As you grow, your hormones start sending signals that indicate something is not good in your body. To cope with this hormonal imbalance issue in men and women doctors suggest bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. But the question is “How Long Can You Take Bioidentical Hormones”.
Should you prefer to take it for the rest of your life after you cross 40s age? Many users are worried about its duration. The duration depends on the individual health, menopause symptoms severity, and personal preferences. Most users get relief in a short time and others in a long time.
This article will discuss the actual time according to studies and healthcare recommendations. So, have a look into it.
Can You Take Bioidentical Hormones Forever?
You can’t take bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for your whole life. Although these hormones are best for managing hormonal imbalance they are not recommended for lifelong use. It contains side effects if used for the long-term including blood clots or further health issues.
A 2024 study shows that senior Medicare women who are taking BHRT beyond age 65 found estrogen monotherapy risks. These risks include breast cancer or lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
That’s why it is vital to take it as directed by your healthcare specialist. Ensure to schedule regular or bi-weekly check-ups to monitor your progress and make your treatment plan accordingly. Although it is the best solution to cope with hormonal imbalance issues it is confined to a specific age, not for the whole life.
How Long Can You Take Bioidentical Hormones?
The actual duration of consuming bioidentical hormones varies. It depends on age or health goals and specific hormonal imbalances. Here is a breakdown of it by age to help you understand typical timelines and key considerations:
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Ages 40–50 (2–5 years)
This is mostly used for the short term. Most individuals start HRT during perimenopause or early menopause to relieve symptoms of menopause. These include irregular periods, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. At this specific age, therapy is usually limited to a few years to manage discomfort if someone faces it.
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Ages 50–60 (5–7 years)
For women who are continuously suffering from severe symptoms such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis and need additional protection then BHRT is best. It may enhance up to 7 years. But it’s advisable to take its dosage as per healthcare suggestions. As side effects and risks such as weight gain may enhance over time.
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Ages 60 and Beyond ( Beyond 7 years)
Some individuals may continue to take BHRT after their 60s, especially if the benefits of HRT after 65 outweigh the risks. However, researchers or healthcare professionals suggest that long-term usage may lead to an HRT increases the risk of breast cancer or other health issues.
A 2024 study shows that postmenopausal women who use HT regularly contain smaller bioidentical aging discrepancies as compared to those who never use it.
Important Considerations
- The usual dose of bioidentical hormones and duration should be as per individual needs.
- The best time of the day to take bioidentical hormones depends on your doctor’s recommendation and your body’s action.
- Daily check-ups are essential to ensure that hormone levels stay balanced. It is also essential therapy for a safe treatment option.
How Long Does it Take for Bioidentical Hormones to Work?
This procedure takes time to conduct the actual results. These results depend on individual health and dosage amount. Most patients start noticing improvements in symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness within 2 to 3 weeks.
However, some patients benefit from this therapy late, mostly up to 8 weeks. This depends on factors such as specific hormones used, dosage, and patient health condition.
It’s always best to have open communication with your healthcare provider during this whole duration. This will help monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments accordingly.
Is it Better to Take Hormones in the Morning or at Night?
The specific time for taking these naturally identical hormones is determined by which hormones one is taking. For instance, progesterone is usually recommended to be taken at night because it has more of a relaxing effect. Whereas estrogen is best recommended in the morning to align with your body’s natural rhythm.
It depends on individual needs and different amounts of bioidentical hormone dosages prescribed.
What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Bioidentical Hormones?
When you suddenly stop taking this hormonal therapy, your body starts sending symptom signals back and forth. This is because your normal hormone level is adjusting as they were in previous days.
Some individuals experience a temporary dip in quality of life due to these changes, especially those who rely on symptom relief. After some time your body may be stabilized but it’s recommended not to shift it suddenly. As suddenly stopping it can cause health issues.
Such as it may enhance the risk of heart disease or bone density loss. So, it’s always recommended to consider your health care plan for gradually leaving it.
Risks of Prolonged Use of BHRT
Although taking hormonal replacement therapy is beneficial for relieving symptoms, its long-term usage contains risks. These are:
- Increased Risk of Breast Cancer: Using estrogen and progesterone hormones for long life enhances the risk of breast cancer. This risk may be enhanced based on individual therapy and health history.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Using it for your whole life enhances the risk of cardiovascular problems. These issues include heart attacks and strokes.
- Blood Clots: Prolonged hormone therapy can increase blood clots growth. This can lead to serious issues such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- Gallbladder Disease: Prolonged use of BHR therapy is linked with a higher incidence of gallbladder disease. This leads to complications that may require surgical treatment.
- Endometrial Cancer: Women who are consuming estrogen-only therapy without enough progestogen quantity, then the risk of endometrial cancer can be suppressed.
Benefits of Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use BHRT
Here are some benefits of using BHRT for the short and long term:
| Benefit | Short-Term Use | Long-Term Use |
| Symptom Relief | Quick relief from hot flashes, mood swings, etc. | Sustained relief from chronic hormonal imbalances |
| Safety | Lower risk of complications in the short term | Requires careful monitoring, but may be safe long-term with proper management |
| Cost | Generally more affordable | Can be more expensive due to prolonged treatment |
| Effectiveness | Effective for immediate issues | Helps maintain hormonal balance over time |
| Hormone Levels | Helps stabilize hormone levels temporarily | Provides a more consistent and balanced hormone profile |
| Bone and Heart Health | Limited impact on bone density or cardiovascular health | Quick relief from hot flashes, mood swings, etc. |
Alternatives to Long-Term Bioidentical Hormone Use
If you are looking for alternative ways to use long-term bioidentical hormones then below are some options to consider:
Lifestyle Modifications: Ensure to do regular exercise or a balanced diet and follow stress management techniques. This will lessen or remove the symptoms of menopause and enhance the quality of life.
Non-Hormonal Medications: Some antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also helpful for lessening the symptoms of hot flashes and mood swings.
Herbal Supplements: You can use herbal remedies such as black cohosh or red clover. This will limit the symptoms to an extent.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It helps manage menopausal symptoms, but it seems that psychological aspects are linked with it.
Acupuncture: Some researchers or studies show that acupuncture is also beneficial in lowering such symptoms, though results can vary based on health.
Safety Tips for Taking Bioidentical Hormones
1. Ensure to take the lowest amount of dosage of it for safety consideration.
2. Consider daily routine check-ups to know about hormonal levels and their side effects.
3. Don’t only take estrogen-only therapy add some progesterone amount too.
4. Avoid stopping BHR therapy suddenly.
5. Discuss any changes you noticed in your body with your doctor.
6. Ensure to maintain a balanced lifestyle to enhance the quality of your life.
Conclusion
Knowing the accurate duration of taking bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a personalized decision. Ensure to consult with your healthcare provider for it.
Consider preferred factors such as age, symptom severity, and overall health in this duration. As the short-term benefits vary, taking it for the long term has serious health issues. Regular consultation with the provider and routine check-ups are essential to achieve a balanced life.
At MD Longevity we are committed to personalized BHRT plans that are specifically tailored to your needs and health conditions. To learn more about us or schedule a therapy contact us at 888-545-3047 or 888-545-9147 to enjoy a healthy life.
FAQs
How long can you stay on HRT?
Most can take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for 5–7 years, with regular evaluations.
How do you determine the right duration for you?
Your doctor assesses hormone levels, symptoms, and health risks to decide.
Where to apply bioidentical estrogen cream?
Apply to inner thighs, arms, or lower abdomen as prescribed.
What is a low dose of bioidentical hormones?
A low dose varies but typically starts at 0.3 mg for estrogen-only therapy.
Are bioidentical hormones safe after 60?
They can be used cautiously, considering the risk of heart disease and other factors.
How many years can you be on hormone replacement therapy?
Short-term use is 2–5 years, while some stay on it longer with monitoring.
Why More Men and Women Are Choosing To Stay on Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
It supports quality of life, bone health, and symptom relief with fewer side effects.
How Long To Expect Symptom Relief?
Some feel relief within 2–3 weeks, while full benefits take up to 8 weeks.