I'm approaching 51, have been on 0.05 Minivelle patch w/200 mg natural progesterone 12-14 days every 6 weeks. I feel okay with the patch but the progesterone part just wrecks me: bloating, food cravings, lethargic, no motivation, etc. Yes, it's only 12-14 days every 6 weeks, but I dread them. I've never been wild about being on HRT. In truth, have mostly done it because I've read about its protective effects for bone health, cardiovascular, etc.
I want to be free of it! Others on here who have stopped....can you advise and comment? I should mention that when I started HRTI was only having very mild hot flashes even though I was measured with a very high FSH and estradiol at <10. At the time I started HRT, I had not yet gone 12 months w/out a period.
For what it's worth, I'm fit, appropriate weight for height, exercise vigorously and regularly (have for decades) and eat fairly cleanly, don't drink, don't smoke. I'm hoping I can go without HRT and pass through this okay. I think I made the mistake of reading
way too many horror stories
about menopause and now fear all the horrible symptoms that may occur without HRT.
Just looking for some kindred spirtis, some advice or any ideas.....thanks!