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[Pauline b]

I have been on estradot and ultrogestan for 5 years with good effect but I am wondering how I know if I am ready to reduce my dose or stop ?

[Dotty]

Hi the only way of knowing is to stop taking the HRT and see if symptoms come back. There is no time limit on taking hrt , so if it’s working, I would keep taking it as it has other health benefits too. xxx

[CLKD]

Why mend if it ain't broken?  You may find that symptoms have evened out but they may return with a vengeance.  Is that a risk that you want to take if symptoms will impact on daily Life?

How old are you, has your GP suggested that you stop - there is actually no requirement 1 can take HRT for ever if it's working. 

I thought that I didn't require ADs but my brain decided otherwise.  I stopped and started for several years B4 having to rely on a low maintenance dose.  It may B the same with HRT ..........

[Taz2]

As Dotty says the only way is to stop and see how you feel. I've tried twice (forced by GP) and both times symptoms were all back as pre-HRT by the end of three months. I tried both the tapering off and cold turkey methods of stopping and the result was the same.

I intend to try to stay on it forever.

Taz x

[Nas]

I echo what the others have said, if it aint broke, dont try to fix it.
Your symptoms could return with a vengence, they may not.
Do you want to see what happens if you stop HRT?
Women can take it for life. The 5 year rule is a myth.

Nas x

[Pauline b]

Thankyou for the replies that’s really helpful.

[Pauline b]

Forgot to ask ,my GP not keen on doing a blood test to check oestrogen levels can I get this done privately?

[Dotty]

Yes you can get a private blood test, but the results won’t give you any information that is useful. x

[CLKD]

Hormonal blood tests are reliably un-reliable.  Especially if 1 it using HRT.

[Postmeno3]

Does it have more accuracy if post-menopausal when everything, presumably, has come to a bit of a standstill? 🤔

[Joaniepat]

Does it have more accuracy if post-menopausal when everything, presumably, has come to a bit of a standstill? 🤔

Yes, it would be more accurate. IMHO, they are necessary to make sure you are absorbing any HRT products. I did not absorb much from either of the oestrogen gels  but did with patches. You may also have a minimum level you are aiming for if bone protection is an issue.
JP x

[Mary G]

I would not want to risk stopping HRT for two reasons, returning symptoms and long term health issues caused by oestrogen deficiency.

Post menopause, hormone blood tests are very definitely worthwhile, particularly if you use HRT.   How else will you know how well you are absorbing it?   

Even if you allow for daily fluctuations, someone with a very low reading is unlikely to be absorbing HRT properly at any time.