Some tablets for hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of dangerous blood clots

Caution when taking pills for hormone replacement therapy

Researchers found out now that women taking certain types of tablets for hormone replacement therapy are at a higher risk for serious blood clots.

The scientists from the University of Nottingham found in their current study, the intake may amplify some types of tablets for hormone replacement therapy in women, the risk for the development of severe blood clots. The experts published the results of their study in the English journal “BMJ”.

What types of tablets increased the risk?

It was found that tablets containing equine Estrogens, were associated with a slightly higher risk for blood clots, compared with other tablets. Women should not immediately panic or stop taking pills for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Instead, you should discuss any concerns at your next doctor’s appointment, advise the doctors.

What is a hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy is welding used to relieve the symptoms of Menopause, such as hot flashes and night. Such a treatment comes in various forms, including tablets, Gel, cream and plasters. Basically, the HRT is considered a good and safe treatment. However, there is a low potential risk for certain serious health problems, such as blood clots and breast cancer. The researchers at the University of Nottingham ends, declared that the increased risk when taking HRT tablets corresponded to nine additional cases of blood clots per 10,000 women per year.

Data of 470,000 women were evaluated for the study

The study examined the recipe was looking for records of 80,000 women aged 40 to 79 years, which blood had developed clots. Then, the physicians compared the data with the records of 390,000 women without blood clot. In the case of a treatment with tablets, it was found that the risk for two types of used Estrogens. The risk of blood clots was in treatments, which contained Estrogen, manufactured from horse urine, 15 percent higher than in the case of synthetic Estradiol. This was true both for single and combined hormone treatments. In women who used Gel, patches or creams for hormone replacement therapy, there was no increased risk. The study found that these are the first types of hormone replacement therapy, but only 20 percent of women have this type of therapy to prescribe, experts say.

What women should avoid oral treatments?

The study has shown that oral treatments are different tablets with different risks of developing blood clots associated – depending on the active ingredients, explains study author Dr. Yana Vinogradova of the University of Nottingham. It has also been shown that the risk of thrombosis for patients, the different HRT treatments available as tablets (patch or Gel) to use, is very low. The results are especially important information for women in need of HRT treatment and have an increased risk of developing a blood clot, says Dr. Vinogradova. (as)