Hi cubagirl
Well I think you know what my advice will be! In your position I would never have tapered off the HRT and then have to take an AD to combat the return of symptoms. If you think there are risks with HRT, then there are also risks with ADs and at least the HRT you are using is bio-identical
and you don't have to take a progestogen! No contest in my book.
Dr Currie (on this site) says that the risks are equal to the benefits between the ages of 60 and 70 (which is why at 62 I am still taking it, as are several of us on here). There is nothing that says you should stop at 60 apart from out-dated doctor's opinions, and as dazned says, the new NICE guidelines will be telling doctors not to prescribe ADs in preference to HRT for the relief of menopausal symptoms. You are on a tiny amount. I would increase it to an amount that you are comfortable with - and personally I would want to taper off the ADs and stick to the HRT - 25 mcg twice a week is still a low amount. I am tkaing 50 mcg twice a week as are several other over 60's. The ADs will not give you back oestrogen and you could still experience health problems - as Debe said - such as osteoporosis.
If you do not have any of the risk factors, and you keep your weight within a healthy BMI ( lose weight if you need to), take regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, don't smoke and limit alcohol, then go with your gut feeling and don't let your doc persuade you otherwise. I am sure if you consulted Dr Currie she would also say the same
Hurdity x
