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[Cwtch]

Been up and down for last 12 months after anxiety attacks started out of blue last year.  I am assuming the emotional swings are due to menopause as it all kicked off when sweats were at a peak. So 9 months of Estelle Duet and despite PMT like lows during each month was coping.  I switched to Estelle conti in Jan following doctors suggestion as it's been over 2 years since last period.  When on duet/sequi I was getting the PMT lows when I was taking the orange tabs with less hormones in them so the idea was perhaps I'd be better on a continuous higher dose.  Since switching to conti I think my emotional dips have increased though ranging from anxiety, jitters and feeling down.  I am worried that this is me having a nervous breakdown and nothing to do with the menopause.  If it is the menopause when will it stop ?!!  I am thinking of either switching back to Estelle Duet or trying another tablet HRT.  Can anyone recommend a tablet HRT that has relieved their anxiety and has anyone had similar experiences when switching from sequi to conti? I really don't want to start on anti depressants as I feel I can cope as long as the dips don't last too long !!! I am nervous of switching to another brand of HRT as I had a bad experience last year but on other hand I am wondering if Estelle is right for me.

[Dulciana]

If it's any help, Cwtch, my emotions are definitely in roller-coaster mode and that's without being on HRT!  I certainly put it down to the meno.

[Cwtch]

Thank you dulciana it's good to know i'm not alone! It has to be my hormones otherwise I would be feeling like this all of the time :\

[limpy]

Can anyone recommend a tablet HRT that has relieved their anxiety and has anyone had similar experiences when switching from sequi to conti?

Does it have to be tablet?
Transdermal HRT works for many ladies.

[CLKD]

For emergency use your GP can prescribe a Valium-type tablet - I wait until anxiety over-whelms then I take one,
otherwise  .  It helps me see the wood for the trees.

[Cwtch]

Thanks for advice trying not to resort to taking anything else other than HRT but not ruling it out! I don't know enough about transdermal htr but will look it up! I did ask GP about bio identical types of HRT a while ago but didn't get anywhere as she seemed to know nothing about it.....

[Cwtch]

Is transdermal patches? I tried last year and got into a right after as patch came off ! I had to ring NHS direct and went straight back to tablets. Not sure I would want to try them again as it really knocked my confidence.

[limpy]

Transdermal is patches or gel.
With patches they need to be applied to dry, clean, non moisturised skin.
Evorel patches stick really well - usually the problem is getting them off 

[Taz2]

Hi Cwtch - transdermal is patches or gel. FemSeven patches often come unstuck. Evorel and Estradot stick well though. Evorel conti does have norethisterone as the progesterone though which can cause anxiety and pmt type symptoms in some women. Someone else will be along soon with advice re utrogestan in combination with oestrogen.

Which HRT are you on at the moment? If you are on a conti then this gives a continuous amount of hormone throughout the month no dips or highs.

I used to blame the progesterone on my own anxiety attacks but now that I am on an oestrogen only HRT the anxiety is the same. When I stopped HRT to check the anxiety was much less. I'm a bit stuck now as to what to use myself!

Taz x

[Cwtch]

Thanks taz2 I'm on Estelle conti at moment I have heard mixed reports about it which was why I was thinking of trying a different tablet but I'm very nervous as when I tried last year my anxiety got much worse. Interesting to hear your anxiety is the same despite being on oestrogen only.

[Cwtch]

Elleste conti does contain norethisterone so I am wondering if that could be making my anxiety worse ? I have heard it can have adverse affects.

[Taz2]

I believe that other members have found Femoston to be kinder if you want to stick to a tablet HRT? It has dydrogesterone instead of norethisterone https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/5191

Taz x

[ruthae]

Hi Cwtch

Welcome!  I had similar experience - check out my first posts rather than repeat it all here.  In short I tried 4 different tablets including femostan all not helping he roller coaster.  I am on oestrogel and utogestan tablets now for 3 weeks and I think things are calming. I'm certainly not getting the euphoric rushes (which is a shame in all this they were quite nice!). It is so difficult to know what is hormones and what is not.  I tried not taking the pills and I was definitely more anxious.  If I could do things over again I would just go straight to the gel as you can alter how much you take and the progesterone seems less evil.

The other things I have changed in terms of lifestyle though they have been very hard are reducing caffeine, dairy and alcohol and increasing my excercise regime. Green tea and soya milk are really supposed to help (but not together). I do yoga and headstands are just the best mood enhancer!! I do one every morning. 

Most of all never beat yourself up. Be kind to yourself and explain that you need kindness from your nearest and dearest don't try doing this alone.

Wishing you all the best

Rx

[Cwtch]

Thank you so much for your kind words it really helps.  Taz2 I will ask about trying femoston when I see my GP - I have an appointment in 2 weeks time :/   I can't remember what tablet I switched to early last year but I went straight back on Estelle as my anxiety deteriorated.  As I have been so unsettled recently anything is worth a try !  Ruthae - is oestrogel literally a gel and utogestan a tablet ?  Let me know if you have a continued improvement as it may be worth my while exploring.  I cut out all caffeine and alcohol for months - but recently reintroduced caffeine as I found out they use unpleasant chemicals to decaffinate most brands.  I am relatively fit and do run as often as I can but get anxiety attacks regardless.  I have thought of trying pilates.  I felt relatively well for a few weeks before Xmas but seem to have had more anxiety attacks since switching to the Estelle conti in January.  It may just be a coincidence and that I am going to have spates of anxiety attacks every month regardless - but this month it has been more than usual.  It is such a pain !  I have found the book 'Making Friends with Anxiety' very helpful and I realise it is easier to accept and go with the flow rather than fight my emotions.

[ruthae]

Hi Cwtch
Sorry for delay, forgot to press the notify buttton and lost track of which posts I'd posted!! Memory loss another symptom!

So, yes a gel and a tablet. Gel is generally 1-4 squirts depending on need. Usually starting on one in peri though I am taking 1.5 when on the progesterone to balance effect of it on oestrogen.  You can take tablets orally or vaginally though they are not licensed vaginally in UK they are in other countries and many members on here seem to use it that way it lessens side effects.  I have started orally and seem ok.  Had 3 weeks now, one on just gel and 2 on progesterone.  Still had anxiety issues the first couple  week but was pleasantly surprised last week especially as it is usually the progesterone which sends me doolally!  But really fell off the wagon yesterday and today crying at anything.  Have some other issues too but wouldn't normally cry at them!  But timing would fit with usual pms. So I need to carry on with this regime for at least 3 months to see if it is right.  Have an appointment at meno clinic in May So will see how that goes. 

Will definitely check out the book you recommend.  I need to stop fighting perhaps. 

Rx