Choices available in taking HRT
Premarin – the most widely prescribed hormone pill, it contains dozens of estrogens and comes from urine of pregnant mares. (Note: This is the drug used in studies showing the benefits and risks of HRT.)
17-beta estradiol – the most common human estrogen, it can be taken by pill, patch or cream.
SERMs – selective estrogen receptor modulators, these drugs actually activate the estrogen receptors in the bones, and likely in the heart and brain. Most importantly, SERMs prevent cells in the breast and uterus from over reproducing, which is a primary source of cancer. This makes SERMs an attractive choice for women who most fear breast cancer from HRT. The most common reason women will not take hormone-replacement therapy is fear of breast cancer. For them, SERMs are a whole new ball game.
Plant estrogens – also called phyto estrogens, they are available in pill and cream form and are mostly derived from yams. These pills have been found to be as effective against hot flashes as the synthetic Premarin or other prescription forms of estrogen.
It’s good to know as much as you can about HRT so you have time to make an informed decision about whether or not you’ll take treatment. By the time you need to make a decision, however, it may not be as nearly as difficult to make.
