A Gentle Transition: Safely Coming Off HRT Drugs

Are you considering coming off HRT (hormone replacement therapy) drugs, or perhaps worried about withdrawal symptoms?

Many women face this challenge, and it can feel daunting. The good news is, with the right approach, you can support your body naturally and make the transition as smooth as possible.

Coming off HRT drugs cold turkey is possible, but symptoms can come back. It is far gentler on the body to reduce the HRT slowly, using a natural progesterone supplement whilst doing so. The natural progesterone supplement normally counteracts any withdrawal symptoms if this route is followed...

•Start with progesterone support: Use 100–200mg/day of a quality, bio-identical progesterone cream for at least a month before reducing your HRT dose. Use it continuously—no need for a break.

•Go slow: Once you feel stable, begin reducing your HRT dose using a step-down approach. (See below).

•Monitor symptoms: If symptoms return while tapering, increase your progesterone and slow down the HRT reduction. A higher dose of progesterone may be needed if you’ve used HRT for many years or if you experience oestrogen dominance symptoms.

•Continue reducing: Once you’re stable at a lower HRT dose, keep stepping down until you feel secure enough to discontinue completely. This process can take up to three months—patience is key!

• Miss 1 day

• Take 7 days

• Miss 1 day

• Take 6 days

• Miss 1 day

• Take 5 days

• Miss 1 day

• Take 4 days

• Miss 1 day

• Take 3 days

• Miss 1 day

• Take 2 days

• Miss 1 day

• Take 1 day

You have now reduced the dose by 50% over 35 days. Continue missing alternate days until you feel secure, then work back up the list above i.e...

• Miss 2 days

• Take 1 day

• Miss 3 days

• Take 1 day etc

This could take about three months.

If no symptoms have returned and you feel fine, discontinue the HRT.

For more information visit our main information page on Coming off HRT Drugs.