I was told by my doctor that I could not ever take HRT for menopausal symptoms because of an increase chance of blood clots to form.....Now that I am in menopause I am leary to take just any natural remedy and I don't want to self medicate and cause myself more harm.....I had the clot when I was 19 years old and now I am 53 and have had three children by cesearian section ( I had to inject my stomach with blood thinners just prior to each childbirth as a preventative to clotting). What can I feel safe to do when it comes to therapy?
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Q: Does menopause increase the likeliness of blood clots? I had a blood clot taking birth control pills
Answers (2)
6/15/10 12:16pm
Hi, Terry,
I found this information on the HealthCentral menopause site:
- Mixed Effects on Blood Clotting. Estrogen affects many blood-clotting factors in the liver: It reduces blood viscosity (stickiness) and may enhance fibrinolysis, the natural process for breaking down blood clots. Unfortunately, estrogen also has other actions that increase the risk for blood clots. Women who take hormone replacement therapy are at risk for thromboembolism -- blood clots that block a vessel.
- This action may explain the higher rates of adverse heart events now observed in women with heart disease who take HRT.
I'm not a medical doctor, so I'd suggest that you talk to your physician about other things (such as herbal remedies) that he/she might suggest to ease your discomfort.
Take care and keep us posted!
Dorian
6/21/10 4:30pm
Hi Terry,
One thing that might be very helpful with your symptoms and would not increase risk of clotting is progesterone alone (brand name Prometrium). I've used it for many years for patients who, for a variety of reasons, can't take estrogen. It can help hot flashes, improve sleep and stabilize moods.
Good luck, Terry,
Sandy Greenquist, CNM
Menopause Clinician
6/22/10 12:27pm
Hi again,
Progesterone really has few side-effects...not facial hair or acne, etc. If it has been awhile since a woman has had a period and her levels are really low, she may experience breast tenderness or maybe some bloating when starting, but these are just adjustment symptoms and soon go away.
Hope this is helpful,
Sandy Greenquist, CNM
Menopause Clinician
6/22/10 2:33pm
Thanks so much......I will look into it....
Where can I purchase Prometrium?
Terry
6/22/10 3:31pm
It's prescription, Terry, so you'll need to talk to your provider.
Sandy
12/23/10 3:57pm
hi my mommy is going through menopause and we are trying to find something that will not at all increase clotting of the blood she has had been hospitalized for severe blood clots before so please help.... Thank you
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By terry— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 06/14/10
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Thank you for your response to my question.....Another question that comes up with progesterone therapy would be regarding the side effects (facial hair growth, etc.) and can you tell me more about them, if any....
Thank you very much,
Terry