Went to see 1 (of my 2 gyns), yesterday to "tweak" my hrt. Turns out, as I suspected, that I'm not fully absorbing and/or converting the vivelle estradiol patch. Therefor, my e levels are way below the .1 full dose patch but when my ovaries get going I surge up to 175estradiol. So, I'm still using the e patch, but supplementing with Estrace estradiol cream each night. (This stuff is great for vag dryness, "plumps everything up down there too", sleep better, lessen mood swings, etc. My body seems to absorb the estrace MUCH more efficiently than the patch. Anyway, since I'm back to supplementing the estradiol BOTH ways he gave me a different sample of Progesterone to try IF I skip 2 periods in a row. Previously to this he had given me some combination sample patches. (however, now that I made him do a 4 week blood draw he SEES that I'm way below the e patch level!.)
This type of P is more commonly used in IVF/fertility procedures but at a much higher dose. Anyway, as in my other posts, I just wanted to reiterate that there are MANY options for progesterones. I had a horrid experience with oral Prometrium and I was the one who insisted the bio-ident only route for hormones! haha Anyway, I still hope my periods continue for a few more years. Good luck to everyone and hope I can be of help. Regards, J.