hrt forever? when do you stop? do you stop?

another "curious" question.
for women on hrt, at what age do you stop taking it?
Is it something that eventually you phase out or is it like thyroid meds, life-long?

thank you.

(((((((((Cas))))))))),

The ladies at the hormone jungle are very knowledgeable about hrt . You may want to post this question there.

Here is the link to their message boards.

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/for...111?styleid=14

Best wishes,

Pamcat

Hi CAS,

I went to see an Endocrinologist about HRT, actually to be more specific, ERT.

She told me that Estrogen is needed by a womans body, and that I would be on it until I would traditionally go through menopause (50 - 55).

It may be a good idea to see an Endocrinologist, s/he can give you specific information as it pertains to you.

Hope this is helpful.

hyterhelp

Hi, CAS! That is a very good question we all would like to know the answer to! It used to be thought we should take estrogen into old age since it had so many benefits. Then the study last summer showed there were too many risks, so probably women should only take estrogen/progestin for a short time (and lowest possible dose) just to get through the worst menopause symptoms. Some drs said to take it until you reached the age of 51 (average age of natural menopause) if you had ovaries removed before then. And some said there was no big risk if you took it for an extra 5 years after that.

But there is still a study on-going with women who have had hysterectomies. They are taking plain estrogen (no progestin), and we should know in a couple years whether it is safe for us hystersisters to take HRT past age 51. I sure hope I can, because I like how I feel on estradiol! Here is an "analysis" of that study published last summer, by one of our hostesses who studies this a lot: https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...threadid=67175

Talk it over with your dr, and discuss the benefits vs. risks with him/her. s and best wishes!
Ruthie

hi Cas!

I've HEARD that "they" don't like you to be on HRT for more than 5 years. This is a result of a study of women who have been on it for years and years. It's probably not really necessary to take it for an extended period of time.

I was only on it for 6 months and then was off them. No problems here! Speak with your doctor about this concern and get his/her opinion.

You are all so great to reply so quickly! even when it isn't urgent.
I'm actually glad to hear it is an endocrinologist one sees, because I already have one I am very happy with for my hypothyroidism.

I may not even need to take hrt - I'm just trying to get enough information so I can ask my dr. some intelligent questions when I see him next week to discuss surgery.
I have a list of "before , during and after" hospital stay questions!!

I'm starting to actually believe that I did tell him I would have surgery - for about 2 weeks it seemed completely unreal.

thanks for all the help.