Going Off Synthetic Hormones--I think Options

[ashlynn]

I've been taking Estrace and Progesterone (synthetic hormones) for 20 years. I've halved my dose in the last few months and waited and watched. I'm now taking .5 Estrodoil or Estrace and 2.5 Progesterone (mythl). But am contemplating going off of both.

I was pleasantly surprised to find when I had gone down in dosage, it didn't bring back all my joint pains and extreme joint weakness. However, going off totally might bring them back. Anyone here been on synthetic for 20 years and go off? What symptoms came back or arose? How did you handle them?

If my severe joint weakness and aches return, I'll probably stay on the lower dosage.
** that color's kind of glaring....

[LadyViktoria]

I've been taking Estrace and Progesterone (synthetic hormones) for 20 years. I've halved my dose in the last few months and waited and watched. I'm now taking .5 Estrodoil or Estrace and 2.5 Progesterone (mythl). But am contemplating going off of both.

I was pleasantly surprised to find when I had gone down in dosage, it didn't bring back all my joint pains and extreme joint weakness. However, going off totally might bring them back. Anyone here been on synthetic for 20 years and go off? What symptoms came back or arose? How did you handle them?

If my severe joint weakness and aches return, I'll probably stay on the lower dosage.
** that color's kind of glaring....

Hi Ashlynn,

I am quite sure that your Estrace is a natural Estorgen. Here is data I found on it.
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Estrace - Estrace Side Effects - Estrace Information
Pharmacology: The active ingredient in Estrace tablets is derived from soybeans and it contains only one estrogen, 17b-estradiol, which is structurally identical to the estradiol produced by the human ovary. Estrogens are secreted mainly by the gonads and, to a very small amount, by the adrenals. In addition, they are formed, to an important degree, from peripheral conversion of adrenal and gonadal androgens to estrogens. They circulate in both unconjugated and conjugated forms in the blood, with the unconjugated estrogens, either free or bound to proteins, mainly albumin, or to the specific sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which shows a great affinity for estradiol.
______________________________

It may be that if all the pains come back that it is more your progestin needs to be changed to a progesterone eg "Prometrium" or "Procheive". I hope someone corrects me if I am wrong about this, but I am quite sure the Estrace is ok.

I have never taken hormones, so I cannot comment further, but I sure read a lot.

Be well!
Viktoria

[ashlynn]

Okay. I guess I'm doing this on my own. Nobody here has taken HRT for 20 years? Hmm

Anyhow, I've been off for three weeks. I've noticed changes and felt changes. Wondered how long it takes before I end up back to where I was 20 years ago with all the aches and pains, etc. Anybody know?

[ex-urbanite]

My mother started taking estrogen when she was about 48, and then they added in progesterone. She took HRT until she was about 68. She is now 88, and is in perfect health, just a little arthritis in her hands...