I personally weaned off estrogen gradually. Although we must all do what we feel is right for our own situation I have experienced the hormonal rollercoaster myself when I had a partial hysterectomy some years ago. I have known of people who cut their patch in smaller pieces and weaned down that way. It goes against what a doctor or pharmacist would recommend though. In this day and age with the evidence against estrogen I would think most doctors would be open to decreasing estrogen prescriptions. I know most do not fully appreciate the need for progesterone in women without a uterus but you should be able to obtain Progest-e on your own anyway. I'm sure the stress of darkness plays a role in your breathing worsening at night as well. You may consider a bedtime snack to help keep some of the rise in stress hormones in check too. It sounds like you are on the right track to solving this issue. It will take some patience and effort but I think you will find the results well worth it. Read everything you can from Peat of course to continue to educate yourself on all the things that may play a role in impaired breathing. Good luck and keep us posted!