If you take HRT, how do you know when your periods stop?

[BobbyBrewstersMagicTorch]

I'm a bit confused, as the hrt I've been prescribed says that I will have a monthly bleed. Obviously this is not a natural period, so how will I know that I'm through the period stage (and can do away with contraception finally!)?

Anyone?

You don;t! :) Only way to find out is to stop HRT for a few months and see if they come back. But what's the point? If you are on HRT it's because your periods are dwindling anyway, so you could go months and months before having one. The rule re contraception is carry on till 54 if you don't know if your periods have stopped. (And they need ti have stopped for at least a year.)

Thanks for that. I was told by a nurse that you need contraception for a year after your last period, whatever your age.

At the moment my periods are a bit hit and miss so I was hoping that they'd disappear altogether soon.

@SherlockHolmes That's true with a 'but'! the odds of getting pregnant at 54 and carrying full time are almost zero. It's a personal choice and depends on how terrible it would be to have a late baby, what kind of relationship you're in, if you'd consider a termination, how often you're having sex (and chances of conceiving at 50+)....

@BobbyBrewstersMagicTorch It depends on your circs. How old are you now? Obviously it's slightly different for a women in her late 40s compared to someone who is 53-54.

• you can use a form of contraception such as the mini pill with HRT.

-you can use a Mirena coil for contraception and it acts as the progestogen part of HRT. -whether you would have a termination if you got pregnant..... -

I'm 51 and a half . I've been putting up with menopausal symptoms because I thought at least I'll soon be through it and not have to have periods any more, nor use contraception. So although it will be great to be rid of the hot flushes/sweats etc, I'm not convinced that I still want to be having regular bleeds for ever more.

Sorry meant to add thanks very much @JinglingHellsBells.