It also does not increase risk of deep veinĪs the hormone is absorbed through the skin it is particularly beneficial for reducing risk of heart attacks and does not increase stroke risk. Heart attacks and does not increase stroke risk. ![]() You do not have to remember to apply the patch every day unlikeĪdditionally the absorption is steady, giving a good blood level of hormone to optimiseĪs the hormone is absorbed through the skin it is particularly beneficial for reducing risk of Patches can be very discrete and only need to be applied twice a week, at most, and are This kind of patch prescribed will depend on the regime the doctor is deciding for you. These can be estrogen only or a combination of estrogen and progestogen. This is especially true of HRT patches, gels, and creams. If your background risk is low and you start HRT in your perimenopause and early menopause you actually reduce your risk of heart attacks. Does HRT Cause Increased Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack? ![]() HRT may actually help restore metabolism and prevent weight gain and feeling of bloatedness. This is believed to be due to hormone imbalance. HRT does not cause weight gain – women gain weight during menopause regardless of HRT. that one may experience estrogenic or progestogenic side effects as described above. Other than this, any other side effects will be the same as other formulations of HRT i.e. The easiest way to remove is to use a little bit of lotion or cream and a dry flannel to rub it off with. They do tend to leave a sticky mark when removed. Some might find that they are hard to stay on especially if they are perspiring a lot. In very rare circumstances, women may find that a particular patch causes them redness or irritation of the skin where it is applied. The only side effects associated with HRT patches per se are local in nature. Hence, when HRT is needed in women with high BMI or where there may be a concernĪbout clots then the transdermal route or through the skin is the preferred route. As the hormones bypass the liver the risk of clots is not really affected. It is in the liver that the clotting factors of theīlood are produced. Tablets they do not pass through the liver. As they are not absorbed through the gut like oral HRT patches and gels deliver hormones through the skin and directly into the bloodstream.įrom here it goes to the target tissues. While there may be a minor increase in risk of DVT with oral or tablet preparations, it must be remembered that these risks have to be put into perspective as someone with high BMI of over 30 is already at a significantly increased risk of DVT which needs to be addressed first. There is no increase in risk of clots when HRT is used through the skin such as in gel, cream, or patch form. Risks of any treatment must always be measured against its benefits to quality of life and overall reduction of morbidity and mortality. It’s also important to remember that lifestyle measures such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, keeping one’s BMI under 30, maintaining a good diet, and exercising regularly, yoga and meditation go a long way in improving health and reducing the risk of cancer. Irrespective of the fact whether one is on HRT or not, check your breasts regularly and have mammograms as per the national schedule. Hence use of micronised natural progesterone may be a better option as it is not believed to stimulate breast tissue. It is observed that the slight increase in risk is possibly related to synthetic progestins in combined HRT. Interestingly, the risk is actually reduced in women who are on estrogen only HRT. So, it’ important to remember that this is a very common cancer: one in eight women in the UK will develop breast cancer, unrelated to HRT. Being on HRT may bring to light a process that may be underway already but is not believed to be a causative factor for cancer. This however does not translate into fatality due to taking HRT. Potential Risks HRT and Breast Cancer RiskĪlthough rare, there is a possibility for a small increase in one’s risk of breast cancer. It is recommended to persevere with treatment for at least three months, and only then if things do not stabilise you should consult your doctor. ![]() That said, most side effects will improve over time and settle. Like any medication you may experience initial side effects with the hormones in Hormone Replacement Treatments (HRT).
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