When to stop HRT

I came off gradually after over twelve years. I loved HRT and really didn't want to stop but GP was insistent...so I stopped, had debilitating hot flushes (which was why I started it in the first place) and found the fringe benefits. After this, I resumed the original low dose and very gradually reduced it, finally taking only one pill a week for a looooong time and then stopping. I had a few hot flushes but nothing like before and after a few weeks they stopped altogether. Good luck!

My problem was vaginal dryness and UTIs. I used HRT for some years, then GP refused further prescriptions. At the the time there was a scare about a link with breast cancer.
I was ok for about 4 years, the the UTIs returned, so I went back to the doctor, now use an estriol cream.
You should ask your GP's advice, we're not doctors (apart from Galen, as far as I know.)And everyone is different.

My dear sister and I (only 22 months between us) decided when we reached 'a certain age' we should take HRT as both our Mum and her Mum had osteoporosis very badly and there was no history of breast cancer so we both took it for about five years which seemed to get us both over the worst.
Dear sister's DH then had a dreadful (mercifully rare) degenerative neurological illness and she nursed him day and night to his death for several years. Exactly one year after his death she was diagnosed with breast cancer-we are both convinced it was stress related. After chemo and surgery she's been doing fine for 10 years now btw. Although the cancer drug she's been taking has given her osteoporosis now so more different tablets. . . .

The one thing they never tell you (or that I didn't know and which you seem to be asking) is that when you stop HRT, you can expect the symptoms of menopause to return. That's why I weaned myself off gradually and it seemed to work.

I was on hrt following an full hysterectomy in my mid forties. I was on it for a very long time. It was a miricle drug for me. We used to call it my 'happy patches' but in my late fifties I felt it was time to reduce it. I came off it very slowly, over about nine - twelve months and was o.k. I'm occasionally tempted to ask again but then I think my aches an tiredness are age related and that can't be stopped. good luck

I have been taking hrt for 18 years and have no intention of stopping! Joanna Lumley feels the same. Miracle drug

Ditto Dillonsgranma.

I went on HRT at age 25 after a full emergency hysterectomy. I only came off it last January so was on it for 24 yrs. Everytime I went to Dr for repeat 3 month prescription he would say about time you came off them, as I am now 50. I got fed up having to get appointments and after moving 3 times in 3 yrs and changing Drs three times when I ran out last January I could not be bothered to make an appointment for another lecture so just went cold turkey! The first couple of months I had hot flushes and all the usual menopause symptoms, but I looked to natural remedies instead of chemicals. I now take Tesco own brand menopause multi plus multi vits + minerals (buy 2 get one free) and I take glucosamine sulphate max strength 1500mg for achey joints again Tesco own brand (buy 2 get one free). I was buying menopace and holland and barrat equivalents which cost an absolute fortune but when I compared ingrediants they were exactly the same at a fraction of cost! So I am glad I got myself through it and no longer take HRT after 25 years dependancy on it.

I was on HRT for 10 years after a hysterectomy in my 40s, then the GP said it had to stop. I had full blown symptoms of menopause with terrible hot flushes and night sweats. 10 years later I still get some hot flushes. I believe they now say you can stay on longer. I wish I had!

I'm 68, have taken it for 20 years and refuse to come off it like Dillonsgranma I think it's a miracle drug. My GP (Male) is fine with that but I sometimes battle with the HRT practice nurse. My sister (2 years younger) regrets coming off it.

MOBrown - I think different people react differently. I was instructed to stop taking HRT and withdrew it very gradually but all my hot flushes returned and my sleep was constantly interrupted.

The GP prescribed Clonidine which doesn't work for everyone and didn't work for me. He then agreed to let me take HRT again on alternate days, which is a low enough dose to stop the hot flushes without all the risks they tell you about.

My older sisters still use it too - one with a patch and the other (who had a hysterectomy) with an implant. These may carry fewer risks. Good luck.

I too had an early hysterectomy at 39 and was put on HRT patches(Evorel 50)for menopause symptoms. Also, like Newquay, both my Mum and her Mum had osteoporosis and there is no family history of any cancer. I stayed on this until last year and our doctor always spelled out the possible consequences but, ultimately, it was MY decision.
I weaned myself off it over two years but even now am not sure I've made the right decision - now having hot flushes again at 67. It was certainly MY miracle drug Dillonsgranma

Ive booked an appointment to ask for the HRT, I've Been convinced the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, I'm nearly 49. After reading comments on here, I'm not sure now?

I think I'll ask for the low dose after advice on here, Thank you

For me taking pills is a last resort. I avoid a visit the doctors.
I have been going through the menopause for a couple of years. I have had x1 period in the last year.
Yes! had hot flushes and dizzy spells. I just keep on living.

Also on HRT patches following hysterectomy at 50 continued till 69 then GP( male) stopped it Would have preferred continuing but too many other difficulties at that time to fight GP .A few years on occasional hot flush .

I've been on HRT for over 26 years. I started on a high dose of patches (after a hysterectomy) and I felt wonderful. The dose has gradually reduced and I have tried to give it up a few times. The hot flushes are so bad I have had a panic attack at the shops so am back on the minimum dose. I still get hot flushes in the night but not so severely. I am 70 now and have no intention of giving it up.

I was on hrt for for four half years after early hysterectomy I came off it because found lump in breast and it scared me the lump was just hormonal but doc said it was time to come off sister did the same both still get hot flushes but take herbal stuff for flushes now will try the telco one as afore mentioned. Thanks .

I started the menopause when I turned 50. My sister in canada suggested I take paba500 which I got out of holland and barret. It seemed to work for me as before I was having hot flushes and mood swings. I was not on them for long .

I started HRT after a hysterectomy when I was 40, I was on it for 20+ years with no side effects, my Dr also insisted it was time to come off it, so I did it very gradually over a few years. Now at 68, I am having 'tropical moments' still and my bones have deteriorated rapidly, I wish I could have stayed on it forever!

I am amazed that so many of you have been refused HRT by your GP. My GP advised me of the risks, which I had previously researched, and I took an informed decision to continue taking HRT. Surely in this day and age we should be working in partnership with our doctor, and taking responsibility for our own health provided we are in possession of the evidence.

I went on HRT patches at the age of 49 and stopped after about 10 years. I too came off very gradually - cutting patches in half then quarters over several months. I still experienced hot flushes afterwards. My 'Breast doc' was adamant that I should stop (had a few non malignant breast lumps). Consultant seeing to my other parts (womb) said that he thought women should stay on it for ever!! Who do you believe.

I felt so well on HRT and still, 10 years on, get the odd hot flush, especially first thing in the morning. With hind sight I think I should have stayed on it - but we are in the hands of the medical profession and their opinions - I now have vaginal atrophy with its associated problems. Hey ho - they joys of getting older!!

There is plenty of up to date evidence about HRT if you look for it Elsie10. You don't have to rely on doctors "opinions". Good doctors will be be up to date with current research.

dillonsgranma and lazigirl - two ladies after my own heart!!
i've been on hrt [implants and then tablets] since 1995 when i had a complete hysterectomy owing to ovarian cancer.
i've had discussions with my gp about taking it and they're ok with me continuing for as long as i want.
i've looked at the pros and cons of taking it for long periods and decided that i definately don't want osteoporosis. my mother had this as did one of my friends and they both fractured bones when they had falls. not for me thank you.