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[paulineh]

Hi

I've recently went back on HRT after a  very brief spell of trying without it. I'm currently on Evorel 50 patch for the past couple of weeks. I feel awful, really low mood, very tearful and anxious can't find any pleasure in anything at the moment everything is a struggle. I'm also taking a AD but at the moment nothing seems to be giving me any kind of relief from this crushing low mood.
I don't recall feeling this low when I first started on HRT in 2009. With hindsight coming off it when I did was not the best decision I've ever made. My father past away recently and I have been struggling to come to terms with his death. I stopped because I was fed up being the person who always had the headache. When I put the patch on I did feel better but this past week has been really awful. Each day is a constant struggle. It's an effort to get up and go to work and get through the day.
Has anyone else felt this way when starting HRT? I'm on estrogen only I don't need progesterone.

[Millykin]

Pauline
So sorry to hear of your loss and your feeling like this. I can't help much as I'm 44 peri meno but just wanted to say when first diagnosed 3 years ago I was feeling fine just not having periods so started HRT to protect bones I lasted 3 months and couldn't tolerate the prog so came off it and that's when all the symptoms started low moods anxiety ect. After 6 months I was screaming at GP to give me HRT again. It was as if my body had a taste for hormones and wanted them again, all fine now. Hope it settles soon for you x

[Dancinggirl]

Hi paulineh
It sounds to me as though you have had a tough time and it will take some time for the oestrogen level to build up again and do it's magic.  You mention headaches - I always thought that it was HRT that contributed to my headaches but when I had a break from HRT last year my headaches actually got worse.  Since I went back on HRT 4 months ago I haven't had so many headaches but I still suffer now and again.  I don't know what triggers my headaches - a bad nights sleep is definitely one trigger and I think my sinuses are very sensitive so I often feel it is down to sinus pain.
Anyway, it is the end of the winter, you could be low on Vitamin D and some of the symptoms of Vit D deficiency are low mood and lack of energy.  Sunshine is the best way of getting Vitamin D, so in winter it is a good idea to take a supplement of Vit D3 and it is quite safe to take as long as you don't massively overdose. Also don't discount the impact of bereavement - I believe it drains the body in so many ways and you need to be kind to yourself and allow it to recover from the trauma - not easy when you have to work and get on with life.
I've been practising Mindful Meditation for the last 18 months on the suggestion of my GP(there are some good books you can get about it) and I have to say I've found it beneficial - once you get into the routine of doing this it is very relaxing and restorative.
I hope you feel better soon.   DG xx

[paulineh]

Thanks Dancinggirl & Millykin

I've got an appointment at the menopause clinic on Wednesday so I'll ask about the HRT then. I'm sure a lot of what I'm feeling is grief and its a horrible feeling.
Maybe a change of HRT is needed but I'm not sure which is best. Are all the patches the same?
Pauline xx

[Dancinggirl]

paulineh - you haven't told us whether you are on a sequential version or a continuous version of HRT. The combined HRT patches have synthetic progesterone which is sometimes brings PMT type symptoms. Sometimes the conti version of any HRT can bring some side effects because of using progesterone all the time.  Many of us choose to use sequential HRT (which brings a regular withdrawal bleed)  well in to post meno because of this.  You could switch to HRT in pill form or use the bio identical HRT combo of oestrogen in gel or patch form with Utrogestan for the progesterone.  HAve a look under HRT Preparations on this site to get clued up.
DG x

[Millykin]

I'm sure she said oestrogen only DG x

[Dancinggirl]

AH yes, I think you are right Milkykin
paulineh can you remind us about your age, the stage of your meno - have you had a hysterectomy?  This enables us to support you better as we then have a better picture of what is going on.
If you are using oestrogen only patches and you are still in your 40s or 50s then an increase in the dosage may be appropriate? If you want a different delivery for the oestrogen then there is Oestrogel which you apply every day and you can adjust the dosage to your needs.  I still think it is very early days, as it took at least 4 weeks for my symptoms to subside when I went back on HRT.
Keep us posted paulineh.  DG x

[paulineh]

Hi

Yes i'm oestrogen only. I had a hysterectomy when I was 37 but the ovaries were conserved. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster since then with HRT. I'm 51 now and had started reducing HRT because of really severe headaches but once I stopped  the flushes, night sweats and insomnia kicked in and I was still having headaches but they were not as bad. Although through this my mood was ok. Crying a lot but I put that down to grief. Then just about 4 weeks ago it all started to go wrong felt like I was on the verge of a breakdown waking in the morning with dread & worry struggling to function so I put the patch back on. Instantly felt better & thought I'd be ok but as you say DG it could be I need time to let it settle. I feel mentally & physically exhausted. I've dealt with all my dads stuff and kept working & I think it's all been too much.
I've been here before about 6 years ago & the HRT was a life saver I was hoping it would be again.
Xxx

[Briony]

Hi

I used to take Evorel patches. They took a good three to four months to really have an effect. I do remember having some wobbly days after a week or so, but looking back, I suspect this was actually just my own low estrogen and not actually connected to the Evorel x

[undergroundbarbie]

Hi Paulineh
Sorry for your loss, like you I lost my dad in October and like you I made the strange decision to stop hrt, I'm on Prempak c at the same time, within three days mys symptoms, hot flushes, night sweats returned with a vengeance but I persevered for two months until I couldn't take any more, it didn't help that I have a safety critical job with lots of customer facing so couldn't just hide away. Back to my pre break self again, a bit moody. I think your feelings are more to do with grief as I still have bad days., it takes a long while to get over the death of someone close. Speak to your GP about your feelings. My dad had alzeimers and I found a great web site that helped me through the whole period and the period of grief. Your not alone and I hope you feel better soon. 

[paulineh]

Thank you Undergroundbarbie. Your right grief is a terrible thing. I've reduced the patch a little to roughly 37.5 & I'll then gradually build it back up to see if that helps. When you're feeling like this you struggle to think straight & make lots of rash knee jerk decisions.

Xx

[SueRoe]

paulineh, please don't underestimate the effect grief can have - it really can knock everything out of you. Having to sort through your Dad's things while keeping working might have meant that you've been so busy that you haven't had the time you need to grieve properly, and now that things are calmer it's hit you. Can you take some time off work  (compassionate leave?) to rest, look after yourself, think about your Dad, and start adjusting to his having gone? Hugs