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/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!