If a woman wants to stop taking HRT she should discuss this with her doctor, at which point her doctor should point out that stopping HRT abruptly often results in severe flushing or other symptoms presenting. In some cases, some symptoms may be extremely severe.

There is a correct way of going off HRT and the doctor should discuss 'weaning off' the treatment over 6-8 weeks. This regime usually involves halving, then possibly quartering the dose over this period of time.

At the same time of 'weaning off', a natural option such as Remifemin can be taken by two tablets morning and two tablets evening. Remifemin can take between 4-8 weeks for full effectiveness and has been shown to help reduce symptoms during this period. Remifemin has also been proven to have an 80-90% effectiveness with menopausal symptoms so it should be continued after the 'weaning off' period.

Even though this regime may be followed, symptoms may still be present after 2-3 weeks and may even be severe.

These symptoms generally will subside within 1-2 weeks when the body readjusts to the withdrawing from these synthetic hormones. Unfortunately due to the strength of the HRT in these cases no natural product will be strong enough to completely eliminate the symptoms, however the symptoms should subside after 1-2 weeks.

It is a common mistake that when a woman stops HRT abruptly and commences another treatment, possibly a natural option, when these withdrawal symptoms occur the new treatment is often blamed. This is totally wrong. These symptoms most likely will have been generated by sudden stoppage of synthetic hormones.

In the case of Remifemin, studies have shown no subside effects.

It should be pointed out that it is possible for the symptoms to get worse before getting better, however there may be a 1-2 week period before the symptoms subside. Remifemin should be taken (4 per day) from commencement of the withdrawal regime and continued after the 'weaning off' period.