Hi Pepperminty,
this is a good question. I agree that optimising is not the same as just increasing oestrogen. Personally I've found that I feel better when my oestrogen level is as stable as possible (which is not easy as I'm still peri
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
), and it doesn't have to be very high. I had blood test in the summer and to my surprise, it was only 170, which is quite low, but I was feeling OK. I got concerned though that maybe it was too low for bone protection, so I've added a bit more during recent months.
Currently I'm struggling with absorption. In the summer I was taking 3 pumps and compared to that, 170 is low. Now I've added half a pump but might still be on the lower side. At least I have none of the symptoms of high oestrogen, rather the other way around. Not sure why this is, maybe it is the way I apply the gel.
![Undecided :-\](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/undecided.gif)
Gynae said I can go up to 4 pumps, which sounds very high dose but I guess I'll have to try that. I'm just dreading the idea of making changes as it took me really long time to find any kind of balance.
Hope you're getting on well! xx