Hi Claire 663! I'm very interested in your experiences of HRT, and I've read back on some of your other posts. Have you always used transdermal? I'm wondering if (like me), you are having problems with erratic absorption? I have just started oral HRT as my Menopause Consultant thinks this could be the problem for me (that, and I'm in surgical menopause so have no 'back up' hormones of my own to speak of, except what the adrenals produce).
I also notice that you up your dose quite quickly if you don't get symptom relief relatively quickly. I've done a lot of research into this, and this is why the 'go low, go slow' mantra is useful, I believe. It takes time for the hormones to build in your system, so to expect instant relief is not going to happen (I learned this the hard way)! If you bump the dose too quickly, you could end up with too much and this, I believe, is why you're having to stop or take a break. It's better to be patient and give it time, adding in if needed. It is much easier to add hormones than it is to clear an excess. It also doesn't do your body any good stopping and starting.
I've learned this the hard way, as I have said!