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Benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - NHS

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: NHS (National Health Service, UK) · Published: September 12, 2026 · Accessed: September 12, 2026

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Claims this source supports

  • HRT tablets can increase the risk of blood clots, but the risk is still very low.
  • HRT patches, sprays and gels do not increase the risk of blood clots, because oestrogen is safer when it is absorbed into the body through the skin.
  • If you are at risk of blood clots you will usually be advised to use HRT patches, spray or gel rather than tablets.
  • HRT tablets (but not patches, gel or spray) slightly increase the risk of stroke, but the risk is still very low, particularly if you are under 60 years old.