If you've previously used hormone pills, switching to Oestra® may feel different—and often more effective. That's because the way your body processes these two options is fundamentally different.
For most women, we recommend a gradual 2-week transition period when switching from oral HRT to Oestra®. Rather than stopping your current hormone therapy immediately, continue your existing oral HRT while beginning Oestra® and allow the two therapies to overlap for approximately two weeks.
After that transition period, you can discontinue your previous oral HRT and continue with Oestra® alone. This approach helps support more stable hormone levels and may minimize symptoms that can occur with an abrupt change in hormone delivery.
How Oral Pills Work
Oral hormone therapy must pass through:
Your digestive system
Then your liver (called first-pass metabolism)
This process:
Reduces how much hormone actually reaches your bloodstream
Converts some estrogen into less active forms
Can lead to fluctuating hormone levels
How Oestra® Works
Oestra® is applied vaginally, which:
Bypasses the liver entirely
Delivers hormones directly into circulation
Provides more active, usable hormone
The vaginal route is highly effective because it allows hormones to enter the bloodstream without being broken down first
Absorption Comparison
Oestra® (vaginal): ~80% absorption
Oral pills: ~10–20% absorption
👉 This means a lower dose of Oestra® may deliver more usable hormone than a higher dose pill.
What This Means for You
Switching from pills to Oestra® may feel like:
A step up in therapy
More stable hormone levels
Improved full-body support (brain, bones, skin, vaginal tissue)
Bottom Line
Oestra® isn’t just another version of a pill—it’s a more efficient delivery system. Because of this, doses are not directly comparable, and your body may need a short adjustment period.