A recent study published in the journal Hypertension found that women over 45 taking estrogen hormone therapy orally have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those using transdermal or vaginal forms of estrogen. Specifically, oral estrogen was linked to a 14% increased risk over transdermal forms and a 19% increase compared to vaginal applications. The research, which analyzed data from over 112,000 women in Alberta, Canada, noted that animal-derived estrogen posed an even greater risk than synthetic versions.
Higher doses and longer durations of hormone therapy correspond to increased hypertension risk. The lead author, Dr. Cindy Kalenga, highlighted the role of oral estrogen’s liver metabolism, which can raise factors leading to elevated blood pressure. While estrogen therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms, it carries cardiovascular risks, particularly for older women. The study advocated for the use of low-dose, non-oral estrogen options for shorter periods to mitigate hypertension risks. The researchers urge continued investigation into combined hormone therapies to better understand their cardiovascular effects, emphasizing the need for individualized healthcare decisions during menopause.
