Types of HRT: Delivery Methods Explained
Understanding your options to find the right fit for your lifestyle and symptoms
Pills
Oral tablets taken daily
Pros
- ✓ Easy to adjust dosage
- ✓ Convenient
- ✓ Familiar delivery method
Cons
- • Must remember daily
- • Can affect liver function
- • May cause nausea
Cost: $20-$60/month
Offered by: Hers, Allara, Sesame Care
Patches
Adhesive patches applied to skin, changed 2-3x per week
Pros
- ✓ Steady hormone release
- ✓ Bypass liver metabolism
- ✓ Less frequent dosing
Cons
- • Skin irritation possible
- • Visible on skin
- • More expensive
Cost: $30-$100/month
Offered by: Hers, Allara, Hone Health
Gels
Applied topically to skin daily
Pros
- ✓ Rapid absorption
- ✓ Easy dose adjustment
- ✓ No pills to take
Cons
- • Transfer risk to others
- • Daily application needed
- • Can be messy
Cost: $40-$80/month
Offered by: Hers, Allara, Winona
Creams
Vaginal or topical creams applied daily
Pros
- ✓ Direct vaginal absorption
- ✓ Low systemic dose
- ✓ Treats vaginal dryness
Cons
- • Requires daily application
- • Can stain clothing
- • Transfer risk
Cost: $25-$75/month
Offered by: Inner Balance, Hone Health
Pellets
Small implants inserted under skin, last 3-6 months
Pros
- ✓ Longest-acting option
- ✓ Consistent hormone levels
- ✓ No daily maintenance
Cons
- • Requires minor surgery
- • Expensive upfront
- • Can cause granulomas
Cost: $400-$800 per implant
Offered by: Inner Balance, Winona
Injections
Intramuscular or subcutaneous injections
Pros
- ✓ Consistent delivery
- ✓ Skip-dose flexibility
- ✓ Avoids first-pass liver
Cons
- • Requires clinic visits
- • Needle anxiety
- • Less convenient
Cost: $50-$150/month
Offered by: Hone Health
Common Questions
Not sure which type is right for you?
Take our quiz to get personalized provider recommendations based on your preferences.
Take the HRT Quiz →