Thanks so much for all the replies everyone
![Smiley :)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/smiley.gif)
I’ve decided to stay on 2 pumps for a while longer and take the easing off approach. That way I can go down in dosage once I’ve been on the 2 pump dose for longer (ideally one month in total) and more clearly monitor if I feel better or worse after reducing. I experience some mild night sweats occasionally but never did before I was on HRT but who knows what causes that. Could be menopause (I started HRT around age 43/44 and I’m now 53), could be the HRT, could be thyroid (adrenals).
Nas, what have you decided to do?
The nausea kicks in about 3 hours after applying oestrogel and clears 6 hours after application. I have to apply in the morning, I feel terrible in the mornings if applied the night before (even just one pump). I did try patches before but not for long, it’s definitely worth considering if the weaning off gel approach doesn’t work or I settle more comfortably on 2 pumps.
Kathleen it’s good to hear that you are finding less is more with HRT. Do you get on better with gel or a patch? I also find it difficult to know what symptoms are caused by thyroid & what by the menopause and I can’t separate them to be honest, it’s just a horrendous roller coaster that doesn’t seem to stop. I’ve been seriously suicidal but in a better place at the moment thank goodness!
Peanut, I also belong to a thyroid forum and get my thyroid tested via Medichecks. I tested a few months ago and my T3 was optimal but T4 too high (quite out of range). I reduced T4 for over 6 weeks, re-tested and it’s come down a bit but my T3 conversion has held steady (slight improvement actually which I’m relieved about). I’ve reduced my T4 again as a result (as still too high out of range) and will test again in a couple of months. My occasional night sweats and insomnia could improve as my T4 levels start to come down, this is what I am hoping for anyway!
One day I might get there but I think I will always be heading there to be honest! At least for another year or so anyway!