At What Age Should You Stop Your Hormones?
Years ago, I was taught in medical school that women should be on the lowest dose of hormones for the shortest amount of time. For many women, this was a period of 5-10 years then they would stop. I couldn’t understand why they had to stop as many of their symptoms would return!
Imagine starting hormones at 45 years old and by 55 years old, giving them up. No surprise when they called reporting insomnia, weight gain, hot flashes, brain fog, mood changes, and more. Plus, they now had an increased risk for cardiometabolic disease, bone loss, and dementia.
In the April 2024 Menopause Journal, “the researchers concluded that there should be no general rule for women stopping hormone therapy based on age alone. They also found that continuing hormone therapy beyond age 65 can be helpful for combating symptoms of menopause.” This was based on data from over 10 million women!
It’s important to note that the 2022 North American Menopause Society position paper stated the same thing.
This is HUGE!
This means, you don’t have to stop your hormones, In fact, you should probably stay on them (after discussing this with your prescribing practitioner).
It also means if someone is telling you that women can’t or shouldn’t stay on hormones due to your age, they may not have read the latest article(s).
Links:
Baik SH, Baye F, McDonald CJ. Use of menopausal hormone therapy beyond age 65 years and its effects on women’s health outcomes by types, routes, and doses. Menopause. Published online April 4, 2023:10.1097/GME.0000000000002335. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000002335
Miller K. Most women older than 65 don't need to stop hormone therapy, new study finds. Here's what you need to know. Retrieved on April 11, 2024 from https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/most-women-older-than-65-dont-need-to-stop-hormone-therapy-new-study-finds-heres-what-you-need-to-know-040116532.html
The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society” Advisory Panel. The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2022;29:767–794. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002028