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[Hurdity]

What was the problem with the Evorel conti patches? These contain the same progestogen as the Elleste so maybe this isn't helping. If you are feeling that ill including nauseous (did you feel like this before starting the tablets ie nausea?) then patches would be better and also I really would look into cyclical HRT if you feel no better and if you don't mind a bleed. That way you would at least know if it was the progestogen or not. Could there be another reason for your nausea that you should ask the doc about or have you done so already?

Even though some HRT takes time to work especially if you have been without oestrogen for so long - it shouldn't make you feel ill ( or is it that you don't yet feel any better?). Are you still getting flushes and sweats or have these abated? Is it mainly the groggy feeling that is bothering you?  I feel this when on the progesterone phase of my HRT cycle - but I never stay on it long enough to know if it would settle - 14 days is the longest for me because I have a withdrawal bleed and spend most of the time on oestrogen only.

I hope you don't mind all the questions!

Hurdity x

[Dotty]

Hi Hurdity no I don't mind the questions at all.

Nausea started before hrt and I have had lots of tests to see if there is another reason for it.

I don't think the hrt is making me feel ill. It's as you say, I don't feel any better. The hrt has stopped the day flushes but the way I feel is the same as before I started the hrt. Hope that makes sense xx

[peri]

Hi Dotty I didn't mean evorel conti, I'm on a sequi regime which is evorel 50 (oestrogen) and utrogestan for progesterone.  As the others have said continuous progesterone (as in evorel conti) can be hard going and many struggle with it.  I hope you feel better soon x

[Dotty]

Thanks Peri.

I just need  know that what I am going through is “normal “ and that there are other women who feel this ill too. It's very frightening xx

[Dancinggirl]

Hi again Dotty

I think it is unrealistic to expect HRT to solve everything. If you have been oestrogen deficient for some time then it is going to take some time for the HRT to work its magic. If your flushes are reduced then this is a very good start but to rebuild your confidence and find a new ‘nornal', well, that may take a range of strategies to achieve.
I assume you have made changes to your diet? Despite HRT, my digestive system has become far more sensitive, so I have had to adjust my diet accordingly. Small meals often, less fat, cutting out caffeine and drinking plenty of water has made quite a difference for me. I have had cameras up and down everywhere - they did diagnose diverticulitis but this is very common and I've got to avoid painkillers and PPIs and eat a bland and simple diet to prevent flare ups.
The menopause messes with the brain in a way that is difficult to explain - I think many women feel a bereavement of the person we once were and the menopause is called ‘ the change' for many reasons. Flushes , lack of sleep, digestive issues, low mood and anxiety are all normal for the menopause but how we go through this process ( which I'm afraid is all part of aging) and regain some balance, will take each women down a different route and outcomes will vary greatly.
I see this forum as a sounding board to help each other find a way forward - it can be a very rocky road but only you can find what is going to be right for you - we are not doctors, we can only offer suggestions and some reassurance based on our own experience - our experiences vary greatly.
What I can tell you for certain is that I am currently feeling most unwell mentally and physically - I know there is nothing seriously wrong with me but it's a combination of general aging ( I'm 61), a bad year of life stresses and a lack of oestrogen. I have been in this state before and so I know that, though I wake in the small hours feeling deeply sad and low, I must lie still and meditate. I must keep busy and do as many proactive and positive things I can - I go for long walks with my dog and I smile as much as I can even though I don't feel like smiling.  I know my health and mood will improve as time goes on but I also know I won't be 40.50 or even 60 again so I must learn to love how things are now. 
Keep posting - you are taking positive steps so I'm sure you will find a way forward - just be patient as there are no quick fixes. DG x

[Dotty]

Thanks DG. Your comments are much appreciated. My diet was good - I don't drink or smoke and only drink de-caff. I was exercising regularly . I was in a good place and then “wham” this hit me!

I think I suffered 5 years ago, but nobody knew what was wrong with me. That lasted for a few years and then I've had a couple of years of feeling ok. I presume my oestrogen has dropped again which has brought this new load of symptoms .

I just want to feel well..... x

[Dancinggirl]

Dotty - I can certainly empathise - sadly I can't give you solutions and doubt any doctor can either.
You are doing the right things.  Just a thought though - do you take Vitamin D and Omega Oils and even perhaps some B12? Might be worth trying these if you're not - give your system a boost generally? 
You may well find in 3-4 months the HRT will have worked the magic. DG x

[Dotty]

DG - I do take vitamin D and a probiotic.

Thanks for your help.

[Jemp]

I too thought I had got through relatively well- 62 and 5 years since my last period. How wrong I was! Main symptoms are irritable bladder and anxiety. I know I have had a sudden drop in oestrogen because of other indications. It's a bitch isn't it! Just when I was planning on enjoying retirement and grandchildren. Also struggling to support 91 year old mum! OH having a new lease of life and fed up of me and my lack of enthusiasm. 

[Jemp]

Just a though- have a look at the MAD diet. It makes a LOT of sense although primarily for depression/ anxiety and weight loss. It explains how we are deficient in several areas in our modern diets.

[Dotty]

Thanks Jeep. I'll have a look. I just can't believe that this has hit me so badly x

[Jemp]

Do you have a sympathetic GP? Mine is very good. Hard to get an appt. with her unfortunately but she is very supportive and directed me to this site!

[Dotty]

My GPs have been very thorough , but I just want to feel well again x

[sweettooth]

Hi Dotty, sorry to hear you are so poorly, has your GP suggested any other meds to help you for now? 

[Dotty]

Hi sweet tooth Just hrt x