A recent study has raised concerns about the potential risk of blood clots associated with oral hormone replacement therapy used to relieve menopausal symptoms, finding that the treatment was linked to a 60% higher risk of serious blood clots.
Researchers analyzed health data from more than one million Danish women between the ages of 50 and 69 over the period from 2003 to 2021, according to the study findings reported by the Daily Mail.
During the study period, 9,807 women experienced serious blood clots, while 18,460 suffered strokes and 11,974 experienced heart attacks.
The researchers found that oral hormone replacement therapy was associated with a 60% increase in the risk of blood clots, whether estrogen was used alone or in combination with progesterone.
Higher doses were also associated with increased risks of heart disease and stroke.
Women Taking Higher Doses Face Greater Risks
The study found that taking more than 1 milligram of the treatment daily for more than five years was associated with an increase of up to 80% in the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Meanwhile, using higher doses for more than one year was associated with a 40% higher risk of heart attacks and a 50% higher risk of stroke.
The researchers suggest that the way hormones enter the body may help explain the difference. When estrogen is taken orally, it passes through the liver, where it may stimulate the production of proteins involved in blood clotting.
By contrast, hormone treatments administered through the skin enter the bloodstream directly, bypassing the liver.
Choosing the Right Treatment for Each Woman
The findings highlight the importance of considering the type, dosage and duration of hormone replacement therapy according to each woman’s individual health circumstances.
The researchers particularly emphasized the need for careful consideration among women who may already be at greater risk of developing blood clots.
