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getting off HRT

19 years ago

Hi friends, Okay I am ready now, it is time to get off the hormones. So how do I start. Do I do one every other day for a few weeks? Then go to every 3, every 4 and every 5 days? How long do I take? Has someone done this sucessfully?

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Comments (7)

catherinet
19 years ago
Hi shotzy....so you are on pills? How much?
I guess I shouldn't even be coaching you, since I was on a combi-patch, not a pill. But if I were going to do a pill, I would think that whatever causes the least fluctuations would be best. I would think that would be something like slowly cutting the pill smaller and smaller every day. That's what I did with my patch.
It seems that if you take the same amount of pill every couple of days, there is more likely to be ups and downs.
I took about 6 weeks to come off it completely. But don't be surprised if its a rough ride. But please stick to it. Just know ahead of time that it might not be fun.
I think it takes 2 months more after that, to really know what you're going to feel like off it. Good luck to you!
shotzy52
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks Catherinet, I am on prempro 0.3 mg/ 1.5 mg, the first number is the estrogen and second is the progesterone. The lowest dose available. Or at least that I know of. I wasnt aware that the time released pills could be shaved or cut in half. But it is good to know. I have a well built pill cutter so maybe I could start with cutting a small corner off of them. I will try it. If I dont try then I will tell myself that "no time" is a good time to get them out of my life. I will let you know how it goes. Shotzy
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Obviously what you consider significant and worth seeking treatment for is not what I consider significant or worth seeking treatment for. (You did notice that the statistic referred to no problems *or* ones so mild they did not seek treatment for them?) Had I sought treatment I would have asked for treatment for the specific problem of depression which would most certainly not have been hormones. Do you think my taking hormones would have brought my beloved canine companion back to life? Would my taking hormones have made my kids younger so they could have stayed home instead of going off to college leaving me with a huge empty house? Do you think my taking hormones would have cured my wonderful father's lung cancer? Would my taking hormones have saved his life or brought him back? Those things were going on at the same time as perimenopause and menopause. Those things were causing the depression and depression was an appropriate response to them. Taking hormones would have been stupid for two reasons. They weren't going to change the underlying cause and instead of learning how to cope with inevitable rough spots life hands out and growing from them I would have established a habit of running for a pill bottle to fix my life.
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catherinet
19 years ago
Good luck shotzy.
I'm not familiar with Prempro, so I hope I haven't steered you wrong. That's how I got off my beta blocker too. I first started out using an emory board on one! I wanted to start REAL slow! After a couple weeks at that, I started using the pill cutter. Keep me posted.
bud_wi
18 years ago
Shotzky, what is wrong with just asking your doctor or pharmacist?!?!?

Some of the advice in this thread is just plain WRONG.

Your doc may be able to switch you to another brand with a lower dose or a differnt type of estrogen to help you taper off. Or give an estrogen only pill. Or switch you to a vaginal cream.
shotzy52
Original Author
18 years ago
I still have my uterus, which means no "estrogen only pill". I do use premarin cream topically on the vagina and clitorial area daily. Keeps dryness down, but certainly not "normal" . I do have a pretty good OB/GYN, but unfortunately the OB part of her speciality keeps her busy with women under 40 years of age. I do understand that this and other fourms arent perfect. But they are a sounding board, most of the dr.s just dont have the time for the listening part of the menopause issues. Thanks for your advice, all opinions are welcome. Shotzy
irishdancersgram
18 years ago
Shotzy, It would be best to talk to your doc about getting a reduced dose...I tried to wean myself off Premarin, which was a very bad idea.My cardiologist even told me it was a bad idea.....I did it, the way you described and all the nasties came back and then some...On my next visit to the regular doctor, I questioned the nurse and although they aren't allowed to tell you what to do, she said, it's your body and she just said to ask for 1/2 a dose...It has worked out perfect, no hot flashes etc. Good luck!
shotzy52
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks Irish, I have my yearly appt in March. So I guess I can stay on these until then. They actually do not make a doze smaller than the one I take. I have talked with the pharmacist. But I am sure the ob will have an idea. Guess I have gone this for can go alittle further. Thanks again

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