There is no maximum duration for using MHT. Decisions about how long to continue hormone therapy now depend on individual health factors, symptoms and personal goals. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Menopause Society now agree that there is no maximum duration for the use of hormone therapy. In a nutshell, you can stick with menopausal hormone therapy while it works for you.
In general, most people take hormone replacement therapy for five years or less. However, there's no set duration and it can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms, the type of hormone replacement therapy you're taking, and your preferences. The risk increases the longer you take it and the older you are. It falls back after you stop taking it.Hormone replacement therapy can usually be taken for up to five years.
Howell explained that the risks increase and generally outweigh the benefits. However, some people may be able to follow hormone therapy for longer, depending on their health and family medical history. Are you wondering how long you can safely continue to receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? In this powerful post, Dr. Couri reviews the latest scientific and expert guidelines that reveal that there is no established time limit for HRT.
Learn how long-term therapy can improve heart health, bone strength, brain function, and mood, and more safely and effectively, if customized for you. You should discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your provider to determine if it's right for you. Hormone therapy (HT) is a broader term, meaning that it can be applied to any type of treatment that involves hormones. Abrupt discontinuation of estrogen replacement can sometimes cause some “abstinent-type” menopausal symptoms, on a temporary basis. These guidelines reflect a significant shift toward individualized care, allowing more women to benefit from this therapy safely.
In addition to reducing symptoms, people who receive hormone therapy often experience a better quality of life, better general health, and better bone health when taking the medication for less than five years. Your healthcare professional can help you choose the best way to take these hormones depending on what works for you and has the least side effects. You may be concerned about the long-term risks associated with low levels of hormones that occur during menopause later in life, such as the risk of cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels) and osteoporosis (a disease that weakens bones), as well as diabetes, dementia and depression. Menopausal hormone therapy, sometimes referred to as menopausal hormone therapy, can provide long-term relief from menopausal symptoms and may also have additional benefits for people under 60 who are within 10 years of menopause and have no other contraindications.
However, taking hormones over time is not so much about following a specific duration as about designing a treatment cycle based on the patient's specific symptoms, needs, history and quality of life, taking into account risks and benefits. Hormonal therapy for menopause can provide significant relief from symptoms that, quite frankly, can make us feel very unwell, as well as providing additional long-term wellness benefits. Together, they will consider your symptoms, age, medical history, quality of life, the results of annual evaluations, and safety considerations based on the latest HRT research. Talk to your healthcare professional about these risks when deciding if menopausal hormone therapy might be an option for you. People over 60 who start hormone replacement therapy have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia, so they don't usually recommend hormone replacement therapy, as the risks outweigh the benefits.
As for people who should not take hormone therapy for menopause, there is an associated risk in people with a personal history of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, or blood clots. Doctors also call it hormone therapy (HT), especially when you receive treatment after age 50. Once you and your healthcare provider decide to try to stop taking your hormonal medications, you will gradually decrease them, meaning that the dose will be gradually reduced to see how you respond.
