Mid Life Question:

With HT, you are given estrogen to replace the estrogen your body is no longer making. If you have never had a hysterectomy and, therefore, still have a uterus, you normally are given progestin, as well. This helps reduce the risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus that occurs when estrogen is used alone.
Estrogen often is prescribed as a pill you take daily or a patch you wear on your skin. Estrogen also is available as a vaginal ring.
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) also contain estrogen and progestin, but in higher doses. During perimenopause, oral contraceptives offer birth control and help regulate the menstrual cycle. They may be used during perimenopause before HT.