HRT Tablets but Not Patches or Gels Increase Risk of Blood Clots

Headlines the past few years have warned women that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be linked to blood clots and stroke. Now, a recent study sheds more light on which types of HRT put them most at risk.

A team from the University of Nottingham published a study this month in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) stating that the blood clot risk was highest in women who take HRT tablets as opposed to other forms of the therapy, such as patches or gels. This risk was also increased in women who took higher doses.

The study found there is no increased risk in other forms of the therapy.

HRT is administered via tablets, patches, and topical creams and gels. Some HRT only contains estrogen (single drug), while other forms of the therapy require women have both estrogen and progesterone (combined drug). HRT can relieve menopause symptoms such as night sweats and hot flushes as well as reduce the risk for certain health conditions in women going through menopause.

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