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[NickiM]

Hi I'm new to this group so apologies if I get this wrong. I'm 44 (45 May) I started 3 years ago roughly with night sweats etc and then last May started with horrendous anxiety from nowhere. I came of my depo injection this summer as that seem to make things worse. I've been on HRT for 3 months but I'm finding 2 weeks out of my 4 that the anxiety etc is unbearable, I'm feeling suicidal. I came off f the HRT this Friday and have been put back on the pill but I'm worried about the progesterone side of everything. I would like to see Dr Julie Ayres but want to know if it's best to get referred at St James or do I refer myself at Nuffield? I'm at my wits end!

[Dotty]

Probably quicker to go privately

[Mary G]

I would definitely fast track via a private consultation, if you are feeling that low, you might have to wait a long time for an NHS appointment. 

Have you considered Professor Studd?  He specialises in hormonal anxiety and depression and also progesterone intolerance.  Have a look at his website.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome NickiM

Finding the right HRT can be difficult.  Do look under the TREATMENTS section (top of this page) to see the options.  It  is the Progesterone that can cause the main side effects, so there are different ones to try.  It is going to be trial a error before your ‘kiss your prince' HRT wise. All HRTs will give some side effects so its about finding the most benefits with minimal side effects.  At your age it's important to have HRt to protect you heart and bones for the longer term so you must persevere.  The Pill may be OK but there are a couple of BCPs that would be the most appropriate as they have natural oestrogen - Qlaira is one but I can't remember the other - I would definitely consider trying this and your GP shovel be able to prescribe this.
Before rushing to pay for advice privately, why not get your GP to give you something like Femoston 1/10 HRT or teh Qlaira first - Femoston has a kinder progesterone which suits many women very well.  The other option is to try Oestrogel or oestrogen patches with separate progesterone (either Utrogestan or Provera which are both quite good).
Keep us posted.  DG x

[Emerald2017]

Hi Nicki! I can understand how you feel. I'm 41 and an on hrt for 6 months. I m feeling suicidal too sometimes and my gyn said to give to my hrt more time. I feel that cannot feel the same as before menopause and I have to use to my new hormonal state! Take care! 💐
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[NickiM]

Hi everybody. I can't use Provera as I'm sensitive to this when I had the depo injection, that was the start of my issues.
Yes I think I will end up going private Mary G as it's really having a detrimental effect on me and my children. I totally understand where your coming from Emerald! It's life destroying to be that unhappy for 6 months with HRT is not good. I've trying for 18 months and something has to give, it's just surviving. I'm back at the doctors tomorrow but feel that they are getting fed up with me. I will keep you posted

[Dancinggirl]

NickiM - Do print off the info about the different HRTs to show the GP - this can help illustrate you point.
Find the info on Qlaira as well as this could be a good option for you to try - there have been quite a few ladies on this forum who have done well with this.  WE are all different so respond differently to the various HRTs.  I had 25 years of using HRT, due to premature meno, and I have tried just about everything - The Prof Studd regime gave me the worst side effects of all of them!!! Others do really well on his regime!
I did well on Oestrogel (just one pump per day) with separate progesterone (dydrogesterone) pills for 10 days each month.

The 'Prof. Studd' regime that you would get if you went privately is also available from the GP - you just have to tell them the appropriate information and they can prescribe this.  Essentially this is Oestrogel with Utrogestan(micronised progesterone) and this progesterone may suit you better.
BTW - I'm not surprised you had problems with an implant - probably a big hit of progesterone. DG x

[helenmelon]

Hi NickiM,

I was in a similar position for a long time until a new GP started at my practice. She suggested HRT but because of previous UFE for fibroids my gynaecologist said no to HRT. GP suggested Julie Ayers and I went to see her privately, it was the best money I've every spent !!

My consultation lasted at least 50 minutes and it was so nice that I was speaking to someone who recognised my symptoms and didn't just tell me I was depressed, I knew I wasn't depressed, but I was fed up of the same offer of antidepressants!!

My advice would be to ring her secretary at the Nuffield, I had an appointment within 4 days, write down everything you feel because I find I don't always remember or say what I intend to  She wrote to my GP and suggested I had a Hysteroscopy to check my uterus lining as I had immensely heavey periods and told my GP which HRT to prescribe and I have the option to go and see her privately for a review in 3 months.

I can't stress enough how much better I felt after just taking to Julie Ayers. She is lovely, very understanding and patient.

Good luck and fingers crossed you get this sorted xx

[Mary G]

helenmelon, I'm pleased to hear that you consultation went well and set you on the right track.  It's always good to have feedback on private consultants but would you mind telling us how much it cost?  Members are always asking for information on menopause specialists.

I agree that a good consultation is worth every penny.  NickiM, I hope you get some help soon. 

[CLKD]

A good Consultation where we are listened to makes a World of difference!  Thanks for the update.