HRT not Associated with VTE
New Research on Hormone Replacement Therapy and Blood Clots
A recent study in the British Medical Journal shows new findings in the association between hormone replacement therapy and blood clots. Some forms of HRT are not causing VTE (Venous Thromboembolism). Specifically, subdermal HRT is now shown to have no risk for VTE. This is great news for women who struggle to manage menopausal symptoms safely but effectively. Hormone replacement and blood clots have been of concern for decades, and many studies have been published. However, research on the risks of hormone replacement therapy and blood clots did not fully address such variables and controls as type of HRT, mode of administration and other patient risk factors.
VTE is a leading cause of death and disability.
A new study in BMJ shows no risk between subdermal HRT and VTE. Oral HRT has a higher risk.
What this New Study Tells Us
“Use of hormone replacement therapy and risk of venous thromboembolism: nested case-control studies using the QResearch and CPRD databases” published in BMJ, January 2019 studied women aged 40-79 who had no previous record of VTE and at least one year of medical records. This study looked at all dosages, combinations
Here are four groundbreaking details the researchers reported:
- Transdermal HRT showed no association at all with an increased risk of VTE. This was consistent with all dosages and combinations.
- All oral formulations of HRT showed a higher risk of VTE.
- Of those oral preparations, higher doses of estrogen showed higher risks.
- Conjugated equine estrogen with medroxyprogesterone (marketed under the trade name Premarin) showed the highest risk.
What is VTE?
VTE is a condition in which blood clots form deep within a vein usually in the leg region. VTE leads to debilitating and even fatal vascular diseases. Symptoms of VTE are vague, especially in younger patients. VTE affects about 900,000 people every year. In fact, VTE ranks right up there with heart attack and stroke in serious vascular issues. Most VTE is diagnosed in women over age 60. But it affects men and women of all ages. The association between hormone replacement therapy and blood clots such as VTE hasn’t caused a dip in the use of oral HRT. Oral HRT preparations were the standard for decades. Lack of education and public knowledge of other safer options led oral HRT prescriptions to stay stable despite known related risks with VTE. Bio-identical HRT such as BioTE® is a safer option many patients choose. This new study backs up that choice with science.
Discoloration of the calf region and shortness of breath are two symptoms of VTE.
What are some other symptoms of VTE?
Need for New Research
Why a new study on HRT and VTE? Previously published data on HRT and VTE gave the medical community and patients good but incomplete information. First, for years the only form HRT was available in was oral. Today, sublingual and subdermal choices are widely used in mainstream medicine. With that, solid studies to show how these HRT formulations are tied to VTE risk were needed. Next, a study with a wider range of ages was warranted. Yes, we know that VTE cases are diagnosed mostly in women over 60. But, with women in their 40s and 50s increasingly using HRT to manage menopausal symptoms their risks need to be identified, too. Finally, this new study fills a gap in pinpointing more existing risk factors in patients on HRT.
Obesity and a history of cancer are risk factors for VTE. Here is a list of other risk factors.
What You Need to Know
VTE is one of the leading causes of death and disability. This study clearly shows the strong association between VTE and oral HRT. Existing risk factors make that risk even higher. Men and women age 40 and over with hormonal imbalance now have scientific reasons to explore transdermal HRT. At Inner Beauty, we choose BioTE® for BHRT for our patients. The process is easy from start to finish. BioTE® is safe and effective to restore hormone balance.
Protect yourself from the silent killer, VTE.
If you are on oral HRT or exploring HRT, consult with Dr. Russo today for a personal evaluation to see how BioTE® can help.