Self pay estrogen blood test at a national lab showed estrogen less than detection limit. I showed that to my GYN and she was ok with hrt. I asked for estrogen patch because patch has much less side effects. Prescribed dose is 0.025. I am also taking 100 mg oral progesterone, compounded, since I have a gelatin allergy and could not use generic protmetrium. Patch is every 3.5 days, progesterone is nightly. Continuous treatment.

My blood test after 10 weeks on this regime showed 0.6 estrogen, at 12 hours post new patch. This is higher than manufacturer's expected of 0.5. (I am smaller woman). Progesterone was 2.0, lower than if I was using generic prometrium.

My only side effect is tender breasts (minor), and much improved sleep and skin. I hope it works on the bones! Estrogen patch is relatively inexpensive through goodrx. My insurance declined and recommended options which had greater risk (IMO) - pill, iud. I know that I do not have any clotting factor issues, by the way.