Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a lifesaver for people going through menopause. Since the body isn’t producing as much estrogen as it used to, you can experience multiple unpleasant symptoms. HRT can help diminish them.
But what happens when you stop HRT? Do all these symptoms come back in full swing? If you quit “cold turkey,” they might. Thankfully, there are many ways to support your body during this transition. A certified clinical team at Hydralive Therapy® can help design a suitable support program to help you stop HRT seamlessly.
Why Someone Might Want to Stop HRT
While HRT can be highly helpful, it’s not a long-term solution. At some point, you may want to stop the therapy. Some of the key reasons to do so are:
- Long-Term Effects: Prolonged HRT use can increase the risk of certain conditions, such as breast cancer, blood clots, or stroke.
- Side Effects: Sometimes, side effects like headaches, nausea, or mood changes can outweigh the benefits
- Doctor’s Recommendations: A doctor might recommend stopping HRT based on age or medical history.
- Life Changes: New health conditions or a desire to reevaluate overall wellness can also prompt the decision to end HRT therapy.
Each person’s journey with HRT is different. Some don’t notice any side effects and live happily as they did before menopause. Others suffer from unpleasant symptoms. In any case, long-term use of HRT is rarely recommended. You have to review the value of these meds with your physician every year.
What Happens If You Stop HRT Suddenly
Quitting HRT “cold turkey” could have several effects on your body. Without the hormones helping regulate menopausal symptoms, you may experience their resurgence. Once again, you could start feeling:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
The abrupt loss of the hormone source can also cause joint pain and a return of vaginal dryness. You may also have issues with sleep and even suffer from insomnia. Some people have emotional and psychological symptoms that include anxiety and depression.
What if you miss a dose of HRT? Symptoms aren’t likely to return if you take the next dose on time.
In any case, if you plan to stop HRT suddenly, speak to your healthcare provider. They can consult you on managing symptoms safely.
How to Stop HRT Safely
The best way to stop HRT safely is to take a gradual approach. Gradually reducing the dosage allows your body to adjust slowly. This minimizes the return of unpleasant menopause symptoms.
Whether stopping suddenly for medical reasons or tapering off slowly according to your doctor’s plan, you still need to support your body. You must ensure sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake to maintain bone health.
Magnesium can help with muscle function and alleviate some menopausal symptoms. B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, can support energy levels and mood stability. Meanwhile, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and support heart health.
To ease the symptoms, your doctor can also suggest non-hormonal medication, such as SSRIs, antiepileptics, and others.
Schedule Your IV Therapy Today
When you stop HRT therapy, your body becomes vulnerable and needs extra support. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to get the vitamins and minerals you need from your diet. That’s why you may want to consider opting for IV therapy.
At Hydralive Therapy, we have an experienced team who can design the IV treatment according to your body’s needs. With regular IV therapy, you can minimize menopause symptoms after quitting HRT. To schedule a consultation, please contact us at any time.
