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Women’s health specialist Pelin Batur, MD, shares tips for surviving hot flashes at night. Tips for surviving night sweats during menopause.
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There is no best way to stop HRT. "If you're on a low dose, you may be able to go cold turkey," Chang says. But in general, she and Schiff prefer that women taper off hormones...
- Overview
- Why might someone want to stop HRT?
- What happens if you stop HRT suddenly?
- How to stop HRT safely
- Are there withdrawal symptoms?
- How long can someone take HRT?
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
If people decide to stop taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), they should reduce the dosage gradually. Stopping abruptly may cause a return of menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and disrupted sleep.
People may wish to stop taking HRT if they have been taking it for a long time, if their menopause symptoms are reducing as they get older, or for other health reasons.
Doctors advise taking HRT for the shortest time possible. This is because HRT may increase the risk of certain health problems with long-term use.
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), there is no set time for how long people can take HRT. People may take HRT for 2–5 years to treat menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, or sometimes longer.
People may also stop taking HRT because they experience a decrease in their menopausal symptoms, which happens as people get older. People may decide the risks of HRT begin to outweigh the benefits. Additionally, the risks of HRT may increase as people get older, particularly for people over the age of 60.
People may also need to stop taking HRT due to certain health conditions, such as breast cancer. HRT may increase the risk of breast cancer, so experts advise people to stop taking HRT if they have breast cancer.
A 2018 article examined reasons for discontinuing HRT and included 825 telephone surveys with females using HRT in South China.
The survey found that people started HRT to manage menopausal symptoms, and reasons for discontinuing HRT included:
Stopping HRT suddenly may cause temporary withdrawal symptoms, in which people will experience menopausal symptoms.
People may experience both natural and medical menopause or “cold turkey” menopause if they stop HRT abruptly. This is due to the rapid drop in estrogen.
If people choose to stop HRT, experts usually recommend coming off the medication slowly.
People can do this by gradually reducing the estrogen dosage every few days over several weeks. It may be best to taper off HRT over 3–6 months.
People may experience a temporary return of some menopausal symptoms when they stop taking HRT, although this may be less likely to happen if people reduce the dosage in stages.
If symptoms return and persist for more than 3 months, people can speak with a doctor. A doctor may recommend going back on a low dose of HRT to manage symptoms or they may recommend other treatments.
According to the North American Menopause Society, the recommended length of time for taking combined estrogen and progestogen HRT is usually 5 years or less, although this can vary.
The risk of breast cancer may increase if people take estrogen and progestogen HRT continuously for 5 or more years.
How long does it take for HRT to leave your system after stopping?
The amount of time it takes for HRT to leave the body may depend on the type of HRT people take and the method they use. There is a lack of research, though, into how long HRT stays in the system once a person stops using it. One 2019 study looked at the effects of HRT containing estriol in the form of vaginal rings. Estriol levels in the blood increased rapidly with the treatment and then, quickly decreased. There was a continuous decrease in estriol levels after around 6 days.
Will I lose weight if I stop HRT?
There is little evidence to suggest stopping HRT will make people lose weight. A 2023 systematic review found taking HRT is not likely to cause significant weight changes during or after menopause. Weight changes may occur in relation to getting older or menopause, but this may happen regardless of taking HRT. Ways to help manage weight include getting regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.
People may decide to stop hormone replacement therapy after being on the medication for a certain length of time, once they reach a certain age, or once their menopausal symptoms start easing.
Some health conditions, such as breast cancer, may also require people to stop taking HRT.
Gradually reducing the dosage of HRT, instead of stopping abruptly, may help prevent withdrawal symptoms.
If people want to stop taking HRT, they can talk with a doctor about the best way to do it safely.
- Beth Sissons
People also ask
When should you stop taking hormone replacement therapy?
What happens if you stop taking hormone replacement therapy?
How do you stop HRT if you're on a low dose?
When should I stop taking HRT?
4 days ago · Healthcare professionals typically prescribe the lowest progesterone dose at the beginning of HRT. They then slowly increase a person’s dosage until they reach the lowest dose that relieves ...
Mar 22, 2022 · If you stop HRT cold turkey, or suddenly, you will likely experience symptoms of estrogen withdrawal, including hot flashes and night sweats. You can manage these symptoms by slowly decreasing your dose over time.
Dec 6, 2022 · Print. Products and services. Hormone therapy: Is it right for you? Hormone therapy was once routinely used to treat menopausal symptoms and protect long-term health. Then large clinical trials showed health risks. What does this mean for you? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Hormone replacement therapy is medication that contains female hormones.
- What Are The Benefits of Hormone Therapy?The benefits of hormone therapy depend, in part, on whether you take systemic hormone therapy or low-dose vaginal preparations of estrogen. 1. Syst...
- What Are The Risks of Hormone Therapy?In the largest clinical trial to date, a combination estrogen-progestin pill (Prempro) increased the risk of certain serious conditions, including:...
- Who Should Consider Hormone Therapy?Despite its health risks, systemic estrogen is still the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. The benefits of hormone therapy may outw...
- Who Should Avoid Hormone Therapy?Women who have or previously had breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, blood clots in the legs or lungs, stroke, liver disease, or une...
- If You Take Hormone Therapy, How Can You Reduce Risk?Talk to your doctor about these strategies: 1. Find the best product and delivery method for you. You can take estrogen in the form of a pill, patc...
- What Can You Do If You Can't Take Hormone Therapy?You may be able to manage menopausal hot flashes with healthy-lifestyle approaches, such as keeping cool, limiting caffeinated beverages and alcoho...
- The Bottom Line: Hormone Therapy Isn't All Good Or All BadTo determine if hormone therapy is a good treatment option for you, talk to your doctor about your individual symptoms and health risks. Be sure to...
Jan 29, 2024 · Thyroid medication, such as levothyroxine, is safe and not habit-forming. Therefore, there is generally no need to stop taking it if it is treating hypothyroidism effectively. Additionally, if...
Mar 12, 2024 · Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps treat symptoms of menopause like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Your age, family medical history, personal medical history and severity of your symptoms are factors that may affect your decision to take hormone therapy.
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related to: can you stop hrt if you're on a low dose medicationFeeling Hot (Not In A Good Way?) We Got You! Explore Safe & Effective Menopause Solutions. Women Over 40-We See You, We Hear You, We Are You! Explore Effective Menopause Solutions!
Learn about a once-weekly option FDA approved for pediatric growth hormone deficiency. Visit the official HCP website and see if this treatment may be right for your patients.
Columbus Men's Clinic of Ohio | ED | Low T | PE | Weight Loss | Improve Your Performance. Contact Our Highly Reviewed Local Clinic & Let Our Physicians Create A Plan Just For You
