THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE - BUT...
It's understandable that you're concerned about the recent changes in your body, especially given your history and current treatment.
Here are some thoughts to consider:
1. Tender Breasts and Weight Gain: Tender breasts and weight gain, particularly around the hips, are common symptoms of fluctuating hormone levels. These could be related to the estrogen component of your HRT. As you've been on a lower dose of estrogen (one pump of Estrogel) for two years, it's possible that your body's needs have changed, and this could be contributing to these symptoms.
2. Progesterone and Endometriosis: Even without a uterus, progesterone is sometimes recommended for those with a history of endometriosis because estrogen alone can potentially stimulate any remaining endometrial tissue, leading to pain or other symptoms. The tenderness and weight gain might suggest that your hormone balance might need adjustment, but it's not necessarily a sign that you no longer need HRT.
3. Warmer Nights: Feeling warmer at night could be an indication that your estrogen levels are not quite high enough, as low estrogen can lead to hot flashes or night sweats, even if mild. It could also be because it's summer?
4. Listening to Your Body: Your specialist's advice to adjust your dosage based on how you feel is important. If you're experiencing symptoms of estrogen deficiency (like feeling warmer at night) along with signs of estrogen excess (like breast tenderness), it might suggest that your current dose isn't quite right.
Next Steps:
- Trial and Adjustment: You might consider trying a small increase in your estrogen dose (e.g., increasing the Estrogel to 1.5 or 2 pumps) to see if that alleviates your symptoms. Do this cautiously and monitor how you feel.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in mood, sleep, pain, or other physical changes. This will help guide further adjustments.
- Consult Your GP/Nurse: It might be helpful to check in with a specialist about these changes. They can offer more personalised advice, possibly suggesting some blood tests to check your hormone levels if needed.
Adjusting HRT can sometimes be a bit of trial and error, but with close monitoring, you should be able to find the balance that works best for you.
