synthetic oestrogen has never agreed with me. I was evil for 4 years on the BCP. After our first child was born I never went back on it and was much less volatile. in 2004 I was offered patches due to perimenopause, they didn't suit me at all and sent my underactive thyroid levels haywire. 18 months later I tried again and the results were the same and my thyroid levels became unstable again. I have not used any systemic HRT since, only topical for VA, and have been much more stable. Usual flushes, night sweats and insomnia for a while but persevered and now a lot better and more stable.
HRT can be really helpful for a lot of ladies and a lifesaver for some, but for other ladies it is not the cure all we are sometimes made to believe and some of us are just better off without it.