New Study Raises Concerns Over Oral HRT for Diabetic Women

A groundbreaking study presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Vienna reveals alarming insights for women with type 2 diabetes (T2D) considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While skin patches appear safe, oral HRT significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular issues.

The Risks: Pulmonary Embolism and Heart Disease

According to the research, women with T2D who use oral hormone replacement therapy are exposed to double the risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs. Additionally, their risk of heart disease soars by 21% compared to those opting for transdermal HRT.

Dr. Matthew Anson, the study's lead author from the University of Liverpool, emphasizes, "Our study indicates that up to five years of approved doses of transdermal HRT are safe for a significant number of midlife women with T2D. However, we advise against prescribing oral HRT due to the increased risks."

Understanding Hormone Therapies

Hormone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Many forms exist, from tablets combining estrogen and progesterone to patches and gels. In the UK, around 2.6 million women were utilizing HRT in 2023-2024.

Lack of Research on T2D and HRT