TRH tablets may increase the risk of blood clots, but the risk is still very low. Patches, sprays, and gels for HRT do not increase the risk of blood clots. This is because estrogen is safer when the body absorbs it through the skin. If you still have a uterus, your healthcare professional will likely prescribe estrogen along with a progestogen, which is a group of drugs similar to progesterone.
This is because taking estrogen without a progestin can thicken the lining of the uterus, which can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. If your uterus has been removed, you may not need to take a progestogen along with estrogen. If you take continuous combined hormone replacement therapy, it's common to have irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting in the first 4 to 6 months of taking it. Tell your GP at your first check up after 3 months if you have irregular vaginal bleeding.
If it doesn't go away, your GP might suggest changing your progestogen dose. It's important to understand the risks associated with HRT before making the decision to take it. The risks are different for each person and are influenced by factors such as personal health history, age, the length of time a person takes hormone replacement therapy, dosage and type. Research shows that long-term use of combination hormone therapy (for 5 years or more) slightly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, heart disease, stroke, and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs).
Research also suggests that the benefits of taking combined hormone replacement therapy for the shortest period needed outweigh the risks for healthy women under 60 or within 10 years after the onset of menopause.
