During the luteal phase all three hormones are higher than they were during the follicular phase. After luteal phase, the hormones all drop down to follicular levels. These follicular levels are the hormone levels that are ideal for postmenopause. All dosing regimens alleviated menopausal symptoms. Continuous therapy is an appropriate and safe choice.
Continuous therapy provides protection against osteoporosis.
Continuous therapy is as effective as cyclical in preserving heart function. Cyclical therapy gained it's popularity years ago when it was needed due to the high incidence of breakthrough bleeding that occurred with HRT - most likely related to the higher dosages that were used. This down time should occur every night . Estradiol, progesterone and testosterone all exhibit a 24-hour rhythm in which the levels are highest in the morning or early day, and lowest at night. Please remember that for decades your hormone levels never dropped below the normal baseline follicular levels.