Can you take hormone replacement if you smoke?
Smoking while on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does come with health risks that need to be considered carefully before starting treatment. However, it may still be possible to use HRT if you smoke, especially if you are trying to quit or cut back. Some key points:
Risks of Smoking and HRT
- Smokers generally face higher health risks from HRT, especially regarding blood clots, stroke, and heart disease
- The estrogen in HRT can increase levels of chemicals that promote blood clots
- Smoking makes blood more prone to clotting already
- Together these effects may greatly elevate clot risks
Options if You Smoke
- Your doctor may recommend against HRT or limit estrogen doses
- Using a transdermal estrogen patch could help lower blood clot risks
- Progestin-only HRT could be an option to avoid estrogen risks
- Quitting smoking is highly recommended to improve HRT safety
Ways to Manage Risks
- Have regular checkups to monitor blood pressure and clotting factors
- Follow dosage guidelines carefully under doctor supervision
- Report any issues like migraine, vision issues or leg pain
- Adopt lifestyle changes:
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
- Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
So in summary - yes, HRT may still be an option even if you smoke, but risks need to be addressed upfront. Work closely with your doctor to determine if benefits outweigh the risks in your individual situation. Be committed to safety precautions, lifestyle changes and monitoring while using HRT.