Is It Safe To Stop Estrogel Intake At Once?

Posted on Tue, 25 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 Answered on

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking Estrogel since 1996 after a complete Hysterectomy. For the past year I have cut the dosage down to a 1/2 pump daily. I am 64 years old, have no health insurance and have no primary care doctor. Is it safe to just stop cold turkey? Thank you for your help today. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: HRT Detailed Answer: There are no major life threatening medical consequences of stopping Hormone Replacement Therapy cold XXXXXXX However it is generally advisable to wean off gradually to minimize the chances of hot flashes. So I suggest you slowly taper the dose ie take it evey other day for a week or two , and if you do not experience any menopausal symptoms then take it every 2 days then further every 3 days or twice a week and finally once a week and then stop. I know you are 64 but menopausal symptoms can occur anytime and sudden discontinuation of HRT is a potential trigger in some instances.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar