Systemic HRT

Systemic estrogen pertains to estrogen therapy that is absorbed into the bloodstream and makes its way throughout the entire body. This is different from local or vaginal estrogen, which is localized to the vaginal area. Systemic estrogen is used to treat the entire spectrum of menopause symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, and beyond.

Systemic estrogen is administered through several different methods, including pills, patches, gels, creams, and sprays. Patches and other transdermal (through the skin) options are often preferred because they avoid initial metabolism by the liver and may carry a lower risk of blood clots in comparison to oral estrogen. For women who have a uterus, systemic estrogen is always prescribed alongside progesterone to protect the uterine lining.