How to Go off of Hormone Replacements

Hormone replacement therapy, generally referred to as HRT, is commonly prescribed to menopausal women. Though specific dosages vary from woman to woman, estrogen and progesterone are often used to treat the symptoms of menopause. If you would like to stop taking hormone replacements, you must take care to wean yourself off them. You will be less likely to experience unpleasant side effects if you carefully go off hormone replacements.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about your desire to stop taking hormone replacements. Your doctor may have specific recommendations regarding the best way to go off the hormones. If you are on heavy doses of hormone supplements, he may first prescribe you a low-dose alternative before you go off completely.

• 2

  Take your hormone pills every other day for a few weeks. If you've been taking your hormone replacement pills daily, it may be a drastic shock to your system to stop taking them altogether. Wean your body off the hormones by taking the pills every other day for 2 to 3 weeks.

• 3

  Continue weaning yourself off the hormone replacements. After your body has adjusted to taking the hormones every other day, begin taking them every three days. Continue this pattern until you have weaned yourself off the pills altogether.

• 4

  Try hormone replacement patches. These patches can be used to gradually wean your body off heavier hormone replacement medications. You can cut the patches down to smaller sizes as necessary.

• 5

  Allow yourself 2 to 4 months to go off your hormone replacements. By gradually reducing your hormone dosages, you should be less prone to side effects.

• 6

  Be aware that individuals experience different reactions as they stop taking hormone replacements. Some women don't experience any negative side effects whereas others complain of hot flashes, digestive issues, mood swings and various other issues when they go off hormone replacements.