Stopped HRT - Just an experience

[KnittedCardi]

So I recently came off HRT, Oestrogel and Ultrogestan. I decided to have a break as after almost three years, the Ultrogestan was making me feel a bit ugh, although I slept really well, and I had gradually come down from two pumps of the gel to one, with few symptoms. My periods had become erratic, and then stopped, even on the cycle.

So I gradually decreased the dose of gel to a half, then a smear, then nothing, and took a final course of the Ultrogestan.

First week terrible hot sweats, and no sleep. Now almost four weeks along, I have really no symptoms at all. Waiting to see if I get a period, my nipples were really sore this week!

Sleep not quite as good, and maybe a bit foggy, and a little stressy, but a lot has been going on at home, so not suprising.

So, not as bad as I thought it would be, and that's probably it for me.

I am 58, and was not in menopause when I started, so it will be interesting to see how my body goes back to "normal".

Were you taking Utrogestan on a cycle, out of interest? 12 days a month?

I hope your 'no symptoms' carries on!

My periods had become erratic, and then stopped, even on the cycle. These are unlikely to be periods at 58 - more likely bleeding because you were stopping estrogen which can trigger some withdrawal bleeding.

I stopped at 55 on medical advice after 10 years of being on HRT of various kinds. I still have a mirena so that's probably still pumping stuff out.

It's been OK - I was super worried as I'd had very bad symptoms - anxiety, The Rage, night sweats, insomnia. Did I mention The Rage?

Now I get the odd night sweat and the odd hot flush. But nothing that bad. I'd rather still be on it for the other health benefits - but it's OK not being on it. I'd still recommend it hugely to anyone who can take it.

@BigDahliaFan There is no 'limit' and also the years from 45-50 don't 'count'. According to the medical advice on Menopause Matters website, by a consultant, the time on HRT only starts to count after 50/51, age of average menopause.

Unless of course there were medical reasons for stopping. Obviously I'm not saying 'go back on HRT' but if you want to, there is no reason not to . Many women don't even start hrt till 55 and some carry on for 20 years or more.

@JinglingSpringbells it was the breast clinic after a couple of biopsies who (strongly) suggested that I come off it and see how it went. It was a balance thing, if all the symptoms had come back I'd have worked something out - but as I basically feel OK off it I'm fine staying off it.

I see- that makes sense. Hope you're okay now.

Yes, Ultrigedtan 12 days a month. And no period since August, and very erratic all this year tbh. Previously very regular. Probably because I dropped to only one pump of Estrogen.