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[Cwtch]

I've been taking Estelle Duet for over 4 months now as I wanted to give it a chance to get into my system. I switched the type of HRT a few times when I first started taking it which resulted in out of control anxiety attacks. I am still feeling shaky and nervy but have more better than worse days. I had a bad dip 4 weeks ago when the anxiety returned for around a week. This was just before the monthly bleed when I was taking the orange tablets estradiol hemihydrate.  Could it be that I am having PMT like symptoms? I have been fortunate not to have had bad PMT through my life so I don't really know what it feels like! I'm back to see the GP tomorrow and wondering if I should ask to switch to conti tablets ? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Taz2]

Hi. Your symptoms do sound like PMT. If you stay on this HRT but switch to conti this will then mean that you will have a continuous dose of the progesterone instead of only for the last two weeks of the cycle and I'm not sure this would make you feel any better? In your first thread DancingGirl suggested Femoston which has a better tolerated progesterone in some women so it may be a good idea to ask for a change to this if you do want a conti HRT. Here's your thread in case you have trouble locating it  :)http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,28229.msg442397.html#msg442397

Taz x

[Briony]

I had the same issue on Evorel 50 and Utrogestan 200mg for twelve days. I dreaded stopping it each month as I would hit such a low. I am now considering moving to a much higher dose patch with 100mg of Utrogeston days 1 to 26, thinking it will reduce the PMT effect I had before? Doc has suggested a patch strong enough to cause ovulation suppression which should help.
Have you considered Mirena? X

[Cwtch]

Many thanks for the replies. I will have a chat with my G.P. tomorrow but may continue with Estelle Duet for a while longer as I have read that HRT can take up to 6 months to settle down?  The dip I had 4 weeks ago did scare me as the anxiety returned with avengence but started to reduce after a week. I am nervous about switching due to the adverse affects I had before.

[Cwtch]

Briony I don't fancy having a coil fitted - is that Mirena and what are the benefits? I'm going through a dip again with anxiety and panic attacks. I'm still determined to keep taking Estelle Duet for at least 6 months as I have read comments that HRT can take that long or longer to help with the emotional side of the menopause. When I last saw the GP she said if HRT doesn't work it could be 'something else'. But what else could it be unless I am just having  nervous breakdown ?  I am so worried that I am going to have these Attacks for the rest of my life and have turned into a neurotic middle aged woman! I also feel guilty as I know there are people out there who deal with serious illness and bereavement and im fed up with feeling sorry for myself.

[SadLynda]

Cwtch, I have no experience so cannot advise you on the hrt.

But what I can say is, since I have been reading this forum I am sure you have nothing to feel guilty about, as hormones are NOT an easy thing to live with and make many of our lives a living hell.  When I was asked by that idiot GP what was the worst thing without hesitation I said the anxiety, not once did she ask why or what I was going through, and I have not told a soul about what really happens, but from what I have read on here I am sure many of you know all too well.

Sorry I cannot remember were you are or how you get along with the GP, but if you feel you need more help you can ask for a referral to the well woman clinic, or of course change the GP.  Sorry I you have already done this.

I feel quite neurotic most of the time too, I have also never been forced to give myself so much thought in all my life, and cant say I like it so much.

[Cwtch]

Thank you for your honesty and it all sounds very familiar. It is a roller coaster of emotion and I feel I'm battling against myself. It is reassuring to hear about others experiences which reinforce the connection between menopause and anxiety.  I told my GP I'm only taking HRT due to the anxiety and could cope with the other symptoms.  My GP was sympathetic, I have seen other GPS in my practice but they have all said different things work for different women and its a case of trial and error with HRT - if it works at all for anxiety.

[dazned]

I think anxiety,palps,etc is the hardest symptom for hrt to tackle which is why some ladies use ADS in addition to hrt. Hope you settle down soon.

[Briony]

Yes, the mirena is a type if coil. It contains a tiny dose of progesterone meaning you only need to take estrogen as HRT. Side effects are usually less as the progesterone doesn't go through your liver. Bleeds are reduced  or eliminated too. In theory it sounds like a good option, and I know it's popular with a lot of ladies, but the day before I was due to have one fitted last year, I totally freaked out. I'd heard it is painful to fit if you've not had children which didn't help. The thought of having it inside me - which had never bothered me before - suddenly made me freak. Felt so stupid when I called to cancel, but just couldn't go through with it. X

[Cwtch]

I feel the same way Briony which is why it isn't an option for me. I know someone who has had it fitted and it was a painful process and she has 2 children.