Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Nanookster on February 01, 2024, 12:59:45 PM

Title: Is synthetic HRT really that bad?
Post by: Nanookster on February 01, 2024, 12:59:45 PM

Hello everyone!

My gynaecologist has just switched my HRT from Bijuve (continuous combined body identical estrogen and progesterone) to a different one (continuous combined) that is made up of Dienogest and Estradiol valerat). He's done this because of potential absorption issues etc.

I've read online that research studies have shown that there's a higher risk of blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers etc with synthetic HRT. Is this true?

I'd love to hear your thoughts, as I'm really hesitant to start taking it!

Thank you in advance.

Title: Re: Is synthetic HRT really that bad?
Post by: laszla on February 01, 2024, 01:35:05 PM

Yes that is true, virtually all the risk factors derive from non body identical forms of HRT.

Title: Re: Is synthetic HRT really that bad?
Post by: pastie supper on February 01, 2024, 02:16:21 PM

The risk is higher, but as they keep saying in the podcasts, double a very small risk is still a very small risk. Smoking, obesity etc are worse risks than synthetic HRT or the combined pill.
The most important thing your doctor will want is to resolve your symptoms, if it does that I'd stick with it.

Title: Re: Is synthetic HRT really that bad?
Post by: Nanookster on February 02, 2024, 10:53:23 AM

Quote from: pastie supper on February 01, 2024, 02:16:21 PM

The risk is higher, but as they keep saying in the podcasts, double a very small risk is still a very small risk. Smoking, obesity etc are worse risks than synthetic HRT or the combined pill.
The most important thing your doctor will want is to resolve your symptoms, if it does that I'd stick with it.

Thanks for this - I've been reading more about the risks and they do some very, very low in comparison to drinking alcohol, smoking etc.