Restoring balance: Advancing hormonal therapy for menopause through modern drug delivery

Menopause represents a pivotal transition in a woman’s life, accompanied by multiple repercussions. Menopausal symptoms range from vasomotor instability to chronic diseases, like osteoporosis. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains the cornerstone for providing symptomatic relief, conventional oral formulations pose substantial risks, including thromboembolism, stroke, and other malignancies. This has facilitated the development of innovative drug delivery systems, such as transdermal patches and intravaginal rings (IVRs). Transdermal systems are unaltered by first-pass metabolism, enabling controlled hormone release. IVRs offer localized and systemic benefits with extended efficacy. The integration of nanotechnology has refined drug penetration, optimizing therapeutic outcome. However, transdermal HRT faces various challenges, including erratic hormone absorption, dermal irritation, and compliance issues. Future advancements must employ personalized medicine to customize therapeutic regimens according to the patient’s profile. As drug delivery technology evolves, it holds immense potential to redefine menopause management, enhancing safety, efficacy, and quality of life.