Going Off Menopausal Hormone Therapy
As women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer know firsthand, it is possibleand from a medical perspective, perfectly okayto stop hormones cold turkey. In fact, about half of all women who stop taking hormones cold turkey will do just fine. The other half will find that the menopausal symptoms that led them to take hormones in the first place come back with a vengeance. This is because stopping hormones turns on the menopausal switch, and that is likely to result in the side effects that women typically go on menopausal hormones to avoidhot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep problems.
Since there is no way to predict which women will experience symptoms and which women wont when they go off menopausal hormones, every woman must determine which method of going off menopausal hormones is right for her. One option is to taper off menopausal hormones gradually, which allows the body to adjust to decreasing doses of hormones and helps to reduce side effects. The second option is to quit cold turkey and then see if you are one of the lucky ones who dont have symptoms. If you are in the lucky 50%, you can throw your menopausal hormones away. If youre not, you can go back on and then begin tapering off gradually.
Money tip: menopausal hormones costs the same regardless of the dosage you are prescribed. To help reduce your costs you may want to keep your prescription dosage the same, but cut your pills in half.
Alternatives to HRT: Prescription Options
How To Get Started On Hrt
Speak to a GP if you’re interested in starting HRT.
You can usually begin HRT as soon as you start experiencing menopausal symptoms and will not usually need to have any tests first.
A GP can explain the different types of HRT available and help you choose one that’s suitable for you.
You’ll usually start with a low dose, which may be increased at a later stage. It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of treatment and there may be some side effects at first.
A GP will usually recommend trying treatment for 3 months to see if it helps. If it does not, they may suggest changing your dose, or changing the type of HRT you’re taking.
Iii Estrogens And Progestins
Estrogens are potent stimuli to the HPA axis and the LC/NE system. Postpartum, menopause, and the premenstrual syndrome are all associated with decreasing estrogen and withdrawal syndrome-like manifestations . These may include hot flushes and autonomic hyperactivity, but also fatigue, irritability, anxiety and depression, and even psychosis. Withdrawal symptoms and signs do not resemble those of estrogen hormonal deficiency, as they manifest in young women with Turner syndrome or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
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What Should I Expect The First Week Of Hrt
The first changes you will probably notice are that your skin will become a bit drier and thinner. Your pores will become smaller and there will be less oil production. You may become more prone to bruising or cuts and in the first few weeks youll notice that the odors of your sweat and urine will change.
Choosing The Right Hrt For You
It is important to find the correct HRT to help your symptoms.
A low dose of HRT hormones is usually prescribed to begin with. If you need to, you can increase your dose at a later stage.
Once you’ve started HRT, it’s best to take it for a few months to see if it works well for you. If not, you can try a different type or increase the dose. It’s really important that you talk to your GP if you have any problems with HRT.
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Physical Changes After Testosterone Therapy Ends
One of the reasons why working with a qualified hormone replacement therapy specialist is so important is the protocol that follows the end of the TRT cycle. The body is going to go through physical changes when supplemental testosterone is no longer being administered. An HRT doctor understands the treatment that must follow to stimulate the testes to increase natural testosterone production after stopping testosterone therapy.
Following the last day of testosterone injections, the body will be put through a 14 day rest cycle. Vitamin B-12 will be the only thing administered during this time. It will be injected subcutaneously beneath the skin.
In order to avoid any unwanted effects of stopping testosterone replacement therapy, our doctors at Kingsberg Medical prescribe HCG injections and Clomiphene capsules to encourage the body to produce testosterone. This helps to maintain the weight loss, muscle tone improvement, stronger bones, and other benefits that were received by correcting Low T with testosterone therapy.
Effects Of Intermission And Resumption Of Long
Clin Endocrinol. 2016 84:107-114
Purpose:
In addition to primary and secondary hypogonadism, hypogonadism occurring in middle-aged and elderly men has been recognized. There is evidence that restoring testosterone levels to normal improves body weight, serum lipids and glucose levels.
Participants:
In an ongoing registry study in a urology clinic, 262 hypogonadal men received testosterone for a maximum of 11 years. They were younger than most of the other patients . All subjects had sought urological consultation for erectile dysfunction. A deficient testosterone serum testosterone level and the presence of symptoms as assessed by the Aging Males Symptoms scale were used for the definition of hypogonadism. All men received treatment with injectable testosterone replacement therapy.
What Happens when you Stop Testosterone Replacement Therapy :
Body weight, Body Mass Index and waist circumference increased significantly. Fasting glucose and serum HbA1c returned to baseline levels or were even higher. Similar patterns were observed for serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol/HDL ratio and non-HDL cholesterol, as well as systolic blood pressure.
Results of Restarting TRT:
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Coming Off Hrt Safely: What Are The Side Effects To Consider
Many women believe that hormone replacement therapy is a cure for menopause and will leave them symptom-free. However, HRT delivers a dose of the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, which convinces the body into thinking menopause is not happening.Its common for problems to arise when you come off HRT, especially if you dont follow the correct guidance. You may find that your menopausal symptoms come back or, worse, become more pronounced.Although HRT is an excellent way of dealing with the symptoms of menopause, it is only meant to be a temporary solution. So, coming off the medication should always be appropriately managed.In this article, we take a look at how to safely come off HRT to help prevent some of the unwanted side effects.
Stopping Hormone Replacement Therapy: Cold Turkey Menopause Breastcancerorg
Posted: July 3, 2022 at 2:38 am
If you were on hormone replacement therapy and had to stop when you were diagnosed with breast cancer, you may experience a combination of natural and medical menopause. This so-called cold turkey menopause is the result of the dramatic drop in estrogen that occurs when you suddenly stop HRT.
Although HRT can treat severe menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and fatigue, current or recent past users of HRT have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Thats why its recommended that you stop HRT if you are found to have breast cancer, whether the cancer is hormone-receptor-positive or negative.
Link:
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D Premenstrual Syndrome As A Withdrawal Phenomenon
On a smaller scale, each menstrual cycle is terminated with a miniature withdrawal syndrome during the late luteal phase. Premenstrual irritability, fatigue, and mood changes are common. The syndrome, called also late luteal or premenstrual dysphoric disorder , is associated with the cyclically recurring increase and decrease in levels of estrogen and progesterone. The key characteristics of PMDD, with clear onset and offset of symptoms closely linked to the menstrual cycle and the prominence of symptoms of anger, irritability, and internal tension, were contrasted with those of known mood and anxiety disorders . PMDD displays a distinct clinical picture that, in the absence of treatment, is remarkably stable from cycle to cycle and over time. Normal or near-normal functioning of the HPA axis, biological characteristics generally related to the serotonin system, and a genetic component unrelated to major depression are further features of PMDD that separate it from other mood disorders . These symptoms are often abrogated after eliminating cyclic hormone levels by administering estrogen and progesterone daily . Women who suffer a premenstrual withdrawal syndrome are more likely to develop late pregnancy depression and anxiety, as well as postpartum blues and depression . This would suggest a common mechanism for the various facets of estrogen and progesterone withdrawal syndromes.
Ways To Quit Hormone Replacement Therapy
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 slowly. You can do this by:
- Lowering the dosage
- Taking fewer pills per week
Work with your doctor to find the best plan for you.
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Hrt Withdrawal Dont Quit Cold Turkey
Many women are so motivated to stop HRT that they quit overnight, which is very stressful for the body. Thats because it has grown dependent on this external supply of synthetic hormones. Your body had the ability to make its own hormones right through perimenopause and menopause but when you began HRT it cut back its production. But heres a little-known detail about your sex hormones: your body can naturally resume its production of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, even developing secondary hormone production sites to compensate for the decline in hormones from your ovaries. Its just that your body needs time and support to develop those sites.
In addition, we believe the stronger estrogen replacement therapy drugs, such as Premarin and Prempro, actually alter the estrogen receptors in your cells so they only recognize the synthetic hormone forms. It takes time for those receptors to resume their original form and accept natural hormones, whether its your bodys own hormones, bioidentical HRT supplements, or plant-based hormonal support in the form of phytotherapy.
Keep this rule in mind: the more severe your original symptoms, the stronger your HRT prescription, and the longer you used that therapy, the more likely it is that you will have symptoms of HRT withdrawal when you quit.
Discontinuation Of Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
- Deborah GradyCorrespondenceRequests for reprints should be addressed to Deborah Grady, MD, MPH, 1635 Divisadero Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, California 94115Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of CaliforniaSan Francisco, San Francisco, California, USADepartment of Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan Francisco, San Francisco, California, USASan Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
- AffiliationsDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of CaliforniaSan Francisco, San Francisco, California, USADepartment of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of CaliforniaSan Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Hrt Withdrawal: What To Expect When You Stop Hrt
In 2002, a government study about hormone replacement therapy called the Womens Health Initiative , made women acutely aware of HRT side effects and health risks. Since then, millions of women have stopped taking HRTsometimes suddenly. In a strange twist, its usually the same doctor who suggested HRT who is now encouraging his or her patient to stop HRT. Isnt it interesting how time can change things, even with science?
Unfortunately, many of these doctors have no real advice for patients who want to stop their HRT. And misleading headlines about HRT safety for younger women only creates more confusion. Recently, a woman came to see me, asking for help because her menopause symptoms had returned after she discontinued her estrogen replacement therapy. Her regular healthcare practitioner had simply said he didnt know what to suggest. His best guess was that if she wanted relief from her symptoms, then she would either need to start back on the HRT or try an antidepressant. Thats not encouraging for women who are trying to create a better quality of life and take care of their bodies in a natural way. Its difficult for women to not feel a bit deceived. Its a surprise sometimes, when we seek advice from a healthcare practitioner to realize that they really might not know what the best options are.
Taking Estrogen Does Not Keep Women Healthy
Now, due to the WHI, we are aware that taking estrogen does not keep women healthy. More than 16,000 women between the ages of 5079 were enrolled in the WHI trial. Half of the women were given menopausal hormone therapy half of women were given a placebo. To ensure womens safety during the trial, the researchers had established an independent data and safety monitoring board to review interim results semiannually. During the tenth analysis, on May 31, 2002, the DSMB found an increased risk for breast cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke, and blood clots that outweighed the benefit of reduced fractures or colon cancer risk. This finding led the DSMB to recommend that the trial be stopped. Today, it is not recommended that women who have or have had breast cancer take menopausal hormone therapy.
How big of a risk did the study find? If 10,000 women were taking menopausal hormone therapy for a year and 10,000 women were not, there would be eight more women in the menopausal hormone therapy group who would develop invasive breast cancer, seven more who would develop heart disease, eight more who would have a stroke, and eight more who would develop blood clots. There would also be six fewer colorectal cancers and five fewer hip fractures.
It is now clear that menopausal hormone therapy is not the womens wonder drug that many thought it would be. We now know that menopausal hormones:
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All I Know About Stopping Hrt So Far
by LynetteSh | Sep 8, 2010 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Hot Flashes, Menopause in Community, Menopause Relief & Treatment, Stopping HRT |
It has been 5 months since I cut my estradiol patch in half the next step in getting off HRT
Thankfully, the process has been relatively easy. Oh sure, Ive had hot flashes on occasion. Especially at night. Still, none of them has been of the severity or duration of my pre-HRT surges.
Every woman is different. I know I sound like a broken record here, but its true. No single remedy, help, or idea fits each woman during her menopause transition.
With that in mind, here are a few things Ive learned that may be of help if you are considering stopping your HRT or even your herbal remedies.
#1. Take it slow, sistah.While there are few absolutes, heres one. Do not go cold turkey off your HRT, herbal remedy, or other natural solution. Why would you want to rush it? Give your body time to adjust.
Give yourself a chance to notice if side effects are going to show up, and if they might diminish over time. Look for other ways to remain cool, rested, and emotionally balanced. Remember that your body has a feedback system built in to monitor hormone levels lets not take it to condition Red, stress overload, shock to system just because weve decided to stop HRT.
Likely, well have enough to keep us from chronic insomnia, mood swings, and intractable hot flashes.
How Will I Be Monitored While On Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Your doctor will measure your testosterone levels at the 3- and 6-month marks after treatment begins. After that youll be tested once a year. If your levels are OK youll stay on your current dose.
If your testosterone levels are too low, your dose may be adjusted. At the same time, your doctor will check your red blood cell levels.
Within 1 to 2 years of TRT, your doctor will measure your bone density if you had osteoporosis when treatment began. Your doctor will evaluate your prostate cancer risk at the start of treatment and may do more tests at the 3- and 6-month marks, and then annually.
Patients taking TRT should call 911 immediately if they have symptoms which include:
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What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy is the process of taking hormones when your natural hormone levels are low.
Hormone replacement therapy can help to reduce symptoms associated with low hormones and help to balance your hormone levels and body functions.
Hormone replacement therapy can be used for a variety of hormones, most commonly low insulin, estrogen , testosterone, human growth hormone, and thyroid hormones. Hormone replacement therapy can be used for both men and women.
Hormone replacement therapy comes in different types of applications including topicals like creams, gels, and patches, ingestibles like pill or capsule supplements, injections, and implants.
Not all hormones come in every form, so your doctor will help you to decide which form is best for you based on the hormone that you are taking. Each application type has its own pros and cons and must be weighed to decide if it fits your lifestyle and needs appropriately.
Do You Need To Wean Off Hrt
While milder forms of HRT, like topical creams for vaginal dryness, can be stopped immediately, the majority of HRT medication requires users to gradually stop taking it over a two-to-four-month period.Gradually decreasing your HRT dose reduces the risk of your symptoms returning in the short-term. Your GP may advise lowering your HRT dose, cutting HRT pills in half, or using a patch with reducing doses.
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