I'm thinking of stopping my hrt. How long before I get menopause symptons do you think?

[Cocolepew]

I'm on estrogen only patches, I had a total hysterectomy a few years ago. I was supposed to stay on it until I was 51, for my bones. I'm 46 now.
Has anyone else did this?

[MyCatIsAGit]

I hope you don't mind my asking but just out of curiosity, why do you want to stop? I mean, if is to replace the oestrogen to help your bones why stop?

[Cocolepew]

I have Lupus and I read estrogen can aggrevate it. I was peri menopausal from aged 35, so had started hot flushes, etc all ready.
The patches have started to aggrevate the site where I put them, the Lupus makes me highly allergic.
If I feel crap I can go back on them

[PoshPenny]

What about the oestrogen gel instead? I have that because i had reactions to nicotine patches, I didn't want to risk going through that again. I've had no problems at all, maybe you would be the same? What about reducing your dose to see if you can find a balance by cutting your patch in half?

[Cocolepew]

Ive gone into a massive flare so a lot of good stopping it did me

I've changed the site from my bum to my thighs, I've put one back on this afternoon .

[pinkfrocks]

If you are reacting to the patches - the adhesive- then it would make sense to swap to gel.
You don't want to stop your HRT before 52 at the earliest if you can possibly continue with it due to a higher risk of osteoporosis and heart disease from an early menopause.