Question about menopause and HRT

[uppityperson]

What happens when you stop taking hormone replacements after menopause? I'd hate to risk HRT and then be back at where I am now when I quit in a yr, and don't want to do HRT for more than a yr due to the associated risks.

If a person were to start HRT because of getting really tired of waking up every couple hrs all night with hot flashes/etc, and took HRT for a yr or so, and then stopped, what happens next? Do the hot flashes resume as they did before (HRT) giving a bit of a break in there), do you wake up one morning burnt to a crisp (all the hot flashes came at once) or are there no more hot flashes (because your hormones quit fluctuating you lucky woman)? I'm assuming that it could be any of these, but does anyone have experience with this?

[blue neen]

1. I use a patch called the Vivelle Dot.

I did stop using it for awhile, and ALL of the symptoms did come back (I get cold instead of hot). It was the other symptoms that bothered me more than the temperature changes.

I went back on the patch, but at a lower dose (.0375). This seems to be working well, and I feel more assured because I'm on such a low dose.

Good luck. :hi:

[peacebird]

2. hot flashes resumed for me, with sweats.

i found prempro hrt to be utterly ineffective, and it made me grumpy as well. i quit it cold turkey (not the recommended method) and decided the hot flashes and night sweats were less of a problem than it was.

for sleeplessness i take an ambien about once a week. i find in the winter that having a fan at the head of the bed helps a lot - flick it on when "flashing" to cool off. and i started using an electric blanket on low so i no longer get the chills from dampness after the flash passes.

to limit hot flashes i find adding garden sage leaves to tea (a cup or two a day) really helps me. it stops all but the most stubborn flashes.

my flashes are slowing down considerably now - a year after the hrt spurt. hope this helps.

:pals: <---from one menopausal momma to another

[Soloflecks]

3. I stopped and went with natural remedies.

Just got too concerned about the possible side effects, and the prescribed hormones weren't that effective for my symptoms (which were severe). Now I take Red Clover and Vitex. Very effective; I sleep like a log.

[meow2u3]

4. I wouldn't touch HRT with a 10 foot pole

Especially when I found out most of the hormones were made from horse piss!

[peacebird]

5. premarin

PREgnant MAres urINe


:puke:

[Lars39]

6. Both prescription, but...

Bellergal and Effexor are both being prescribed for hot flashes.
I did HRT for about 3 months total, took nothing for about 6 months.
Starting hot flashing like crazy.
The Bellergal helped at night, I'm waiting for Effexor to kick in. :)

[Hell Hath No Fury]

7. If you quit..

your symptoms will return and then often go away once your hormone levels have dropped down to their stable levels. This could take a few weeks to a few months.

I use a Clonidine patch for my hot flashes for now and it works. I know other folks who use Revival soy shakes to take care of flashes, and others who use herbs.

Also forgot to mention you might check out Dr. Lee's book on natural progesterone use during/after menopause -- it's quite revolutionary.

[bearfan454]

8. Mrs bearfan quit taking hers

She still gets hot flashes. I still have to not say anything when I don't know what's wrong.