Apologies if advice I'm seeking is covered already somewhere, in which case thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
Background: Age 51, perimenopausal (and suspect I have been for many years).
Gp started me on femoston 2/10 about 6 weeks ago at my request.
My symptoms that I linked to lowered hormones were/are: zero energy, anxiety, weepiness, depression, periods resembling someone bleeding to death, a cervical cyst (removed). No hot flushes or sweats, in fact I'm permanently freezing.
To complicate matters, a year ago I suffered the worst bereavment of my life and am still suffering terribly for this loss, had some counselling, trauma therapy etc., nothing really helped.
I mention this because obviously it makes distinguishing between the causes of some of my symptoms more difficult.
Gp was anxious for me to take anti-depressents for my bereavement which I'd rather not.
Strangely enough, because my loss has entailed a lot of crying, this has actually trained me to distinguish between what feel like very different types of crying - tears of suffering for my loss and what I would categorise as hormonal tears which are more like a tap being turned on.
I hoped the hrt could help at least with the hormonal type weepiness and just to clarify, all the other symptoms I mention pre-date my bereavement.
At 6 weeks in, so far the one concrete improvement was a much lighter, more bearable period. Otherwise perhaps a slight increase in energy but anxiety is atrocious – perhaps even worse than before. I also have some spots, not full blown acne but appearance is important for my work. No other side effects though bad headache today which I never have.
MY QUESTIONS: I would be grateful for advice on how long I should give it and how to manage my gp who is receptive but not particularly knowledgeable about hrt. I'm having a consultation with her tomorrow.
The chemist told me it takes 3 months to feel the effects – should I stick it out for now and if no improvement try some other kind, eg gels, might this make a difference?
I have had only 1 full pack and in a week finish the second one. I'd say I feel worse in the progesterone half of the pack.
I also don't understand why estrogen and progesterone are given for 14 days each – I understand the private/Studd-type regime gives estrogen for most of the month and progesterone for just a week. Is this preferable and if so could I set this up with the gp?
Many thanks