Blood clots and HRT

[KymmieL]

I am wondering if I have most of a chance of more blood clots when I start HRT? I recently completed my warfarin treatment. I spent 4 days in the hospital in April with a DVT and PE in both lungs. I later learned that that was a deadly situation. I am not looking for any medical advice, maybe personal information. I know I will be bringing this up to the Dr when we discuss HRT. Thankfully I didn't have to pay dime one for my stay. Thanks to VA. 

 

Kymmie

[Jani]

They can certainly be a deadly condition.  If you go with transdermal (patches or cream) you shouldn't have issues.  My doctor likes that with this method it absorbed easily.  

[Susan R]

1 hour ago, KymmieL said:

I am wondering if I have most of a chance of more blood clots when I start HRT?

 

I'm on pill form HRT and this is one of my biggest concerns but I don't like injections even if it's not daily.  I'm pleased with the small results so far using the pills. It's a gamble and a trade off I guess.

 

Just now, Jani said:

If you go with transdermal (patches or cream) you shouldn't have issues

 

Jani, I was told the patches should be applied to fatty areas of the body. (e.g.; butt cheeks or tummy).  Have you had any issues with redness or rashes where patch resides or around the circumference of the patch?

 

Also, has anyone on HRT heard of any negative factors with transdermal creams?  (e.g.;  rashes, itchiness, ineffectiveness on levels, etc...)

 

Thanks,

Susan R?

[Jani]

Just now, Susan R said:

Have you had any issues with redness or rashes where patch resides or around the circumference of the patch?

I can't say I have, generally.  I used to have a little redness on the edges where the patch would pull as I stretched the skin in movement.   I make an effort to find a spot on my derriere that is "stable".  I also clean the area well with witch hazel prior to applying the patch.  As I have a skinny butt there is the inevitable stretching so I do apply a clear tape as a barrier.  You can google this, Smith & Nephew Opsite Flexifix 2 Inch x 10.9 Yards Transparent Film Dressing.  It is available in multiple widths.  I get it on Amazon.   Its less expensive than the other brand, Tagamet.  

 

It may be that you need some time for your body to adjust to the infusion of medicine through the skin.  I've been on this method for three years and by six months things really settled down for me.   I don't like needles so injections are too much for me. 

 

Jani

[Maid In Bedlam]

I use the patches. I was strongly advised to put them below the height of your belly button. It also says it on the instuctions. Personally i place  them just below the elastic on my underwear as it tends to keep them secure and not to tight on your skin. It works fine for me.

 

I have had a little bit of a red mark when i removed them a few times. But that was few and far between.

[Susan R]

Thanks for the info Jani and Maid In Bedlam.  It doesn't seem like many people use the transdermal creams for HRT.  Maybe it's too costly or maybe less effective.  But in either case, I have yet to meet anyone using that method but it seems like it would be the easiest and safest method of all.

[Jani]

I think there are some here that use creams.   Also this is a nice video about a women in Canada.  Its only 15 minutes long.  In it you see that she uses transdermal cream and seems to have had good results.

https://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/495170/transitioning-in-the-middle-of-nowhere/

 

Jani

[jae bear]

 HRT does increase the risk of blood clots but it also greatly depends upon the type of HRT that is administered. Some here have talked about patches, and I’ve heard the same thing that they are very safe, that is also what are use personally. I’ve never had a PE but long ago I had a horrible motorcycle accident and had a filter placed in the inferior vena cava, it was never removed so they were a bit concerned about a blood clot risk after the filter. I discussed it with my endocrinologist and vascular surgeon and we all agreed that regular blood thinning might be the best thing for me. I take Xarelto every day and don’t worry much about a blood clot, however I was never prone to them and it does seem that since you have had a PE you might be prone and need to be very careful during HRT, you will definitely want to discuss this very carefully with your endocrinologist. 

 Hugs, 

Jackie

[KymmieL]

It was strange that I had them. I had no prior signs of blood clots. No history of heart disease, in my family. So how knows.

 

Kymmie 

[TclosetGirl]

I've been on HRT previously, will be again in a few months after visiting an endo - but have heard that subdermal (Under tongue) greatly reduces the risk on the pills. Not a magic bullet but can reduce the risk. Your body will absorb it.

 

Of course check with your medical professional.

[VickySGV]

1 hour ago, TclosetGirl said:

subdermal (Under tongue) greatly reduces

 

Not to be picky, but the word is Sublingual for under the tongue -- sub-dermal is under one's skin.

 

I did have a DVT 3 years ago after being on oral meds for 6 years.  My medical team thinks the DVT was actually caused by having a normal  bacterial infected and edema in one leg while I was on an extended airline flight, followed by a 4 hour straight through driving stint, but nevertheless when we stabilized the DVT, I was allowed to stay on E, but it was via the patches, and I am going to be staying on a blood thinner for the next 10 or 20 years, but the level I am at does not really affect my life much.  I do get a red mark from the patches, and mine tend to fall off after 3 or 4 days and do leave a red mark on my skin.  I wear mine on my upper thighs but even my bathing suit covers them and no real problems otherwise.  My doctor prescribes mine with the 3 day fall off in mind so I have plenty. 

[TclosetGirl]

I know, could not remember the term when I wrote that. SubLingual perhaps :)

 

[VickySGV]

2 hours ago, TclosetGirl said:

I know, could not remember the term when I wrote that. SubLingual perhaps :)

 

That's what we Mod's are here for!!  LOL!!?