Hello pepperminty and GypsyRoseLee,
This is a very interesting subject. I don't have the answer but I also would like to know if there are rough guidelines, as you say pepperminty. The average speech is to have the lowest dose possible that control symptoms, but in practice what we see is many ladies upping the dose to 4 or even 6 pumps of Oestrogel. I understand there's a wide spectrum of possible responses, so establishing ideal/recommended/average doses must be very difficult.
I also think there aren't many long-term studies regarding the transdermal route, so the guidelines can't be specific, but rough numbers would be very helpful, considering that not many GPs are up-to-date on menopause.
Other aspect to consider is that once optimal doses can be established age wise, the manufacturers would be forced to deliver more options, which I don't feel they are eager to do. Even the gel, that in theory is easier to adjust doses, would be necessary in different doses. I can't imagine using 6 pumps every day.
Conolly X