Hi CookieL
Your doc should not have needed to carry out blood tests to confirm menopause unless you have no womb or are on mini pill? If you are over 45 with cycle changes and menopause symptoms then you are deemed peri-menopausal if no other worrying symptoms that need investigation. How often were your periods ( if you had them?). Yes there are shortages of patches but it is possible to get them - you just need to get your GP to put a generic estradiol patch on your prescription at whatever dose she recommends. Then the pharmacist can give you what they can get. Alternatively find out at your local pharmacy which ones are available and then get your doc to prescribe these but it might be a different brand next time!
I've been on HRT patches for almost 13 years now.
Many women swear by the Mirena coil but I have no experience of it. Hopefully someone else will be along at some point with more experience!
YOu will soon be on the road to getting rid of those beastly flushes and sweats and hopefully a better night's sleep! Let us know what you decide and how you get on
Hurdity x