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HRT · Updated 2026-05-17

How long can you stay on HRT?

Written byEditorial Team, HormonalHealth PortalReviewed byEditorial Medical Review, MD, NAMS-CMP· Updated May 17, 2026

Short answer: NAMS 2022: continue as long as benefits outweigh risks. Most women 5-10 years. No fixed stop date. Re-evaluate annually with clinician.

1 min read

Key takeaways

  • No mandatory stop age
  • Some women continue 20+ years c regular reassessment
  • Bone density + cardiovascular benefit accrue with longer use

Updated guidance

NAMS, ACOG, and Endocrine Society agree: individualize duration. Annual benefit-risk review. Symptoms recur after stopping in ~50%. Bone density loss accelerates after stopping unless on bisphosphonate.

Tapering vs stopping

Some clinicians taper gradually. Others stop cold turkey. Evidence inconsistent on either. Symptoms can return with either approach if hormones still needed.

SC
Reviewed by Editorial Medical ReviewBoard-certified OB/GYN · NAMS-certified · Updated 2026-05-17

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