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Are Hormone Pellets Safe To Discontinue?
Posted on
Sun, 18 Feb 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 18 Feb 2018
Answered on
Thu, 11 Oct 2018
Last reviewed on
Question : My hormone pellets are wearing off and I think I'm going to stop getting them. However I have forgotten how good I've felt till now. Already I'm starting to have trouble sleeping, less energy, low libido, feel fat, in other words , back to the old me, what would be the harm in continuing them? I had an early menopause age 42 and was in full menopause, was on prempro for 12 years and it wasn't working anymore. Hot flashes were coming back , etc. been on pellets ever since.
Brief Answer:
About HRT;
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It has been shown in research studies that there are risks for women who take hormones, called hormone therapy.
It can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and gallbladder disease.
In women who are older, and who use hormone therapy for an extended period, the risk of heart disease and breast cancer may also increase.
They raise cholesterol level, increasing cardiovascular risk.
The blood pressure may also be higher in these persons.
Many doctors who use bioidentical hormones claim they are safer than regular HRT.
But there have been no large research studies of bioidentical hormones. It has not been shown that they really reduce the risk of these problems.
So, as long as you decide to keep the pellets, you should be under close medical supervision, especially over the age of 60s.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist
About HRT;
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It has been shown in research studies that there are risks for women who take hormones, called hormone therapy.
It can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and gallbladder disease.
In women who are older, and who use hormone therapy for an extended period, the risk of heart disease and breast cancer may also increase.
They raise cholesterol level, increasing cardiovascular risk.
The blood pressure may also be higher in these persons.
Many doctors who use bioidentical hormones claim they are safer than regular HRT.
But there have been no large research studies of bioidentical hormones. It has not been shown that they really reduce the risk of these problems.
So, as long as you decide to keep the pellets, you should be under close medical supervision, especially over the age of 60s.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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