I take 1 mg, I take mine with food in the morning. I am sorry your are going into this with so many health issues and certainly hope this doesn't make your conditions any worse. I really didn't notice a lot of change in the first six months, no hot flashes, nausea or joint pain, but lately it is almost unmanageable. Insomnia was the first thing that showed up, depression (though the pandemic may have done that) and now joint and muscle pain. I have stopped taking it for three weeks to see if my condition improves, it hasn't been a week yet. It's a catch 22, I had lymph node involvement with my cancer so am more concerned about not taking it. I am 76 and will have to look at quality of life rather than longevity if this continues. I had my surgery in December 2019, no radiation or chemo which they said was "preventative" since my PET scan was clear. I go in every three months for blood work, so far nothing is amiss but my severe joint and muscle pain. I have also tried a collagen protein powder with out any improvement in my pain. I live in Duluth, MN. I would say hope for the best, keep a positive attitude and then deal with whatever comes up. Best wishes.