Is it safe to stop taking estrogen cold turkey?
Going Off Menopausal Hormone Therapy. As women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer know firsthand, it is possible—and from a medical perspective, perfectly okay—to stop hormones cold turkey. In fact, about half of all women who stop taking hormones cold turkey will do just fine.
What happens when you stop taking HRT suddenly?
This so-called “cold turkey” menopause is the result of the dramatic drop in estrogen that occurs when you suddenly stop HRT. Although HRT can treat severe menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and fatigue, current or recent past users of HRT have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
What will happen if I stop taking my estrogen?
Once you stop taking estrogen, you may develop brittle bones. However, lifestyle, dietary and nonhormonal medications can be very effective in preventing bone loss and osteoporosis. Women who stop taking HRT may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
How do I deal with estrogen withdrawal?
Garcini recommends women having the mental symptoms of estrogen withdrawal first try exercise. Keeping physically active can combat many of the symptoms, he said. He has also seen improvement of some of the symptoms of menopause when his patients drink smoothies made with powdered soy protein and yogurt.
Can stopping estrogen cause depression?
A: Changes in hormone levels may influence neurotransmitters in the brain. The drop in estrogen levels can also lead to hot flashes that disturb sleep, which can then lead to anxiety and mood swings. If you experience symptoms of depression nearly every day for two or more weeks, you might be depressed.
Can going off estrogen cause weight gain?
Lack of estrogen may also cause the body to use starches and blood sugar less effectively, which would increase fat storage and make it harder to lose weight. Other age-related factors. As women age, many other changes happen that contribute to weight gain.
How can I reverse my menopause belly?
There’s no magic formula for preventing — or reversing — menopause weight gain. Simply stick to weight-control basics: Move more. Physical activity, including aerobic exercise and strength training, can help you shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Does estrogen put on weight?
Estrogen levels that are too high or too low can cause weight gain. High levels of estrogen in the body can irritate the cells that produce insulin in your body, making you insulin resistant and blood sugar levels rise, leading to weight gain. Low levels of estrogen can also cause a very stubborn type of weight gain.