Hrt. Had to stop, now what?

[Queenfreak]

Im 48. Started peri symptoms about 2 years ago, started hrt about 5 months ago.
First I tried the patches- I felt much better, but they wouldn't stay stuck on. Switched to a spray. Gave me awful sleepiness and daily diarrhea. I stopped after 6 weeks as the side effects didn't go away.
Is it just trial and error until I get the right method? Is it all the same thing delivered differently?
I can't keep getting these flashes and non-stop periods. I feel terrible!

I had the same problem with the patches but persevered after reading some tips about them. I’ve been using them for a couple of years now with no problems.

I warm the patch between my hand before application, check skin is dry and free of lotions. Then make sure placement will be subject to minimal stretching. I personally stick on my bottom area, but to the side and below the hip.

Use some surgical tape over the patch if it works for you? I ended up on the gel but after a year and a specialist concluded that I am intolerant to oestrogen, so have been doing it without hrt for some years now.

This might help with patches?
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/menopause/5345856-amazing-tip-for-hrt-patch-irritation

Or you could try the oestrogen gel, with either utrogestan tablets or mirena coil to provide the progesterone.

IME too many women are put on too high a dose from the start.

When I started HRT my consultant (who is very experienced) suggested 1/4 of the standard dose. Half a pump of gel. I did that for a couple of weeks or more and gradually increased it.

Suddenly bombarding your body with the full dose isn't a great idea. Which may be why you felt rough with the spray @Queenfreak

Maybe try Oestrogel, because it's easier to squirt out half a pump whereas with the spray you can't do this so easily.