What are the effects of BHRT on stroke? Is it a total misnomer that BHRT is linked to an increase risk of stroke?

One of the most recent studies on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and stroke was published in the journal Menopause in 2021. The study found that BHRT using estradiol and micronized progesterone was not associated with an increased risk of stroke in postmenopausal women. In fact, the study suggested that BHRT may even have a protective effect against stroke in some women, particularly those who are relatively young and within a few years of menopause. This aligns with the growing body of evidence suggesting that when used appropriately, bioidentical hormones may offer a safer alternative to synthetic hormone therapies, especially for women experiencing hormonal imbalances during menopause.

Another recent study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine in 2020 found that BHRT using estradiol was associated with a lower risk of stroke compared to synthetic hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. The study also found that the risk of stroke varied depending on the type of hormone therapy used, with some types of BHRT associated with a lower risk of stroke than others. For example, estradiol in combination with progesterone appeared to carry a lower risk than estrogen-only therapies in women who still had a uterus, highlighting the importance of personalized hormone therapy approaches.

Overall, the current research on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and stroke suggests that BHRT may not increase the risk of stroke and may even have a protective effect against stroke in some women. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of BHRT in relation to stroke, particularly in different age groups and with longer follow-up periods. Since hormone therapy is not appropriate for everyone, particularly women with a history of cardiovascular disease or those at high risk for stroke, individuals considering BHRT should discuss their options with a healthcare provider. Physicians may evaluate the benefits of BHRT on an individual basis, considering factors like age, overall health, and family history of stroke. If you’d like to explore your options or have any questions about how BHRT might fit into your health plan, feel free to reach out to us for personalized BHRT consultations and support here.

For more information about BHRT and hormone replacement therapy, visit Pivotal Charlotte.

Our team here at Pivotal Weight Loss and Longevity.