Kicking The Habit ……… HRT

Time To Kick The Habit!
The hormone replacement that I take.
The hormone replacement that I take.

After researching how to come down off of my drug of choice, I have devised a plan to kick the habit.

After a year and half of taking my hormone replacement therapy, I tried to stop taking it “cold turkey.”  That was not a smart move.

Those night sweats came back with a vengeance!  They were boss of me and that’s not a good feeling when you’ve owned and operated your own business for over 30 years ………  I AM THE BOSS!

But, I am feeling much more confident and determined this time around.  I have been on it too long and I need a plan this time.

I love my Internist but, at our first meeting, (I switched to her a few years ago after I’d been taking HRT for several years), she was skeptical that I could stop taking the HRT.   At which point I asked her to lower the dosage.

A few months ago, I had her lower it to the next lower dosage again, which is the lowest available.

I have taken this lowest dosage for several months now and, about two weeks ago started taking 1 pill every other day in an attempt to wean myself off of this drug.

I am experiencing the return of hot flashes.  The nights haven’t been too bad but it has been noticeable.  I wake up, feel my body heating up, I gently pull the covers back, lay quietly until it passes, and as I start to get chilled I pull the covers back up and, hopefully, return to a slumber.  This happens a few times during the night.

*I have been working on this post for a week now.  3 weeks in and the night sweats are getting worse. 🙁    I am changing my plan ………

I am revisiting my quest to eliminate hormone replacement therapy, but this time, armed with a plan.
A couple of my most current reads. "Portrait of a Ghost" was written by my sister, which I just finished. I also have another sister that has written a few books as well. (You can find their books on Amazon) I just started "The Path to Love" which was loaned to me by my SIL, Patz. (Actually, it was intended for my daughter but I stole it!)
A couple of my most current reads. “Portrait of a Ghost” was written by my sister, which I just finished. I also have another sister that has written a few books as well. (You can find their books on Amazon) I just started “The Path to Love” which was loaned to me by my SIL, Patz. (Actually, it was intended for my daughter but I stole it!)

My Plan To Wean Myself Off Of HRT:

  1.  Take HRT for 3 days, skip 1 day.  Repeat cycle for the next month.                        – re-evaluate after each month & decrease again if feasible.                                                                         – then, take for 2 days, skip 1 day, etc.                                                                                                   – eventually, eliminating HRT.
  2. Eat a vegan diet.                                                                                                                          – studies have concluded a vegan diet can reduce menopausal symptoms.                                                                                                                – dark leafy greens and veggies. (root of many vitamins & calcium)                                                                               – beans and lentils. (source of protein, complex carbs, fiber & minerals)                                                                                                                 – fresh fruit.  (source of potassium, vitamin c, folate & fiber)                                                                                                                              – tempeh. (high in protein, probiotics, calcium & minerals)
  3. Keep up an exercise routine.                                                                                                 – studies show that women who exercise regularly adapt to menopause        better.
  4. Eliminate caffeine.                                                                                                                     – caffeine can be a symptom trigger, as can alcohol.
  5. Maintain a bedtime regiment.                                                                                               – shut down all electronics 1/2-1 hour before “lights-out.”                                      – wear lightweight clothing, something that will absorb sweat.                          – read the newspaper, book or devotional for 30 minutes before lights out.      – have a glass of ice water on the nightstand to sip during a hot flash.
  6. Take a couple extra supplements.                                                                                        – vitamin B12.  (vegans can not get enough of this from their diet)                            – vitamin D  (another vitamin that most vegans lack)
This Yeti is ideal for your glass of ice water. There will still be ice in it come morning!
This Yeti is ideal for your glass of ice water. There will still be ice in it come morning!

This isn’t going to go as swiftly as I anticipated.  Several studies have shown that it may take up to six months.  Probably longer for me.  Ugh!

"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." - Leo Tolstoy

Because my symptoms were considered severe, when I began taking HRT,  I’m wondering if it will take longer for me to kick this habit.

Or ……. will my doctor be right ………. will I be able to kick it?

 

As the sun sets each night I remind myself that tomorrow is a new day and, with each new day comes, the hope of new beginnings.

 

“When I asked for a smokin’ hot body, menopause was NOT     what I had in mind.”

xoxo, Katy

Author: Katy

I am a business owner, a mom of two grown daughters, a wife, and lover of life! I am an active 50+ -er with many new developing interests. Physical activity has always played a role in my life. Sometimes, more ........and sometimes, less. As a "Baby Boomer," it has become increasingly important for me to navigate the aging process with grace and agility. Part of the healthy living equation is, of course, the nutritional aspect as well. This blog, first and foremost, is devoted to women over the age of 50 looking to improve the quality of their life by exercising and consuming a healthy diet. Cheers to a life well lived! *You can read more about me by visiting my Home Page.