HRT and stroke risk

[ChelseaAnn]

I was curious if anyone has had or knows someone trans* who has had a stroke due to HRT. It has become a concern to my wife because a trans friend of mine just had one this weekend, and she is my age (almost 30). She has had some other problems and she smoked prior to transitioning. Any thoughts? I heard there's a slightly increased risk, but I can't imagine its more than some other factors in people's daily lives.

[Jill F]

Yes, I know someone who had a minor stroke while self-medicating on E.  She was one of the lucky ones who came thru OK.  Here's how to avoid-

1) Don't smoke or do hard drugs.
2) High blood pressure is a bad combo with HRT.  Get exercise.
3) Don't self-medicate!  Make sure an endo is watching over you.
4) Oral E goes through the liver, which is where blood clots are most likely to originate.  Pellet implants, patches, gels and sublingual E bypass the liver.  I take the gel, and it's working- not as aggressively as some people would prefer, but I have learned patience.  Transition is a marathon, not a sprint!
5) Don't take more E than you have to.  I will probably refuse to up my dose next time if my endo wants to.  I'm happy the way I am, and I know the nuts are coming off in '14 or '15 and I can probably even reduce my dose then.

That's all I have...

[Eva Marie]

Yes, i know someone that is trans and has had a stroke.

There are a few things that you can check and do to reduce your risk.

Things to quit doing are smoking, eating crap food, eating too much salt, and drinking excessively.

Things to begin doing are monitoring your blood pressure, getting exercise, drinking more water, and eating small, light, healthy meals. Know the symptoms of a TIA and get to a medical facility ASAP if they happen.

HRT elevates the risks of blood clots. A healthy lifestyle helps reduce that risk.

I understand why people self-medicate but you put yourself at great risk of a stroke and other problems if you choose to do so.

Believe me, you don't want a stroke and they often hit with no warning at all.

[suzifrommd]

My doctor has me take a 81mg aspirin with my estradiol every day to diminish clot risk.