When to stop HRT

I was on HRT for menopausal mood swings for about 5 years. I decided that i wanted to come off, as I was unhappy at having artificial hormones. I was on patches so, at the doctor's instigation, doubled the interval between the new ones gradually until i was off completely. I did have about a year's worth of hot flushes, etc., and still have the occasional one 15 years alter, but I know someone who still has them at 83!
There is no history of osteoporosis or hormone dependent breast cancer, but still I prefer owning my body. Yes, it is the elixir of youth, but I prefer being old, creaky and cranky
So your decision Mo is yours alone, stick by it...

after not alter...

Don't. The hormones you're taking are just replacements for what your body has been producing naturally all your life. I'll bet if a man's testosterone stopped they'd be demanding replacements! How do you think the stars keep going - Joan Collins, Jane Fonda, etc etc. I know surgery has kept their faces young but you can bet your bottom dollar that they're taking hrt. You can stay on it for ever according to what I've read.

You are absolutely right grandMattie. It should be your own decision, it is your body MoBrown, and what is right for you may not be for someone else. HRT is definitely not the elixir of youth, although it can help with some unpleasant symptoms and whether or not to take/continue with it does need careful consideration. There's lots of good advice here about gradually stopping it, and you can always review things if symptoms return.

The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages I think. I like having a decent head of hair, strong bones, amd young looking skin.
and no night sweats or hot flushes or mood swings!

Like many of you on here I was on HRT for over 10 years but had breast tissue problems, so had to come off it. I weaned myself off it in increments over a period of 3 months and although I had hot flushes, I felt relieved to be off it. The focus always seems to be on whether to begin taking HRT or not and there is not a lot of information out there about when and how to stop should the need arise for medical reasons or just because it's a personal decision. There is no doubt that for many of us it is a wonder drug, but the downside is that coming off it means your body has to adjust to the drop in hormone levels in the same way as it does naturally in menopause, so unless you intend to stay on it forever, you are really only postponing the inevitable. I had no idea about this when I was first prescribed HRT (I did not ask for it, but was prescribed for medical reasons) I had presumed taking HRT meant that I would never get the symptoms! With hindsight I wish I had researched it thoroughly rather than just accepting my GP's decision to prescribe it for me.

I have been taking it for about 15 years since an early menopause after hysterectomy at 40. I take oestrogen only. There is no breast cancer in my family, but my mum had osteoporosis, and I have the beginnings. So my allocated GP is keen for me to continue. However, every time I see a different doctor, they feel the need to lecture me about taking HR for too long. Last time I went I had to see a young locum who told me very rudely that "You have to go through the menopause at some time"! I was furious and told him I will - when I die! When I saw my "real" GP later on, He made the comment that the younger doctors take a different view of medication, but that he definitely wants me to carry on.

I first started HRT when I was 38 following a hysterectomy I am now 70 and have no intention of coming off it as I believe the benefits outweigh the risks my Doctor agrees with me

it's so good to see so many others,like me, who have been on HRT for over 20 years.The only time I tried to come off, the quality of my life dropped drastically. The lack of sleep due to night sweats affected everything ,it was such a miserable time .Thank goodness my G.P.was understanding and allowed me to decide what I wanted.

I had a hysterectomy at 35 now 58 still on HRT patches and docs happy as I am to carry on using them, I have arthritus and so will keep using them, It's down to the individual, do what suits you.

I had intended to stay on hrt forever, however, my brand was discontinued. The next pill made me bleed. I tried patches next but thought they made me feel unwell and gave me palpitations so gave up in Feb.
Hello hot flushes and dryness!! I am tired all the time and thanks to the government still have to work.
I have just stuck on a patch thanks to this thread so we'll see if the symptoms were real or I just imagined them. If so I will try the Dr. again, he was very supportive and sample another make. GrandMattie I want to own my body too but I want it to behave as I would like it too.
I am a beauty therapist so come into close contact with a lot of women, most of my clients are of a certain age, we have got older together. 3 of them are in their late seventies and have been on hrt forever. They look good, their skin seems good (that maybe down to me!) and they have energy. Good enough for me.

Sage tablets from H & B were my saviour when I came off HRT. Taken as per the dosage on the label.

If you use HRT please don't take Premarin. It's made from the urine of pregnant mares and the conditions they are kept in is the stuff of horror stories.

I was also on HRT for around 15yrs and always said I would stay on it as long as possible. However 18 months ago I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and had to come off it immediately! My night sweats and other symptoms came back but hey ho didn't really have much choice. Someone then suggested I try Sage tablets and they have really helped with the sweats/flushes etc. Still loved my HRT when I was on it though and as others have said thought it was a miracle pill.