Hi Karenmh
...however - the good news is, that unless there is a specific medical reason why you should not continue with HRT, then current guidelines are that you can stay on it as long as you want to, the risks are explained to you and are benefiting from it. Having said that if you go back to your doctor to get some more, it might be best at this stage to try a different type since the big study which investigated the risks were with the HRT type that you are using ( ie the equine oestrgoens and synthetic progestogens). I suggest you find out which doctor in your practice is up to date and supports the current guidelines, and then maybe change to something like Femoston or a patch such as Femseven conti, or oestrogen patch or gel with separate progesterone (Utrogestan) although this can have a sedative effect if taken every day. It's great that you are managing with a low dose and not every day as this bodes well for continuing on a low dose preparation. Femoston also does an ultra-low dose tablet.
Have a look at the TREATMENTS tab above under HRT preparations, at the different types and come back to us if you have any more questions. The last thing you want tis to feel rough on holiday. Even if you do decide you want to stop for ever - at least they should give you some more until you come back so that you can continue to wean off very slowly.
I agree re the anti-depressants - I mean why would one swap HRT for these if you don't need to - after all they will also have long term associated risks (I haven't looked into these!). Sadly no herbal remedies really work although some feel that phytooestrogens have a weak effect ( like Red Clover for instance). Ensuring your diet is really good and taking exercise, keeping your weight down, limiting alcohol, also help health-wise but not really with hot flushes.
Hope this helps
Hurdity x
