Every year, approximately 25 million women across the globe enter menopause, a natural phase that marks the end of the reproductive cycle. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is often recommended to alleviate menopause symptoms, but it comes with potential risks such as blood clots and strokes.

Recent groundbreaking research reveals promising news for women with type 2 diabetes using HRT: those who opt for skin patches reportedly do not face higher risks of blood clots or stroke compared to those not on HRT.

However, caution is advised for women with type 2 diabetes taking oral HRT; the study indicates this method could double the risk of developing pulmonary embolism and increase heart disease risk by 21%. This underscores the necessity of choosing the right delivery method for hormone therapy.

The Research Breakdown

Presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes, the study analyzed data from over 36,000 women averaging 59 years old, sourced from a global medical database.

Participants were either prescribed HRT alongside statins—medications for lowering cholesterol—or statins alone. Over a five-year follow-up, researchers monitored for serious conditions like pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), heart disease, and certain cancers.

The Findings: A 25% Decrease in Heart Disease Risk

Results showed that women with type 2 diabetes using transdermal HRT via skin patches had a remarkable 25% reduced risk of heart disease. Importantly, those using patches did not face any increased risk for DVT, stroke, or cancers compared to non-HRT users.

In contrast, women on oral HRT exhibited concerning trends, with evidence suggesting they had double the risk of pulmonary embolism. The findings are significant for guiding menopausal treatment for women with pre-existing conditions.

Expert Insights

Matthew Anson, PhD, the study’s lead author, highlighted that the regulated use of transdermal HRT appears safe and beneficial for midlife women with diabetes, making a strong case against prescribing oral estrogen therapy for this demographic.

Dr. Jennifer Cheng, an endocrinology expert, expressed optimism about the research, emphasizing that women with diabetes are often unaware of cardiac disease risks, which complicate menopause management. She noted that transdermal HRT could mitigate these concerns.

Dr. Sherry Ross, a board-certified OB/GYN, reinforced the importance of personalized treatment, warning of the health risks associated with various hormone therapy forms. She stressed that more extensive studies are essential to explore the cardiovascular impacts of HRT, especially for women with existing health hurdles.

The Bottom Line

This research marks a significant advancement in understanding hormone therapy’s implications for women with type 2 diabetes. As discussions around menopausal treatments continue, the choice between transdermal patches and oral HRT will play a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective management of menopause symptoms while minimizing cardiovascular risks.