You’re definitely not alone ! Check out this handy cheat sheet to clear up the confusion
- Systemic HRT: HRT that enters the bloodstream and affects the body more broadly.
- Continuous or No-bleed HRT: An HRT regimen where the same medications are taken continuously every day.
- Sequential or Cyclical HRT: An HRT regimen that changes during the month and allows for a scheduled withdrawal bleed.
- Transdermal HRT: HRT applied to the skin (such as patches, gels, or sprays) that is absorbed into the bloodstream. This is a type of systemic HRT.
- Topical HRT: HRT applied to the skin or tissues that acts mainly locally, typically vaginal or vulval estrogen treatments.
- Body-identical HRT: HRT containing hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the human body.
- Bio-identical HRT: A term often used for hormones that resemble natural hormones but may be compounded or not licensed through the standard regulatory processes. Generally recommended to be avoided.
- Synthetic HRT: HRT containing laboratory-made molecules that are similar to, but not identical to, our naturally occurring hormones.
- Micronised progesterone: A form of oral body identical progesterone that has been processed to improve absorption.
