I've been taking estradiol and progestin for about a year and a half. I'm 55. Took birth control for a few years previous for heavy periods associated with perimenopause, then stopped pills. Had no period for 6 months, but horrible hot flashes all day during work, which became a rather embarrassing problem(!). So begged ob-gyn for hrt. She said not until no period for a full year. That's the rule. But the sweating was so horrible, she relented. Sweating stopped. Period started. Continuous period. I was focussed on another health issue—total hip replacement—which is now a year old, and a fabulous success (I'm on that message board too, in case anyone wants to talk about that experience.)

Anyway, I have an appointment in February with obgyn (was due in August, but damn, she's so hard to get an appointment with). But I'm REALLY sick of this ongoing period. I've called doc a couple times, and nurse says no big deal, takes a while to adjust to hormones, and doc can adjust as necessary. But now I'm thinking, do I need to take this at all? I'm thinking I'll cut cut it out until February appointment. So I stopped two days ago, and this morning have some heavier bleeding.

I'm pretty sure I must be menopausal. I mean, I AM 55. So what's going on here? Anyone else have this experience? I'm willing to put up with some discomfort (although I'll be really upset if those violent hot flashes return).

Should I just stay HRT free for a while and see what happens?