How do you know when to stop using the patches?

[Nortono]

Haven’t had a period for 20 years. And low level sleeplessness and the odd hot wave rather than flush. Does someone tell you to stop using them? I’m 53. Using with a coil

I mean, I have not appeared because of the coilI

Jesus. “Has a period * !
sorry .

I’m going to say I’ll trial stopping at under 5 years (for cancer risk), and in the meantime, when I forget the gel (or for you changing the patch), I still notice my symptoms come right back. If that stops happening I will try reducing dose

I wasn't intending to stop unless I have to.

I'd quite like to keep my oestrogen as long as I can!

Do you want to stop? You don't have to, you can use it indefinitely.

I'm in France and have been on HRT for five years. My doctor told me at Christmas that normally they only prescribe for five years. I tried to reduce the dose to see if my symptoms had gone and they came back with a vengeance; hot flushes every five minutes, anxiety, insomnia. I have a 6 month prescription but I expect to have a fight on my hands next time I go back.

That sucks. Peri menopause can last ten years! I started with symptoms when I was about 42, started HRT at 44, there's no way I'm stopping when I'm 49 unless I have to (oestrogen sensitive cancer etc)

New evidence seems to suggest that there is no actual need to stop. Even if symptoms subside oestrogen has lots of benefits which outweigh the small risks.

I have clocked up 17 years now - the last 6 on patches and before that I was prescribed tablets. Changed to patches as I do several long haul flights per year and the risk of DVT is less with patches. Started HRT at 50 after complete hysterectomy and am now 67 and life is very very good.

No intention of stopping - life was really awful before and the few times I have tried to stop all the symptoms come back with a vengeance.