Hormone Clearance After Stopping HRT: Timeline and Factors
How long hormones linger after discontinuing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) depends on the hormone, dose, route, and individual metabolism.
Typical Half-Lives and Clearance
| Hormone | Route | Half-Life | Time to Near-Undetectable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estradiol | Oral | 12–24 h | 3–7 days |
| Estradiol | Transdermal | 24–36 h | 1–2 weeks |
| Conjugated estrogens | Oral | ~17 h | 3–5 days |
| Progestins (MPA, norethindrone) | Oral | 12–30 h | 3–7 days |
| Progesterone (micronized) | Oral/vaginal | 5–20 h | 1–3 days |
| Testosterone | Injectable (cypionate/enanthate) | 7–10 days | 6–10 weeks |
| Testosterone | Gel/patch | ~24 h | 3–5 days |