Ladies, if you’re 45 or older and are using estrogen pills as part of your hormone therapy, a new study suggests you should be cautious about your blood pressure.
But before diving into the details, let’s start with some basics.
The ABCs of Hormones and Menopause
Hormones are substances in our bodies that act like messengers. They tell our cells what to do. Estrogen is one of these hormones and plays a significant role in a woman’s life, particularly during menopause.
Menopause is that phase in life when a woman stops having her period. While it usually kicks in around the age of 50, it can happen earlier or later.
The body also starts producing less estrogen, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping.
Hormone Therapy: Pros and Cons
To manage these menopausal symptoms, some women turn to hormone therapy to replace the missing estrogen. Various methods include taking a pill, applying a patch to the skin, or using creams or suppositories.
However, the new study has found that these approaches may not be equal in terms of their impact on your blood pressure.
The Blood Pressure Dilemma
The study looked at over 112,000 women aged 45 and above who had been on estrogen therapy for at least six months.
Results showed that those who took estrogen in pill form had a higher risk of developing high blood pressure—14% higher than those who used patches, and 19% higher than those using creams or suppositories.
But wait, there’s more! The kind of estrogen you take matters too.
The study looked at two types: estradiol, which is similar to the estrogen your body makes, and conjugated equine estrogen, which, believe it or not, comes from horses.
Women on the latter had an 8% higher risk of high blood pressure compared to those taking estradiol.
What This Means for You
If you’re in the menopausal phase and considering hormone therapy, these findings suggest you weigh your options. Pills might seem convenient, but patches or creams could be kinder to your blood pressure.
Also, opting for estradiol over the horse-derived estrogen could be a better choice. It’s crucial to consult with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.
Looking Ahead
This study isn’t the final word on hormone therapy. Researchers want to dig deeper into its effects on our cardiovascular system, and they’re also keen on examining other hormones like progestin.
Ultimately, the goal is to help women navigate menopause with the least possible health risks.
Conclusion
Menopause may be a challenging time, but it doesn’t have to spell disaster for your health. If you’re 45 or older, this new study suggests you should think carefully about your hormone therapy options.
Consulting your doctor is crucial in making the decision that’s best for your health, especially where your blood pressure is concerned.
If you’re interested in the subject, keep an eye out for studies on safer ways to treat high blood pressure and how different foods can help control it.
This study was published in the journal Hypertension, adding another layer of understanding to this complex issue.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about how diets could help lower high blood pressure, and 3 grams of omega-3s a day keep high blood pressure at bay.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that beetroot juice could help reduce blood pressure, and results showing cinnamon could help lower high blood pressure.
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hormone therapy, high blood pressure
