Hello Hurdity,
I'm not entirely sure how close to actual menopause I am. Before starting HRT my periods were erratic and it had probably been a few months since I'd last had one. My periods had always been problematic, lasting a long time, heavy bleeding and lots of low moods and irritability, to say the least. I was actually relieved that they seemed to improve somewhat, which was when I realised something was changing.
I haven't been offhand about using the Estradot without balancing it with the Utrogestan - I knew I couldn't keep on doing that long term. It's just so awful when I take the progesterone, as it seems to be for so many people! I will bring it up again with the GP when I see them next week. I'm just very worried they'll stop me from taking HRT altogether and I can't face going back to how it was before, not just yet anyway!
Also, I was on 75mcg patches before but asked for the increase as I could still feel faint flushes. I do think the 100's are possibly a bit much though, hence sore breasts?
Thank you for the advice, much appreciated.