
Testosterone
Although often associated with men, women also produce small amounts of testosterone. Low testosterone levels can affect your libido, energy, and overall sense of well-being. In some cases, testosterone therapy can help restore sexual desire and vitality. Testosterone can be delivered using these methods:
- Skin gels or creams
- Injections
- Pellets inserted under the skin
Types of hormone delivery methods available
Choosing the right delivery method is as important as selecting the right hormone. Your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history all play a role in deciding what’s best for you. These are some of the hormone delivery methods available:
- Oral tablets: These are one of the most common forms of hormone therapy. You take them daily by mouth, which makes them convenient. However, they pass through your digestive system and liver, which can affect how your body processes the hormones.
- Skin patches: Patches are applied directly to the skin, usually on the belly or thigh, and release hormones steadily into your bloodstream. They’re ideal for consistent dosing.
- Topical gels and creams: These are rubbed into the skin (usually arms or legs) and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. They offer flexibility in dosing and are easy to use but may require daily application.
- Vaginal products: For vaginal dryness or discomfort during intercourse, local estrogen therapy (like creams, tablets, or rings) delivers hormones directly to the vaginal tissue with minimal absorption into the bloodstream.
- Injections: Testosterone and other hormones can be administered via intramuscular injections. This method delivers a stronger dose and is typically used at regular intervals (weekly or biweekly) under medical supervision.
- Hormone pellets: Tiny pellets are implanted just beneath the skin (usually in the hip area), where they release hormones slowly over several months. They’re a long-lasting, low-maintenance option for steady hormone support.
- Nasal sprays: Estrogen nasal sprays offer a non-invasive way to administer hormones. They’re easy to use and quickly absorbed but may not be suitable for all patients.
Tips to administer hormone therapy effectively:
- Follow your provider’s dosing instructions exactly
- Choose a time of day that helps you stay consistent
- Store hormone products as directed (cool, dry place, etc.)
- Wash hands thoroughly after applying creams or gels
- Rotate application sites to avoid skin irritation
- Report any unusual side effects to your provider
- Attend regular check-ins to monitor hormone levels
- Never adjust dosage without medical advice
- Stay aware of changes in your mood, bleeding, or other symptoms
- Use backup contraception if advised while adjusting to HT
Hormone therapy can be a life-changing solution when tailored to your body’s needs. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we’re here to help you explore the right type of hormones and delivery methods for your lifestyle and wellness goals. Schedule a consultation today, our providers guide you through every step of the process—so you can return to feeling balanced, confident, and like yourself again.
