How to Discontinue Hormone Replacement Therapy Before Surgery

According to information from the medical health website Medline Plus and the Weill Cornell Medical College, hormone replacement therapy is used in individuals who have otherwise impaired levels of hormone production, whether from injury, illness, or the natural cessation as a result of aging. Although hormone replacement therapy can provide a number of benefits, including enhanced mood, cardiac health, and prevention of certain diseases like Alzhemier's, HRT might need to be discontinued for a time prior to surgery.

Instructions

Discontinuing HRT Before Surgery

• 1

  Consult with your supervising physician and your surgeon to discuss the precise rationale behind their recommendation that you discontinue HRT prior to surgery. Understanding exactly why it is necessary to come off of HRT can make it easier to psychologically cope with the action itself. Additionally, discuss any possible questions you have regarding the procedure itself, along with finalizing a timetable for coming off of HRT.

• 2

  Consider tapering off of your HRT medications if there is sufficient time before surgery. Gradually reducing the dose will help to wean your body off of the medications, potentially alleviating some of the potential side effects of discontinuation. Make as gradual a reduction in dosage as possible, according to what your schedule allows.

• 3

  Familiarize yourself with the common side effects of discontinuing HRT therapy so that you know what to expect after coming off of the treatment. This can include a decline in mood and cognitive ability for both sexes, and a return of menopausal symptoms such as weight gain and hot flashes for women using HRT following menopause. While each case is different, anticipating these side effects can make them less bothersome when they do arrive.