How to Quit Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk for heart attacks, blood clots, strokes, breast cancer and dementia. Indeed, research by the National Institute of Health has revealed that the long-term risks of hormone replacement therapy often outweigh the advantages. Women who are on low doses of hormone therapy for shorter periods of time may be able to quit cold turkey, with few ill-effects. But many doctors recommend that long-term users slowly wean themselves from estrogen to avoid sudden drops in hormone levels.

Things You'll Need

• Calcium
• Whole soy foods
• Black cohosh
• Evening primrose oil
• Dong quai
• Cool drinks

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor about lowering daily doses of estrogen. Normal doses are in the range of 0.625 mg daily. Ask your physician to lower it to 0.4 mg, then later to 0.3 mg before stopping completely, if you have been on estrogen therapy for a long period of time.

• 2

  Take your full daily dose of progesterone the entire time you are on your estrogen medication. Request separate medications if your estrogen and progesterone are combined so that you can begin weaning slowly off the estrogen.

• 3

  Up your calcium dose to 1,200 mg daily if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Ask your physician about other prescription medications containing raloxifene or risedronate sodium, which help to strengthen bones.

• 4

  Try black cohosh combined with vitamin E to help combat night sweats and vaginal dryness. Other supplements that may help are evening primrose oil and dong quai.

• 5

  Increase your intake of natural whole soy foods such as tempeh, soy milk and tofu, which contain safe plant phytoestrogens.

• 6

  Dress in layers whenever possible so you may remove clothing when a hot flash occurs. Avoid hot and spicy foods and try to keep room temperatures cool and free from humidity. Cool drinks can help regulate body temperatures, and cold showers before bed may alleviate night sweats.