CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Menopause - Management
When should I consider stopping HRT?
- If systemic Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is being used for symptom control consider a trial withdrawal (if a woman is symptom-free) after 1–2 years.
- Advise the woman that symptoms may recur for a short time once HRT is stopped.
- Counsel the woman about the possible risks of HRT if she wishes to continue treatment, particularly if treatment is being used for longer than 5 years.
- Topical (vaginal) oestrogen may be required long term as symptoms can recur once treatment has stopped.
- Stop treatment at least annually to re-assess the need for continued treatment.
- Women with premature menopause usually take hormone replacement therapy up to the age of the natural menopause (50 years); at that time, therapy is reassessed. Some women will still be symptomatic.
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement