Ladies, let’s talk. There’s something you should know if you’re over 45 and taking estrogen in pill form.
A new study says you might have a higher risk of getting high blood pressure.
Don’t know what estrogen is? No problem, let’s start from the beginning.
Hormones and You
Hormones are like little messengers in your body. They tell your body what to do. Estrogen is one of them. It’s a big deal for women, especially when we hit menopause. That’s when the body starts making less estrogen.
What is Menopause Anyway?
Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when her periods stop. It usually happens around 50. But it can happen earlier or later. This means no more babies, but it also means less estrogen.
This can lead to all sorts of changes. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep problems are just a few. For some women, these symptoms can be a real pain.
Hormone Therapy to the Rescue
So, what can we do about it? One answer is hormone therapy. It’s like giving your body the estrogen it’s missing. There are different ways to do this. Some women take a pill.
Some use a patch on the skin. Others use creams or suppositories that go inside the vagina. But not all these methods work the same way, and that’s what the new study found out.
The Pill Problem
The researchers looked at over 112,000 women. All of them were 45 or older. All of them had taken estrogen for at least six months.
The ones who took the pill were more likely to get high blood pressure. In fact, they had a 14% higher risk than women who used a patch. And a 19% higher risk than women who used creams or suppositories.
That’s a pretty big difference. But it doesn’t stop there. The type of estrogen in the pill matters too. The study found one type that raised the risk even more.
The Scoop on Different Estrogens
Remember how we said estrogen is a hormone? Well, there’s more than one kind of estrogen. The study looked at two types. One is called estradiol.
It’s like the estrogen your body makes. The other is called conjugated equine estrogen. It comes from horses. Yes, you heard right, horses!
Women who took the horse estrogen had an 8% higher risk of high blood pressure than those who took estradiol. It seems the body prefers the homegrown stuff.
What this Means for You
Now, you might be thinking, “Great, now what?” Don’t worry. The researchers have some advice. If you’re going through menopause and need hormone therapy, consider your options.
Pills might be easy, but patches, creams, or suppositories might be better for your blood pressure.
Also, think about the kind of estrogen you’re taking. The body seems to like estradiol more than the horse stuff. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.
The Future of Hormone Therapy
The researchers aren’t done yet. They want to do more studies. They want to learn more about hormone therapy. They want to see how it affects our hearts and kidneys.
They also want to look at other hormones like progestin. That’s another hormone that women sometimes take.
In the end, it’s all about helping women live healthier, happier lives. Because menopause might be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The tale of menopause, hormones, and high blood pressure. It’s a complex story, but the bottom line is simple.
If you’re a woman over 45, consider your options carefully when it comes to hormone therapy. Because popping the pill might not be the best choice for your blood pressure.
And remember, your doctor is your best partner in this. Talk to them, ask questions, and make the decision that’s right for you.
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The study was published in Hypertension.
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