What are the side effect when quitting HRT (Medroxyprogesterone and Premarin)?

Question

What are the side effect when quitting taking Medroxyprogesterone an Premarin?

Answer 1

Medroxyprogesterone (a progestin) and Premarin (an estrogen) are female sex hormones, typically used to treat symptoms of menopause, which is associated with low levels of female sex hormones. Such treatment is sometimes called hormone replacement therapy or HRT.

Therefore, when one quits HRT, the symptoms associated with low levels of female sex hormones can return, such as hot flashes, skin dryness, vaginal dryness and others.

Keep in mind that staying on HRT has its own serious drawbacks, such as increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Therefore, staying on HRT may not be a good idea even if stopping it may produce side effects. This kind of decisions should only be made in consultation with your gynecologist who know your history well.