Both are effective — the best choice depends on your health history and personal preferences.
Oral tablets (pills):
- Easy to take daily
- Pass through the liver ("first-pass metabolism"), which can slightly increase the risk of blood clots — particularly in women over 60 or with cardiovascular risk factors
- May increase triglycerides in some women
Skin patches (transdermal):
- Absorbed directly through the skin, bypassing the liver
- Associated with a lower risk of blood clots than oral estrogen
- Applied twice weekly (or weekly, depending on the formulation) rather than daily
Patches may be preferable for: Women with higher cardiovascular risk, liver conditions, high triglycerides, or difficulty with daily pill routines.
Pills may be preferable for: Women comfortable with daily medication or those for whom patches cause skin irritation.
Your QuickMD clinician will recommend the form that best suits your health profile — there's no single "better" option.