Brief Answer: Weaning off HRT Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX After 15 years of using the estrogen patch its going to take time to wean you off of the drug. You have to gradually reduce the dose and exposure to the drug. Its not effective to stop it completely suddenly. Your body has accepted the drug as part of it after so many years of use. The longer you use it, the more difficult it is to wean off. As far as health risks go, injudicious use to HRT does cause a risk of cancer in a woman. Uterine and sometimes breast. At 66, its important that you have a yearly check up while on HRT. To start with, if you're using the patch with the smallest dose, use it on alternate days instead of daily. Then space it accordingly. Now, non hormonal therapies are available to manage symptoms like hot flashes. Bisphosphonates, isoflavones, SSRI etc are used as such. However, you will need to get prescriptions for most. Duavee is a kind of estrogen again, so it shouldn't be used along with the patch. I would recommend that you wean off of HRT completely. And speak with your doctor about non hormonal treatments to treat hot flashes. The % of risk cannot be determined with examinations, tests and detailed history.

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Brief Answer: question Detailed Answer: Hello again XXXXXXX Please state your question.

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Brief Answer: Cannot comment on the alternative therapy Detailed Answer: The hot flashes will eventually go away once the hormone levels go down. But since you have been using the patch for 15 years, the levels will take a lot of time to go down. HRT is not recommended for long periods of time, just for this reason. You can switch to minimal dose of estrogen oral tablets that will be easier to take and gradually taper dose. Whether you can endure the hot flashes, is again, up to you. Lots of women can endure it. But that again depends on your endurance. If it happens to cause a disruption in your daily activities only then is HRT recommended. Your doctor can prescribe the non-hormonal treatment as well. You will need a prescription. I cannot comment of the alternative therapies you have asked about, as its out of my scope. Besides no scientific studies published to support its claim. My advice would be to switch to the minimal dose of estrogen tablets(0.3mg is the minimal dose) and try taking them on alternate days. Gradually taper the dose as the symptoms are manageable, That can be done by increasing the gap till you can completely stop it. Meanwhile you can speak to your doctor about the non hormonal therapy. Hope this answers your questions. I will be glad to assist you further if needed. Regards

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