trying to come off HRT...

[dementedma]

Have been on HRT for a couple of years now (am 54) as it stops the horrendous hot flushes which are dominating my life. However, it gives me artificial periods which I hate. Every so often the doc suggests I stop taking it to see what happens and if periods have stopped.
This time I have been off it for about 6 weeks. No period but these fucking hot flushes are unbearable so am going to have to crack and go back on it again!!
How long were most people on it before they were able to ditch it, and periods, for good?

I have no experience from stopping hrt but why do you try a continuous type?
Sometimes the symptoms will return after stopping taking hrt, so I think that your experience is too common.

Yes, you don't have to have the artificial periods. I'm on Tibolone which is continuous.

As long as you use a sequential type of HRT you will have a bleed. You can choose to have a continuous type as Emerald says.

I've had the bleed type for 10 years and am 'happy' with that. I intend to stay on HRT long term ( perhaps forever all being okay with my health) and the risks are lower with sequential re breast cancer.

Your choice. Everyone is different. Some women keep having flushes for 15 or 20 years or- says my gynae- forever.

I'm using it not simply for those symptoms but for long term health benefits.

I'm on continuous. It's bloody marvellous. I've no plans to ever stop taking it.

Aren't you supposed to give it 3 months when you give up hrt? Could you cut down gradually if you are wanting to come off it?

I echo Thundersky. I'm on continuous also, and no plans to ever come off it.

i was told I can't go on continuous as my periods hadn't been gone for two years. Is this not the case?

Nonsense ! Get to a local menopause clinic and switch to continuous hrt .

Take this to your GP

www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage.cfm?ID=x20130530122737685340

Your GP sounds one confused dr!

How would you know if your periods have stopped when you are using a type of HRT that gives a bleed?

The likelihood is that you are not having natural periods at 54. Did your GP not explain that the type of HRT you are on gives a withdrawal bleed each month? (It' s not a period . )

The rule to start conti is one year with no natural period OR age over 54.menopausematters.co.uk/postmeno.php

well exactly queen. That's why I keep coming off it to see if get a natural period or not, but the hot flushes drive me back into taking it.
I amdefinitley going back to see if I can get the conti. thank you