Prescription Dosage on HRT

[kib]

I'm somewhat conflicted about hormone replacement. I finally went on estrogen/progesterone because of insane hot flashes that were waking me up every half hour or so. I'm taking 1 mg of estradiol + prog., what I've read said that typical doses range from 1-2 mg.

The hot flashes have subsided to 3-4 per night, maybe 7 on a bad night, which is still annoying but bearable. In your opinion, should I request a higher dose of estrogen to knock them out entirely? The whole field of hormone replacement seems fraught with contradictions and my Dr. is really no help, she will basically give me what I ask for unless it's obviously harmful.

[sweetana3]

It is not something you need to be on for the rest of your life. Disrupted sleep has its own health risks and I would talk to the doctor about increasing/changing what you are taking because it can just be the wrong pill/dose for your chemistry.

[CathyA]

Have you ever considered using Black Cohosh supplements instead? I never tried them, but I've heard they work, and you don't have to mess with hormones.......which I found caused other problems.

[lmerullo]

I take 1mg estradiol, no progesterone. I had a hysterectomy many years ago. Initially it was prescribed during an emotionally tough time. My dd and her son were moving away, ds moved out, etc. I wasn't sleeping or eating well. Doc tested my blood levels and I was low. I keep taking it now, and every once in a while try to do without. (Just to see if it's still working) Without a doubt, dh can always tell when I am skipping. He doesn't win any points at home when he asks if I'm off my crazy pills. That being said, as long as you don't have any other risk factors and monitor for side effects, 1 mg should be fine. Even 2.