What Happens When You Stop HRT Abruptly?

As our patients practice social distancing and avoid face-to-face services, Defy Medical understands how important it is to have continued access to hormone medication and healthcare needs. We are committed to making sure our patients maintain access to their much-needed medications.

Still, you may wonder how your body would react if you discontinued HRT. Here are some side effects and symptoms you may experience. These include the return of the symptoms that caused you to seek HRT in the first place.

Potential side effects of stopping HRT cold turkey depend on the type of hormone or hormones you were prescribed, and the conditions they were treating.

Common side effects in men and women include:

• Depression and other mood changes including anxiety
• Erectile dysfunction and loss of libido (men)
• Vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse (women)
• Poor body composition with weight and fat gain
• Changes in sleep patterns and insomnia
• Loss of strength, muscle mass, and energy
• Hot flashes
• Temperature sensitivity 

If you stop HRT cold turkey, you may experience increased anxiety, depression, and changes in mood – at a time when you are already likely experiencing high levels of uncertainty and stress. Women who discontinue Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) will likely experience a return of menopausal symptoms, as well. There are additional risks for stopping thyroid hormone replacement therapy and other critical replacement protocols.

What to do if you need to stop HRT

If you absolutely must stop hormone therapy, then Defy Medical has specific protocols in place to help our patients do so. We can provide treatment support and expert guidance to make your transition safer and more comfortable. If you're a patient of Defy Medical, we encourage you to speak to our patient support team so that we can help you discontinue properly.

Uninterrupted access with Defy Medical

Patients of Defy Medical have continued access to consultations and prescriptions even as brick-and-mortar clinics close. Defy Medical’s telemedicine service and online patient portal (DefyMedicalStore.com) allow you to order prescriptions, request refills, speak to a provider, and access care without leaving the safety of your home. Through our partnerships with compounding pharmacies, we’re able to deliver medications straight to your door, no face-to-face contact needed.

We are committed to helping you focus on your health and wellbeing during this time – which includes providing uninterrupted access to the HRT medications you need.

Want to talk to a specialist about starting, stopping, or maintaining a TRT protocol? Contact us today.