Jari - I think you are right - in my experience, the thyroid issue can greatly complicate other conditions as it means the body is already compromised to some degree. Thyroid replacement works very well for some patients, but imo can never truly replicate the exquisite way in which a healthy thyroid functions. There are very complex biofeedback mechanisms & interactions that make the field mind-boggling, so I don't profess to understand any more than the basics, but like to try to help out other thyroid patients posting on the forum if I can, both for reassurance & because it can make for a difficult & lonely road to walk.
In answer to your question I take both Thyroxine & Liothyronine - the latter makes me atypical among hypothyroid patients, so again, my experience may not always be applicable to women who are on Thyroxine only. Of course, as with responses to HRT & scope & severity of menopause symptoms in the first place, it also seems to be a case that individual experiences differ greatly. Another reason a forum like this is so valuable - the range of experience & knowledge posted means we can usually all find something helpful here.
Yes, if you are interested Jari - I think the Avrum Bluming book makes for a thought-provoking read and I think it potentially helpful to women whose breast cancer history or family history leaves them struggling with debilitating symptoms & in a very lonely place. Again, I'm still undecided about about the matter myself, but feel it best to encourage anyone questioning the issues e.g. BC patients posting for advice on this forum, to try to research as widely as possible to make up their own minds, gain a sense of control & feel more involved in any discussions with relevant healthcare specialists.
I also agree with your comment about the need for HRT possibly changing over time, the wisdom of reviewing as our circumstances may change & keeping abreast of new research that comes to light. A point I touched on in another thread we chatted on a few days ago.
But for me personally - my symptoms over 13+ years, the debilitating effects & complication of managing other pre-existing health conditions & my response so far to the relatively small amount of HRT I've been exposed to, together mean I need to persevere with it for now for quality of life. Albeit with fingers crossed behind my back, as much optimism as I can muster & an open mind!
Wx