Breast pain (and possible growth) with HRT estrogen

I had a hysterectomy earlier this year and am taking 2mg estradiol as my estrogen/HRT supplement. Without it, I have terrible hot flashes that leave my body, clothes and blankets bathed in sweat and vaginal dryness so bad that I expect tumbleweeds to roll out of my panties (cue the theme from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly) so I know that I need HRT; at least for now.

I have fibroid cystistic breasts that can sometimes be painful. I've learned that drinking caffenated beverages can cause it to flare and cause temporary breast pain so I try to avoid drinking caffeine or eating chocolate. For the past four to six weeks, my breasts have been sore, tender and sometimes swollen all the time. I'm beginning to wonder if the HHRT is having the same effect on me than birth control pills had on me when I was high school and causing my breasts to grow.

As a 44DDD, I really do not want them getting larger. They're enough trouble as they are. But I don't want to give up HRT and become sweaty and damp in all areas except for the part that actually needs to be wet. I haven't explored other types of estrogen, including black cohosh, because I'm worried that they will either be too effective or completely ineffective. Has any else noticed breast swelling or growth while using HRT? Is this a temporary thing or will I someday be pushing my tits around in a wheel barrel?

Any suggestions or recommendations to consider for when I next see my gynecologist?

I also use estradiol, but in the vaginal form, 1g on Wednesday and Sunday nights (because those are church nights and I have to use it religiously). It has had benefits including fewer UTIs that are less severe and increased vaginal lubrication. I believe it has even increased my desire for sex somewhat. As for breast tenderness, perhaps a smidge when I first started using it a year ago, but that resolved on its own. I haven't had hot flashes or night sweats either, thank goodness. I would ask your doctor about your breast symptoms

Thanks for your reply and help, LadyDoc. The estradiol keeps my vagina well-lubricated and my arousal level high, both of which I am enjoying. I'd go with a lower dose if I thought I could but my hot flashes and night sweats are strong if I'm just a little bit late taking it so I don't want to change anything until that's under control. I have Estrace cream to use if the vaginal dryness returns and Estrogel to use if the hot flashes become more severe than my Estradiol pill can manage. I used both the pill and gel when I first had the surgery but only once or twice over the past few months. I definitely don't want to take Premarin or Prempro, so I will stick with Estradiol for now. I'll check with my doc about the breast tenderness when I see him next month.

Dianne