How to Stop Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormones such as progesterone and estrogen are used in tandem to regulate the reproductive cycle. This is useful in situations where menstruation needs to be timed to a specific schedule, such as during fertility treatments, or during menopause when natural hormone balances shift. Bioidentical hormones should be taken with care and only stopped at the correct point in the menstrual cycle to avoid early menstruation and hormone imbalances.

Instructions

• 1

  Begin a new menstrual cycle. Day one of the cycle will be the first day of full flow bleeding.

• 2

  Begin taking bioidentical estrogen on day 1 of the cycle. These are available in pill, cream, and vaginal suppository form. They may be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter in a lower concentration. Continue to take estrogen until day 26 of the cycle, which should be several days before the menstrual period is due.

• 3

  On day 10 of the menstrual cycle, begin taking bioidentical progesterone supplements. These are available over the counter or by prescription and come in pill, cream, injection, and suppository form. Take the progesterone along with estrogen until day 26 of the cycle.

• 4

  On cycle day 26, stop taking progesterone and estrogen. This will cause a new cycle to begin. To stop bioidentical hormones, do not begin taking them again on day one of the new cycle. This will allow the cycle to progress naturally from the start.