Can I just stop HRT?

[Pebblepoppy]

I went to GP initially because of problems with focus and low mood.

I didn't realise it was menopause related, but I'd regularly been waking at 4am and HRT fixed that overnight.

Other than that, I can't say I've seen any vast improvement and on the progesterone days I felt dreadful with "PMS" symptoms. I've recently switched to continuous progesterone which was supposed to help, but it hasnt, I just feel like I have pms everyday now.

Its been miserable this weekend, I pick fights, feel tearful and just want to hide away from people.

I don't think the benefits of the oestrogen are worth it for me, can I just stop it all?

Yes, you can just stop.

But it's worth considering trying to increase your estrogen first to see if that helps. It's not unusual to have to review the dose every few months (usually every 6 months) and see where you are. If it's not working it does sound as if the dose is too low.

Likewise you don't have to swap to continuous. GPs tend to push this, but it's not necessary and there are pros and cons of sequential or continuous.

If you have no other symptoms apart from sleeplessness then you could try stopping, for a while anyway.
Some women don't have particularly bad meno symptoms but take HRT to guard against fractures and to maintain their heart health.
I stopped a while ago and my eyes are a bit dry and sore, I think my joints are suffering a bit, and the hot flashes are a bit more intense (HRT didn't eliminate them anyway) but aside from that I don't notice much of a difference. Very low motivation/focus, but that's more associated with testosterone deficiency, and I was never able to get that anyway. If more nasty symptoms kick in I'll consider restarting it, but you sound quite progesterone-sensitive and unfortunately can't have oestrogen without it.

Do you take progesterone orally? Many women insert it vaginally as it cuts down on side effects.

If you do stop it I'd consider the length of time you've been on it, if 6 months or longer I'd taper down rather than abruptly stop. If less than than that yes just stop if you don't feel it is helping.