Increased Estrogen Patch = Cravings for Grape Jelly Toast?

Okay, Ladies, I need some of your insight!

I have only been on Vivelle dot for 8 days now. First, I was on 0.05 and was fine until flashes and moodiness, so I decided to increase based on advice. I went up to 0.1 (which was the dose that I was originally supposed to take, but I believe in the 'start low, go slow' approach) and NOW I can't sleep at night and ALL I want to eat is toast with butter and grape jelly. I mean, since I've started that dose, I eat the toast for breakfast, lunch, and midnight snack! It's awful and I know it, b/c I was eating so well until this happened and how could it be good for me! My question is, is this related to the increased estrogen? I wanted to go up to 0.075, but it was recommended that I go all the way up to 0.1, so that's what I did in a moment of desperation! Thanks for listening...

Love,
Jennifer
LAVH/BSO 8/20/08

Jennifer,
You are still VERY early post op. Hot flashes and moodiness during this point in your recovery are not uncommon, even while using hrt. Your body has stored reserves of hormones and it can take awhile to use those up. Some symptoms are from the fluctuations in the hormone levels as one uses those up. Not to mention the stress from recoverying from surgery.

IMHO it is best to start out low, than work your way up. Hormonal balance for many of us does not happen overnight, especially during the early months of recovery. I wouldn't do too much tweaking of your hrt right now.

Here's a list of symptoms of imbalance Too Much/Too Little

yes, sounds like too high a dose and subsequent PMS-like carb cravings

Thank you so much, ladies! I know that what I did was not smart at all, so I have to make sure that I call the shots-not the hormones! Thanks, again!