Estrogen and Blood Clots?

[WeRNotAfraid (imported)]

Ok, here's the deal. I now take 2mg of estradiol and 1 mg of propecia a day, in preperation for my surgery in January. I want to get used to hormone replacement before hand so I have something in my system after surgery. Anyway, I also smoke, and I am terrified of blood clots. I know that smoking on estrogen is a no-no, but I'm only 24 and otherwise healthy. Just how much risk am I looking at? Right now, I have myself expecting to drop dead any minute, but surely this low dose can't be that dangerous. Does anybody have any idea of how much risk I am facing? I'm afraid that, if one of them goes, it's going to have to be the estradiol. I'm trying to lose weight pre-surgery, and if I kick the cigs beforehand (I will definitely quit post-op) I will pack on the pounds. I only need to lose like 15, though, so it's not so bad. Post-op I will probably switch to the estrogen patch, since supposedly it's less likely to cause clots and other health problems.

[Leona Lee (imported)]

Ok, here's the deal. I now take 2mg of estradiol and 1 mg of propecia a day, in preperation for my surgery in January. I want to get used to hormone replacement before hand so I have something in my system after surgery. Anyway, I also smoke, and I am terrified of blood clots. I know that smoking on estrogen is a no-no, but I'm only 24 and otherwise healthy. Just how much risk am I looking at? Right now, I have myself expecting to drop dead any minute, but surely this low dose can't be that dangerous. Does anybody have any idea of how much risk I am facing? I'm afraid that, if one of them goes, it's going to have to be the estradiol. I'm trying to lose weight pre-surgery, and if I kick the cigs beforehand (I will definitely quit post-op) I will pack on the pounds. I only need to lose like 15, though, so it's not so bad. Post-op I will probably switch to the estrogen patch, since supposedly it's less likely to cause clots and other health problems.

Hi Wernotafraid! Thank you for your profile.Now we know what your about.Hugs,Leona

[Christina (imported)]

Ok yes, they say that you shouldn't smoke while taking estrogen. It does increase the chances of clotting. How much more? I don't think anyone knows the answer.

If it's any consolation to you, I'm twice your age, take four times (and then some) more estrogen, very overweight and smoke like a freight train at times. I've been doing this a few years now and have had no symptoms, other than over worked muscles and a pulled back. I also have Phlebitis (inflammation of the wall of a vein) and varicos veins, which I think both are hereditary.

You should be concerned with your health, but don't overreact. Worrying all the time won't do you much good. If you are that concerned, go see a physician. He/she can do some test to check for clotting and such, then you'll know where you stand. I've had dozens of tests done on me and all have been ok so far.

[sag111 (imported)]

One thing to remember to is dont over do it what i mean is dont try to get resalts over night by taking to much drugs to fast

[Glenda J (imported)]

I will echo what SAG said and offer one thing more. Talk to your doctor (and you should not be taking hormones without a doctor involved) about the estrogen patch as opposed to a pill. I do not claim to be an expert on this, however, I understand the patch has less chance of producing blood clots than the pill.

[madscientist1 (imported)]

Ok, here's the deal. I now take 2mg of estradiol and 1 mg of propecia a day, in preperation for my surgery in January. I want to get used to hormone replacement before hand so I have something in my system after surgery. Anyway, I also smoke, and I am terrified of blood clots. I know that smoking on estrogen is a no-no, but I'm only 24 and otherwise healthy. Just how much risk am I looking at? Right now, I have myself expecting to drop dead any minute, but surely this low dose can't be that dangerous. Does anybody have any idea of how much risk I am facing? I'm afraid that, if one of them goes, it's going to have to be the estradiol. I'm trying to lose weight pre-surgery, and if I kick the cigs beforehand (I will definitely quit post-op) I will pack on the pounds. I only need to lose like 15, though, so it's not so bad. Post-op I will probably switch to the estrogen patch, since supposedly it's less likely to cause clots and other health problems.

Keep in mind that good, old aspirin is a blood thinner. Baby aspirin is the proper dose for this-one a day. You MUST discontinue use before surgery. Tell your doctor about this. I take vitamin B complex+B12 shots to prevent clotting. 1/month is good.

[Erika28 (imported)]

Smoking while on 2mg estrogen at your age, while increasing risk of blood clotting, has very little chance of creating complications because of the nature of the hormones (bio-identical), the low dosage and your age. Nothing to worry about ... but quitting smokes is a wise move nonetheless.

Smoking reduces the amount of estrogen that is available to the body, when taken ORALLY, as it induces enzymes responsible for metabolization/destruction of estrogen within the gastro-intestinal tract and liver. So basically, you get less if you smoke and have to take more estrogen.

Better to go for non-oral estrogen (gel, patches, injections, nasal, pellets) as this substantially reduces risk of clotting and is not affected by smoking. Two important benefits.

Aspirin will not reduce the risk of clotting induced by oral estrogen as it works at a different level (arterial and not venous). B-Complex or B12 will also do nothing to help. The only helpful agent is warfarin (Coumadin) or Heparin (injected in hospitals). This is essentially rat poison and should only be given in circumstances where DVT is more likely.

Erika

[JeffEunuch (imported)]

Ok, here's the deal. I now take 2mg of estradiol and 1 mg of propecia a day, in preperation for my surgery in January. I want to get used to hormone replacement before hand so I have something in my system after surgery. Anyway, I also smoke, and I am terrified of blood clots. I know that smoking on estrogen is a no-no, but I'm only 24 and otherwise healthy. Just how much risk am I looking at? Right now, I have myself expecting to drop dead any minute, but surely this low dose can't be that dangerous. Does anybody have any idea of how much risk I am facing?

Just kick the habit. In addition to medical risks, it just ages your skin and body in other ways. And if you're concerned about weight, exercise.

[WeRNotAfraid (imported)]

Oh, I do try and exercise, but I'm not allowed to for another month due to hernia surgery........and then I'm having my orchiectomy, which will probably be pretty much the same in terms of pain and recovery. At least they can use the same scar they made for my hernia on the right side. Also, my surgery is going to be under general anesthesia, so you can add on weeks of fatigue post-op. I still feel run down and sleepy from my recent operation, as I always have when I've had general in the past. Of course, I plan on quitting smoking ASAP; it's such a filthy habit, but one of the few vices I have left.