Are HRT patches better than tablets?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) aims to supplement hormones that decline naturally with age. The two main methods of taking HRT are skin patches and oral tablets. There are pros and cons to both options.
Patches deliver estrogen and/or progesterone continuously through the skin into the bloodstream. Common brands are Estradot, Climara, and Vivelle-Dot.

Tablets like Premarin, Provera, and Ogen are taken orally. The dosage can be spread evenly across the day or taken all at once.

Both patches and tablets can effectively treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. The key differences lie in convenience, absorption, and side effects.

Patch benefits:

• Avoid digestive issues from tablet binders/fillers


• Steady hormone levels from continuous transdermal dose


• Typically change patch once or twice weekly


• Can swim, shower, exercise with patch on


• Easy to use, discreet under clothes


• May have fewer side effects like bloating or nausea

Tablet benefits:

• Oral route is familiar and easy


• Exact dosage is known at each administration


• Wide variety of tablet options available

Absorption and delivery:

• Hormones from patches bypass digestion and go straight to bloodstream


• About 90% absorption, compared to oral route

• Patches result in more consistent hormone levels


• Tablets can cause spikes and drops in hormone blood levels

So patches generally provide better bioavailability and absorption. But tablets can work perfectly well for some women too.

Side effects:

As estrogen enters cells, it can trigger responses. Side effects may include:

• Headaches


• Breast tenderness


• Nausea


• Fluid retention/bloating


• Breakthrough bleeding

Women using a patch may have fewer side effects than those using tablets. This seems to be because:

• Bypassing the digestive tract minimizes nausea


• Steady hormone delivery prevents spikes that can cause other symptoms

However, some women experience skin irritation from adhesives. Rotating patch sites can help minimize this.

Cost and availability:

• Both HRT preparations are available as brand-name or generic versions.


• Patches tend to be more expensive, especially branded options.


• Many types of low-cost tablets are made by multiple manufacturers.

Check with your health insurance to understand exact out-of-pocket costs.

Expert tips for success:

The experts at Hormone Harmony Clinic share these tips:

• Give any new HRT method 3 months for full effects


• Keep a symptom journal to track changes


• Minimize alcohol, maintain healthy weight


• Choose lowest effective dose


• Ask us about bioidentical hormones!

In conclusion:

• For superior absorption and consistency, transdermal patches are often best


• However, oral tablets work well for many women too

Discuss your needs and preferences with your doctor to decide which is right for you. The compassionate medical team at Hormone Harmony Clinic will take time to understand your lifestyle and health goals, then offer science-based guidance on HRT options to help you feel your best.

Reclaim your health and schedule a consultation at Hormone Harmony Clinic today!