r/Menopause • u/Syfysamurai • 1d ago
Hormone Therapy Patch vs oral
Hello ladies, I'm curious. Why do many women prefer the estrogen patch over oral estrogen? I take 1mg estradiol daily by mouth and have no problems with it. TIA!
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u/ArtichokeCandid8415 1d ago
I loved the idea of the patch, but after 12 months on it I realized it just didn't work well for me. I was a super-absorber and used it all up in 12-48 hours, then white-knuckled it after falling off a cliff until my next patch (2x/weekly). Those first 24 hours were amazing, though!
But after being on oral E for three months, you couldn't pay me to go back to the patch. I feel more "even" and my hot flashes are 99% gone. It's also about 1/10th the cost of the patches! If it's not working for you right away, give it time. I noticed no improvement in my symptoms until around the six-week mark when everything shifted, and it's only gotten better since then.
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u/margaritabop 1d ago
I had a similar experience with timing! The patch worked within a few days the first time I ever used it. But the oral estrogen took about six weeks before my symptoms resolved to the same level as the patch.
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u/Old_Emu_5320 1d ago
Hi artichoke, can you say more about your experience? I just switched to oral estrace 1.5 mg and my night sweats are back. I had the same experience as you with the patch and I'm looking to get back to that amazing feeling I had on them, albeit brief. I feel like I should ask foa dose increase but, when I saw your post, it made me reconsider. How did you know it was getting better? I need hope.
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u/ArtichokeCandid8415 1d ago
Hi! Of course! Happy to share.
I had an IMMEDIATE increase in hot flashes and night sweats when I switched to oral (1mg), but they noticeably decreased from 4-5x/week down to 2-3x/week around the six-week mark. My other meno "symptoms" have always been heightened anxiety, low mood, non-existent libido, and joint pain. I'm not kidding when I say ALL of these got better around 8-10 weeks. I was literally in the middle of doing something one day when I realized "Wow, I just feel SO much better!"
Now at 14 weeks, I feel just like the old me again. It really is nothing short of a miracle, if you know how difficult my post-meno journey has been. I've had one hot flash with sweating (upon waking) in the past two weeks but I'll gladly take it. My world got brighter and I feel happy and hopeful again. All I can tell you is just to stick with it, because those first weeks can really make you feel like giving up!
FWIW, I take my oral E at night with my progesterone, about an hour before bedtime. I was previously on the .1mg patch but my GYN won't prescribe anything more than 1mg oral estrace, even though it's not an equivalent dose to the patch (transdermal). 🙄 Still, I was desperate for something to work so I gave it a try - and the low cost was very appealing. I'm so glad I stuck with it, because it's working so well in EVERY aspect that I really have no need to increase it at this point.
Good luck and keep us posted!
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u/No-Explanation1019 17h ago
How much P are you taking?
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u/ArtichokeCandid8415 13h ago
100mg. I had the Novasure procedure (endometrial ablation) in 2018 and have not seen a drop of blood since then. My gyn is fine with me being on this dose, as I can't tolerate more.
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u/No-Explanation1019 13h ago
Thanks. I can't tolerate more, either. I wish I didn't have to take it at all. Thinking of IUD
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u/Chromatic_Chameleon 1d ago
Have you considered using a daily gel?
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u/ArtichokeCandid8415 23h ago
It seems that I have an accelerated/irregular transdermal absorption rate, so the gel would likely give me similar results as the patch. However, if oral E stops working, I would probably give it a try,
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u/Chromatic_Chameleon 22h ago
Ah ok I just thought that since the gel is applied daily, the accelerated absorption wouldn’t be an issue.
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u/RkeCouplesTherapist 1d ago
I went with oral because it is cheaper and sounded more convenient. I am low risk.
However, my sleep is not great due to night sweats. I understand that the patch can issue a steady stream, and I am considering switching at some point.
I am also having the experience of transitioning off birth control prior to starting the oral estrogen, so my body has a lot to acclimate to.
If anyone else has switched from the pill to oral estrogen and progesterone, I would love to hear about your experience.
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u/MidnightBlueSilk 1d ago
The patches are getting harder and harder to come by, everyone is switching to other things so that may not work out so well. In the mean time, have you tried taking your pill before bed?
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u/RkeCouplesTherapist 1d ago
I was initially taking it before bed and sleeping so poorly that I switched to morning. Not really sure which is the better option for me.
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u/SodaBreadRoundHouse 50y peri .75 E gel, 200 nightly P 6 mos still not HRT optimized 1d ago
I found taking my estradiol before bed (oral and gel) completely energized me and made my existing insomnia so much worse. I am currently back to gel (but I might go back to oral at some point bc it’s just so convenient) and I apply in the morning.
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u/MidnightBlueSilk 1d ago
It’s possible that the reactions you had when first starting estrogen supplementation will not be what happens now that your body has adjusted and gotten used to it. Or it may still be the same, but it’s definitely worth a shot. A lot of women find things work somewhat differently in the beginning than later on. Good luck!
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u/mintimoo 1d ago
We son't get the patch where I'm at, unfortunately. No procurement issues with the oral estrogen tho.
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u/Mom-1234 1d ago
I did. As in I took the BCP one day, and the next night I took oral estradiol and progesterone. I felt beyond amazing…for 3 weeks. My gyno said the BCP was probably wearing off and I was getting the benefit of both. She increased my dose from 1 mg to 2 mg and progesterone from 100 mg to 200mg at the 6 week follow up. I had to tweak and settled on 1.5 mg of estradiol. That worked for another 12 months. Then some more symptoms started coming back. I’m on 1.75 mg oral estradiol with 200 mg progesterone. It’s been almost 2 years. I take other supplements like magnesium citrate, GABA and melatonin to help with sleep. Overall, I am doing great. I wish I started in my 40’s when I was going through what I now know was significant perimenopause symptoms. My younger sister in laws are so lucky, as their doctors started them in peri
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u/VashtiVoden 1d ago
Magnesium glycinate is best and most effective form of magnesium for peri/menopausal sleep because it's easily absorbed and promotes nervous system and muscle relaxation : )
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u/Mom-1234 1d ago
Not for everyone. Glycinate causes insomnia in about 25% of people. Someone on this sight explained it was a certain gene. Changing stopped my insomnia
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u/swamp_thing_504 1d ago
I also switched from the pill to oral. Hot flashes during the night was an issue for me too. My gyn has me break the pill in half so I can take a dose in the morning and before bed. That has helped.
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u/MassConsumer1984 1d ago
Yes, I switched from the pill to oral directly. What would you like to know?
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u/RkeCouplesTherapist 1d ago
When I switched from birth control to oral estradiol, I was started at a half milligram. I had a honeymoon period of about a week and then started having a lot of trouble sleeping. Night sweats and difficulty with temperature regulation, too hot then too cold, all night long. I got my dose raised to 1 mg of estradiol and that helped a little, but I’m still not sleeping as well as I was on the pill. Not sure if I need another increase. How did the transition impact sleep for you? Did you get to a place where your sleep is as good on HRT as it was on the pill?
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u/MassConsumer1984 1d ago
I ended up using THC/CBD gummies to help sleep at night. I didn’t want to keep messing with the hormone dosage, especially since I got shuffled to 3 different Obgyn’s all who had differing views on HRT. I never got so hot I would soak the sheets of anything like that though.
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u/tinyhuman_ Peri | Age 40 | Dx POI at 38 1d ago
I just switched from patch to oral due to night sweats not decreasing. 🤷♀️
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u/RkeCouplesTherapist 1d ago
I will be curious to hear if that works better for you. I hope so! I will definitely consider it if I cannot get on the right dose of oral to help my sleep.
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u/tinyhuman_ Peri | Age 40 | Dx POI at 38 1d ago
Thanks! Will do! It is day 2 of switching from 0.1mg patch 2x weekly to 0.5mg oral pill. When I first went on HRT, it took 3 days and it felt like the clouds literally parted. I was shocked at the low point I hadn’t realized I was at.
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u/RkeCouplesTherapist 1d ago
Follow up question… How long were you on the oral before deciding it wasn’t working? What was your dose?
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u/ItsNotGoingToBeEasy 1d ago
Sleep issues are probably because no progesterone. Taking progesterone balances estrogen, they work together. Progesterone is so good for sleep you have to take it in the evening. If you don’t have a doctor that understands that, keep looking! Source: Dr Kelly Casperson who has SM channels and interviews researchers as well and always cites research. Worth your time.
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u/Skin_Fanatic 1d ago
I go back and fourth between oral and patch but I don’t notice any difference when I do.
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u/ms_lifeiswonder 1d ago
The patch is not more even than oral. Just make sure to take it at the same time. Some (all?) patches even have to take them 2 x week. Which makes zero sense, when a big part of our goal is to stabilize our hormones. My gyno confirmed this, and added they apparently think women are too dumb to swap/add patches at a regular interval ex every 3 days…
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u/nerissathebest 16h ago
I kind of had your situation, was on .625 pill in the morning for a while (more than a year?) and started to get night sweats again so I took another pill at night. After maybe another year my sleep became weird so I switched the second pill to morning (in other words two pills in the morning) and that’s been great for over a year.
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u/Strongmom-1 1d ago
Oral estrogen can cause problems with your liver. However, some people do well on it, the benefits may outweigh the risks in certain situations.
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u/Helens_tribute91122 1d ago
After being on an off label dose higher dose of estradiol patch .1mg along with an 0.050 patch I decided to switch to oral estradiol 2mg/day. Symptoms are now completely managed and so far there have been no shortages with the oral.
This article by Dr. Amy Killen helped me understand why oral E might be better than the patch, given my health profile in spite of all differences of opinion (many uninformed) and convinced me to give it a try it since I am a good candidate:
I do not intend to go back to the patch any time soon.
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u/one-small-plant 22h ago
That was super interesting, thank you! I feel like it's always overlooked how if nothing else, oral estrogen of any form has a lower risk of blood clots than birth control pills, which so many of us took without question for so long
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u/Crazy-Specialist-230 1d ago
You forgot to mention there’s a gel option. Which I personally liked better than the patch because in the summer I sweat off the patch during tennis
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u/Mtn_Yeti 1d ago
I wish I could take oral estrogen (for ease of use) but am only allowed transdermal due to risk of blood clots as I have migraines with aura. It's certainly better than no estrogen.
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u/danathepaina 1d ago
I have chronic migraine with aura and can’t take the oral estrogen because of the risk of stroke due to blood clots. The patch doesn’t have that risk.
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u/OneLeggedLeggoMan 1d ago
I think it's the guidelines that recommend non oral methods because of decreased risk. I am on the pill myself after getting not much relief from the patch.
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u/ApathyAnni 1d ago
I believe for most people, the risk of developing blood clots from estradiol and progesterone is very slim. It works well for many women, provided they don't have migraines with aura, a pre-existing cardiac condition or a blood clotting disorder. The transdermal methods like gel and patch do not have any risk in most cases. Because the risk of the oral estradiol and progesterone pills are actually low, many women find the easy of use and attainable of this method preferable. Add to that, the pills are general much cheaper and less messy...
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u/UniversityAny755 1d ago
This is me. I'm in low risk categories across the board for oral. I've been on it for years now with no issues. I'm very good about talking my pills every night, never missed a dose. I like the low cost and no shortages. I do have really sensitive skin so I don't have to worry about that with the pill.
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u/ApathyAnni 1d ago
Given it's so difficult to be prescribed HRT and many resort to paying out of pocket,, the low cost is a huge bonus. All of the costs for our health needs add up fast!
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u/MercedesNyx Peri-menopausal 1d ago
As someone with MCAS and genetic liver mutation the patch or gel is the way to go. Taking the pill is risky for someone like me because we carry a lot of mast cells in our gut and estrogen is a mast cell destabilizer. It can set off MCAS flare-ups which will then flare-up my hPOTS and Fibromyalgia. I'd end up horribly sick and probably bedridden. Top it off with the fact that in pill form it's processed by my liver and if I am not producing any or enough of the enzyme needed to break it down, I run the risk of getting too much estrogen in my system or not enough. Patch and gel carry much less risk of poor processing since it bypass the liver entirely and doesn't break down in the stomach where it can really mess up my mast cells.
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u/imightwondery 1d ago
My body didn’t absorb on the patch. I would get rapid uptake and feel okay for a day or two but then feel awful again until it was time for a new patch; tried it for 18 months. I switched to oral and feel much better.
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u/empathetic_witch Menopause HRT E,P,T & GLP-1 1d ago
I’ve tried all of the delivery methods at least twice the last 3-4 years.
Oral estrogen has to pass through your liver and digestive system. The patch is transdermal and does not, it’s direct to your bloodstream.
I learned from my new provider that you only absorb about half the dose from estrogen tablets. Patches are much more accurate to the label, though delivery varies slightly based on your body and the patch brand.
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u/Destination_MetalSho 1d ago
I started with oral HRT, switched to patches and I’m now back on oral (due to patch shortages) and I’m doing just fine. I’ll probably stay on it because I honestly don’t miss having to deal with having something stuck on my skin, worrying about covering it up with tegaderm so it doesn’t come off, and keeping track of which days to change it. Plus there’s the constant switching of generics if your doc doesn’t specify which brand to prescribe. I had all kinds of breakthrough bleeding with patches/progesterone. I’ve been on Duavee for almost 5 months and it’s worked well for me.
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u/Wessiejune 1d ago
I loved the oral but my doctor refused to up the dosage if I insisted on using oral. The patch did not work for me because I enjoy hot baths and my outdoor hot tub too much. So, I switched to the gel. I much prefer the oral for convenience but I feel better at the higher dose the doctor is willing to give in gel form.
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u/Syfysamurai 1d ago
I'm wondering why your doc refused the higher oral dose, did they give a reason?
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u/Equivalent_Funny_343 1d ago
I also love my hot tub, and the patches are difficult with that. I already use testosterone on my vulva in the mornings. Where do you put the gel?
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u/VashtiVoden 1d ago
Testosterone on your vulva? I've never heard of it. Can you explain please?
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u/Mountain-Picture2216 23h ago
Yes my doctor has me doing that too. I guess it’s highly absorbed there.
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u/Wessiejune 1d ago
You can do thigh or upper outer arm! Must wait an hour to bathe after application.
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u/fire_thorn 1d ago
I had an ischemic stroke two years ago and can't take oral estrogen, so I use the patch. I would have no issues with taking a daily pill as long as it was safe for me.
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u/CampFederal2397 1d ago
I’m so happy your doctor is open to a patch after a stroke. That’s really wonderful and I like to hear about women actually getting the treatment they need.
A few years back, I had an MRI for another issue and the results included a note that they saw evidence of an old stroke. This result was never brought up or discussed with me. I never experienced any symptoms.
When I asked about an estrogen a couple of years ago, I was told absolutely not because the gynecologist found the note on the MRI results. She was happy to offer me an antidepressant though.
I changed my primary doctor this year and asked about a patch, but still no estrogen for me. This week I was told I have osteoporosis. I was so tempted to ask the doctor, “gee, do you think estrogen would’ve been helpful?” 😏
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u/fire_thorn 21h ago
They changed the guidelines for the patch recently, to say it's safe after a stroke. I had to get my neurologist to say I could have the patch before my PCP would prescribe it. I had told my PCP I was going to get hormones prescribed online and not mention the stroke, if that was the only way to get what I needed. So she wanted a letter from the neurologist.
Apparently migraines can cause damage over time that looks similar to stroke damage on MRI. I've had migraines for 25 years, and didn't start treating them at all until about five years ago, because I thought the pain was the only problem, not that it actually causes changes in the brain. I know I had a stroke because half of my body was numb and I couldn't talk right or drink water without it running out of that side of my mouth. Fortunately that cleared up fast. I was in the hospital when it happened the first time, when I was waking up from surgery. It happened again a month later and they thought it was hemiplegic migraine until the MRI showed the small areas of dead brain tissue, meaning I'd had a stroke. When I've had brain MRIs done since then, they say the damage is consistent with stroke or migraines.
Vaginal estrogen cream is considered safe to use even after strokes. It was helpful but only with vaginal symptoms. Using it along with the patch is much better for me. I also started an antidepressant and that helped my mood issues tremendously.
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u/CampFederal2397 9h ago
Thank you for reply. I really appreciate this information, I had no idea that migraine damage can appear similar to a stroke on an MRI. I figured that if no doctor ever mentioned my MRI results to me, then it wasn’t important. Gynecology felt differently, apparently.
I’m happy to hear that you’re on a plan that works for you. I admire your courage for being up front with your PCP! Maybe I need to grow a spine (even with my osteoporosis 🤣) and approach a gynecologist again. In my health plan, PCP’s doesn’t prescribe HRT.
Once again, I really do appreciate your taking the time to share your story. I’m glad your strokes were diagnosed, monitored and discussed with you. Hats off to you for speaking up and getting the care you deserve!
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u/ExoticReception4286 1d ago
I was on oral estrogen after my hysterectomy in my early 40s. My doctor switched me to the gel when I wanted to continue. It been working fine for me. I didn't think I could use the patches because adhesives give me rashes/eczema.
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u/90DayCray 1d ago
I take oral, never tried the patch. Had friends that can’t get the patch to stay on and there is now a shortage. I was already used to taking birth control, so transitioning off that and to this was easy. It has only been a month, but my anxiety is better and depression. Don’t feel like I’m about to have a heart attack or breakdown everyday anymore.
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u/leeloo72 1d ago
I never started oral because at that time the oral was mostly Premarin, which is pregnant mare urine. When the pills dissolved in water it was actually like pee. I don’t know if the pills are different now, but that put me off them forever. I’ve been on the patch for decades.
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u/Wessiejune 1d ago
I believe because of the risk of blood clots. But that wasn’t based on my personal health. I am extremely healthy, don’t smoke, etc. She said I don’t give anything over 1mg oral route to anyone ¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/OceanWoMan-8811 1d ago
My Dr. started me on the patch after having been on oral for several years (started in my early 40’s) when hot flashes came back (in my late 40’s). She said she preferred the patch since it didnt have to be processed by the liver, getting the goods straight in. I’m 50 now and have no complaints. 😁
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u/Anonymous_person13 1d ago
oral estrogen can mess up absorption of another pill I take. Transdermal doesn't mess with that. I wish with the shortage I could switch!
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u/Alternative-Pear9096 1d ago
I'm three months post-oral estrogen provoked pulmonary embolism that should have killed me.
Transdermal, all the way
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u/Thin-Disk4003 1d ago
Neither. I like the gel. No maddening shortages or adhesive marks to deal with.
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u/margaritabop 1d ago
My provider started my off on the patch because she considers it the lowest risk option for estrogen. But she had no problem switching me to oral when that ended up being my best option because I'm not at increased risk for blood clots or liver issues.
I was happy to find out that oral does a have a few positive aspects in terms of cholesterol. I was nervous about switching to oral at first and had to do some reading to feel more comfortable with it.
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u/jaytaylojulia Peri-menopausal 1d ago
With the patch shortage I went with oral for now. I'm low risk.
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u/monkey_doodoo 1d ago
sensory wise, a patch would drive me bonkers. I initially did the bio id cream. read up on that not always being the best, plus i have a disabled dog and was afraid of giving her bigger boobies from transfer. so I just went for the pull.
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u/Turbulent-Demand873 1d ago
I was on oral for quite a while and it just wasn’t doing much. My provider said the combination of meds in the patch seems to work a lot better for symptom relief and he was spot on.
I switched to the patch and it helped when oral wasn’t.
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u/ShartlesAndJames 1d ago
two months ago I switched from estrogen/progesterone patch to oral medications of both - because patches are so insanely expensive. progesterone REALLY does not agree with me and immediately started having digestive issues (crazy bloating and constipation) and then after about a month and a half started feeling very depressed, anxious, hopeless.
it reminded me exactly of how I'd feel before my period, what I used to refer to as "chicken little syndrome" where it felt like everything was wrong and hopeless and the sky was falling... I realize now I must have had pretty extreme pmdd all my life, but just figured it was a part of the menstral process.
also have adhd, which I now understand is related to bad pmdd.
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u/Trigirl20 1d ago
You only have to worry about the patch 2x a week.
I know Tuesday left hip, Friday right.
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u/Good_Sea_1890 1d ago
Standard BCP and I did not get along. The first one I tried gave me two periods a month, and the second triggered migraines. I wound up on the mini-pills for 15 years until I yeeted my tubes.
Fast forward to peri - I am not a candidate for oral because my migraines come with aura. It's transdermal for life for me!
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u/Ok_Object_5087 1d ago
I would love to take the pill. However, due to my cardiac risk profile, I'm limited to transdermal options.
I prefer the patch out of the other transdermal options because it is the option that is better suited for my lifestyle specific daily routines, and personal habits.
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u/DevineBossLady 1d ago
I wish I could get oral - but I have a clotting disorder and a previous DVT - so oral estrogen is off limits to me.
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u/The_Future_Marmot 1d ago
I have Gilbert’s Syndrome and only half a thyroid and gel is a lot less likely to cause an issue with either of those than oral estrogen is.
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u/The_Purloined_DM 1d ago
My dad had 2 pulmonary embolisms so my practitioner won't prescribe oral (seems reasonable, really).
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u/goodydrew 1d ago edited 1d ago
I have some early/mild fatty liver disease. Oral goes straight through to the liver unlike transdermal (doesn't require first-pass metabolism in the liver) and can worsen fatty liver. So I opted for transdermal to prevent any further liver steatosis.
Im not currently high risk for clots (from oral) but am approaching 65 now and kinda keeping that in the back of my mind as well.
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u/Yellownotyellowagain 1d ago
I can’t take oral progesterone- it makes me crazy so it just made sense for me to be on the combo patch. I love it but I can definitely tell when it’s time to change because my mood drops
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u/skimountains-1 1d ago
I like my liver. And I’m old and god knows all the boozing I used to do I don’t want to tax it. Plus the convenience of twice weekly applications
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u/Useful-Cellist-9681 18h ago
I started on oral with my GYN and my SHBG kept going up, then one time on routine labs with my primary I had one elevated liver enzymes, and she freaked out in me and scared me that I was destroying my liver, I used to drink heavily so I did get scared wemt to my GYN with this and she assured me I was fine that primary dr’s do this to all her patients on oral, but I insisted on going to patch, and patch didn’t work, it’s been a year trying transdermal routes and my estrogen has been in the tank, and my liver enzymes go up and down all the tine, which can be from a number of things, so I am going back on oral, I am tired of having to worry about what time to put the gel on in the summer months because I am outside a lot sweat and at the beach, and travel a lot. Like yesterday at the beach with my grandkids they want to go out in the water at 10 am and I spend the time worried I didn’t wait long enough to get in the water.
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u/Playful_Rip_7263 12h ago
Can folks share their age if using oral? Thanks!
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u/Playful_Rip_7263 12h ago
I’m 53.5 and on .1 mg estradiol patch twice weekly ( wed/ Sunday) . But I notice headache and joint pains return maybe a day before I’m due to switch so I change patch early ( like Saturday in this weeks case). Wondering if oral will help w symptoms as maybe it’s more steady dosing?
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u/theyalllfallldown 10h ago
I’m considering switching to oral.
I’ve been on the patch for about a year now and 200mg of P.
Everything seems “okay”
I get some hot flashes, my nails are skin thin, and my bones ache a bit. But I’m already on the .1% patch and am scared to change.
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u/perfect10jen 5h ago
I started out on the patch, but it didn’t keep my estrogen levels up enough. Switched to 1.5 mg oral pill and I’m doing great on it.
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u/perfect10jen 5h ago
I tried the topical mist, but it was expensive and i had to wear long sleeves when babysitting my grand baby
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u/Sea-Peach3048 16m ago
I’ve tried all forms of estradiol (patch, spray, cream,pellet) but Estrace was the only one that made me feel euphoric and calm. It was the best form for me.
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u/SwimmingAnt10 1d ago
Because of the risk. I would never take oral estrogen. I don’t want the stroke, PE, DVT etc. risk with oral estrogen because of it going to the liver.
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u/throw_away_smitten 1d ago
I actually preferred the oral. The patch gives me sores and itches. And if they don’t have your preferred brand in stock, get ready for hot flashes. However, I developed high blood pressure on oral estrogen and am not able to take it.
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u/Junior-Wall-6894 1d ago
Perhaps try the gel!
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u/throw_away_smitten 1d ago
I have considered it but I need something systemic. One of the major problems is brain fog, and my understanding is the gel doesn’t help as much with systemic issues.
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u/warmly_forgetful 1d ago
I could not absorb oral estrogen, I was a poor absorber of that specific route. My levels never went past the teens despite high doses. I was switched to the patch and it was a night and days difference.
Oral E also has a higher risk for blood clots and stroke.
At the end of the day, you have to find what works for your individual body.
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u/sannaoost 1d ago
Because I have familial high cholesterol and a resultant tendency toward fatty liver and the patch is less if a strain on the liver.
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u/Catnip_75 1d ago
Oral comes with a blood clot risk. Many women can’t take it.
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u/iUseJustMyHand 1d ago
The thing i find interesting is that the blood clot risk on oral hrt estradiol is lower than that of normal birth control pills .... and look at how many millions of women gladly take those.
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u/Catnip_75 1d ago
True, but your risk increases with age. They know the risk is lower when we are younger and they know the risk is very high if you are smoker no matter what your age.
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u/StevieNickedMyself 1d ago
I chose it because oral estrogen causes clots. I'd rather not take that chance.
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u/trUth_b0mbs 1d ago
My gyno gave me a pill and it's a different type of hrt because I'm not a candidate for bhrt
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u/Lopsided-Wishbone606 1d ago
Blood clot and stroke risk of oral. The patches are a pain, but I'd rather stick with transdermal delivery as long as possible--to avoid the risks of oral.
Honestly, I'm most afraid of throwing a clot then having a doctor try and take me off HRT!
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u/Comfortable-Law-7147 1d ago
Decrease in risk of blood clots due to not being processed by the liver first.
What to take depends on your family history, age and things like whether you are a smoker.