Are otc hormonal creams safe? i am 49 at present. over the past 2 years my periods have been on and off. i may have normal periods for 6 months then have 2-3 without. when my periods stop i have hot flashes some sweating not terrible. they were waking

Over-the-counter : Over-the-counter hormonal creams have not been established as safe or effective in long-term studies. There are concerns with soy and related estrogen compounds that they may cause increased incidence in breast-related problems or even breast cancer. Your walking, calcium/magnesium, and vitamin d are perfect and are highly recommended. With your cystic breast structures however i would be particularly careful about any other estrogen related products.