Hi Fayhero
I had BSO (having had my ovaries removed due to persistant ovarian cysts). I am 48 and have been on varies types of HRT since 2008 when I have my ovaries removed and was plunged into surgical menopause.
During this time I have tried various HRT. I found Evorel 25mg patch & Mirena coil suited me the best. I felt great on that. However, when they came to remove & replace the coil, it was not possible due to medical reasons. I am now on Evorel Conti 25mg patch and I feel fine.
At the time of the unsuccessful coil replacement I did try herbal remedies, on the advice of my consultant, but I got hot flushes, night sweats and just didn't feel like myself, hence commencing the Evorel Conti patches.
With the recent shortage of patches I did try rationing them and found that I didn't cope well. This, I think, tells me that I am not yet ready to come off of HRT.
Being only 37 when my ovaries were removed, I feel that I need the HRT and will continue to take it for as long as I can. Maybe in the future, perhaps in my mid-fifties, I might see how I am without it, but that would be carefully planned as I know how it affected me (my work/home life) when I tried before. At the moment, thought, I have no reason to come off and am happy about the way I feel.
Hope this helps.