A “Troche” is similar to a lozenge. It gradually dissolves after you place it between your gums and cheek. The lining of your skin is thin at this location, and the ingredients of the troche move into your circulation after crossing through the skin.
Troches avoid the problem of the hormonal ingredients having to pass through your digestive tract – where they would be broken down and lose their effectiveness (and makes extra work for your liver). Hormones in your body are normally secreted by your glands and eventually reach system circulation – and delivery of hormones via troches takes advantage of this route.
Troches, creams and suppositories are absorbed “trans-dermally” which means across the skin. Each of these method have advantages, but troches are generally preferred for hormones because the skin inside your mouth is both thin and of consistent thickness – plus has a very rich blood supply.
Troches usually dissolve in 20 to 30 minutes and the ingredients are progressively absorbed, producing levels of hormone that are in the normal range.
More information here.