HOW DO I STOP TAKING HRT?

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When you decide you want to stop taking HRT, ask your doctor about reducing the dosage gradually, as this will prevent a return of short-term symptoms, like hot flushes. A possible routine might be: If you are taking HRT as tablets, change to a lower dose tablet for a few weeks, then take one every alternate day for a few weeks, then just once or twice a week for two weeks, then stop altogether. If you are using a patch, change to a lower dose patch for a few weeks, then leave 1-2 days between changing patches without using one at all, then leave 3-4 days between patches, then, after you have been wearing a patch for only half the time, you should be able to stop.

Implants are more difficult to cut down on, so talk to your doctor about this. He may suggest that when your current implant comes to an end you try tablets or patches that are easier to cut down.

During this ‘weaning off’ process, some symptoms may return, but they will probably not be frequent or severe. If they are, you will have to decide whether to live with the symptoms or go back to full-time HRT. Plushes and night sweats are usually worse in hot weather or when you are under stress, so it is easier to stop taking HRT when the weather is cooler and when you are feeling calm and in control of your life.

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