Thanks Hurdity for your reply and for all the helpful input you have given on this forum before.
My thyroid is fine, but low vitamin d. I need to remember to take my vit d tablets - I'm vigilant with the hormones as I see them as strong and medical. But I hardly ever remember to take the vit d. I think because you can by it at Holland and barrett it feels less glamorous and important
I'm on testogel sachets. Thank you for the prompting about getting levels tested after six months. I'm assuming studd clinic will do that, but if not then I will do bloods privately. I've done private bloods before and I like to see the numbers and feel like I have control. I'm glad to hear your post-exercise issues cleared up after being on testosterone for a while - gives me hope! My husband is convinced I just dont stretch enough after that - I'm not sure that explains the wrist and shoulder pain, or the drowsiness that makes staying awake afterwards impossible
So am I right in thinking my low mood is progesterone withdrawal rather than a response to the progesterone itself? I'm guessing that's probably good news as it would appear I can tolerate utrogestan which I know lots of people can't. Better 5 -7 days of PMS type symptoms on withdrawal rather than 10+ days of reaction to progesterone.
Also, even though I am irritable, overwhelmed and anxious, my energy levels are ok and I don't feel like hiding in a cave. So overall I think I can handle this every month; its certainly a lot better than how I felt before starting this regime. I find it's really helpful when you know what's going on when (and why).
For example, I keep obsessing about a work thing, but I'm just trying to recognise that I might be over anxious right now and maybe come back to thinking about this issue when worst hormonal feelings have passed.
Re the bleed, if I dont get a bleed, would that be because I didn't have enough lining to shed or because I didn't take a long or strong enough dose of progesterone?
If it's the former, I'm tempted to book myself in for a private uterine scan and see if maybe I can extend the oestrogen only phase. I'd be happy to pay for scans on a regular basis to keep an eye on this.
TC - I'm sorry you are feeling so bad. I'm not an expert, but it seems like you are doing the right thing coming off the utrogestan and in hope your meno dr can give you an alternative regime.