Women taking oral estrogen hormones may have increased risk of high blood pressure

Medical Xpress / American Heart Association / Hypertension ^ | June 5, 2023 | Sofia B. Ahmed, M.D., M.M.Sc. et al

[ConservativeMind]

Women ages 45 years and older taking estrogen hormone therapy in pill form were more likely to develop high blood pressure than those using transdermal (topical, applied to the skin) or vaginal formulations, according to research.

"We know estrogens ingested orally are metabolized through the liver and this can lead to higher blood pressure," said Cindy Kalenga, an M.D./Ph.D.-candidate

This study involved a large group of over 112,000 women, ages 45 years and older.

First, researchers investigated the relationship between route of estrogen-only hormone therapy administration and risk of developing high blood pressure at least one year after starting the treatment. The 3 different routes of hormone therapy administration were oral (by mouth), transdermal and vaginal application. Additionally, researchers evaluated the formulation of estrogen used and the risk of developing high blood pressure. For this study, the researchers reviewed medical records of individuals taking estrogen-only hormone therapy.

The analysis found:

Women taking oral estrogen therapy had a 14% higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those using transdermal estrogen and a 19% higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those using vaginal estrogen creams or suppositories.

Compared to estradiol, conjugated equine estrogen was associated with an 8% increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

Taking estrogen for a longer period of time or taking a higher dose was associated with greater risk of high blood pressure, the authors noted. According to Kalenga, the study's findings suggest that if menopausal woman take hormone therapy, there are different types of estrogen that may have lower cardiovascular risks.

"These may include low-dose, non-oral estrogen—like estradiol, in transdermal or vaginal forms—for the shortest possible time period, based on individual symptoms and the risk–benefit ratio, Kalenga said. "These may also be associated with the lowest risk of hypertension."

[ConservativeMind]

Some forms of estrogen replacement therapy are safer than others.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[pops88]

I think they’ve known this for decades. Nice of them to give people a reminder now, with so many people having blood clot issues.

[Sacajaweau]

My dearest friend died of pancreatic cancer. I’m certain it’s related to the hormones they were feeding her.

[AbolishCSEU]

I was taking poorly managed bioidentical hormones for menopausal symptoms. At the time it seemed like a godsend until I turned up with stage 1 breast cancer.

[Sacajaweau]

So sorry that happened to you.

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

ConservativeMind : "..Women taking oral estrogen therapy had a 14% higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those using transdermal estrogen
and a 19% higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those using vaginal estrogen creams or suppositories."

I wonder if women taking beet juice might reduce their blood pressure levels
Yesterday (6/6/2023) you posted a title of :
"Clinical trial: Daily beetroot juice reduces rate of repeat procedures, heart attacks in angina patients with stents"
which resulted in lower blood pressure.

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4158972/posts

If it is good for angina and those with stents,
chances are that it might be successful in lowering blood pressure for all ?
It was just a thought....
;

[ConservativeMind]

I think the problem with that is the estrogen is sort of the “root cause,” versus a medicine-like substance with the beet root juice, which compensates via a different mechanism.

It's sort of like saying cutting your finger is okay if you get a bandage and an aspirin—so cut your finger.