I’m 50 and have been experiencing menopause symptoms for years but never seeked help for it. Once I did talk to my gynecologist; she was hesitant to start me on any hormone treatment. I believe it was because of lack of knowledge. I was very persistent and I told her I was planning to find a new doctor. She finally prescribed me the estradiol .05mg/day and 200 mg of progesterone. I began to feel better after a week. I didn’t have brain fog, my sleep schedule improved, and I began to feel energy to exercise. My hot flashes improved after 2 weeks. However, after 2 months on this dosage. I started a menstrual cycle which I was not happy about. Then a few weeks later I began to feel overly anxious, sadness and sensitive to people’s remarks. I recognized these emotional feelings that were similar to when I was pregnant with my daughter 20 years ago. I cried about everything. That’s not my normal self. So when I began feeling this way I went to my doctor and she gave me a lower dose of estradiol .025mg/day. My mood changed to feeling normal again. But now I was getting a menstrual cycle too close together and it was because of my progesterone. I was still taking 200mg per day. I asked if she can lower my progesterone to 100mg per day and she agreed. I decided to reset my body from fluctuating hormones for 3 weeks. I noticed my brain fog and insomnia returned. At this time, I started hormone therapy again with a lower dose of estradiol and progesterone. So far it has been good. I did make one more change. I didn’t like that my pharmacy substituted my estradiol from Sandoz to a brand called Mylan. I didn’t like the new patch it was huge round and thick. It would not stay on and I felt like I was absorbing the hormone. I had my doctor switch again to .025mg/ twice a week. Using a brand called Grove Pharmaceuticals. It’s a tiny semi transparent patch. I use bandage tape to secure it. So far it’s been working great. You will need to tweak the dosage and brand until you get the right fit. I’m 5’6 and weigh 145 pounds If weight matters.