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[Fimble]

Hello ladies
Just wondered if anyone has a Mirena and is using Oestrogel. I had the Mirena fitted in February and started with 2 pumps of Oestrogel, I have since tried going down to 1 pump and more recently (after going back to 2 for a while) increased to 3. I'm a bit confused as to whether too little or too much oestrogen causes anxiety, my GP prescribed Citalapram 10 mg last month but I stopped taking them after 3 days because they made me feel terrible! My bleeding has pretty much stopped and I am lucky enough to have an appointment with the menopause specialist in September. It's just that I quite often feel uneasy and have palpitations and am due to go on a couple of holidays soon and wondered if there's anything else I could try? I have been taking probiotics for a couple of months which seen to help with indigestion and suchlike but still have to take Gaviscon sometimes to help. Apologies for the long post, I have read lots about Oestrogel but hope someone may have some advice, thank you 

[Smokey1234]

Hi Fimble
I'm on oestrogel and also Mirena fitted, I don't think the dose of oestrogel causes aniexty, I've not experienced this and my dose has varied between 1 - 3 pumps I've settles on 2 plus two petepois pea size blobs on my arms three I found made my boobs ache.  I believe if you take Citalapram it normally takes about 2-3 weeks to feel the benefits and for your brain to adjust.

Hope this helps

Ann x

[Fimble]

Thank you for your reply 

[Dancinggirl]

Fimble - I don't think we should expect HRT to solve everything.  Anxiety is definitely a symptom of menopause but it will be a range of strategies that will work to get the anxiety under control. I found I felt worse on high doses of oestrogen - 2 is the average and is a good dose.
Do you practise breathing or Mindful techniques? Do you do plenty of brisk walking or do some form of regular physical exercise, e.g. Yoga, Pilates or dance class?
Yesterday I woke feeling mentally and physically awful - despondent, anxious, achy and miserable - so I took my dog on a long walk and walked as fast as I could, taking in everything around me(Mindfulness technique) - by the time I got home I was a good 80% better. 
I tried an AD once - never again.  I would far rather do CBT/Mindfulness as you feel you are controlling things yourself. Having said this, I know that for many women their anxiety is crippling and they cannot get on with life, so something like Citalopram can work wonders but you do need to stick out the first few weeks of side effects. I know a couple of women who do really well on both HRT and an SSRI/AD.  We are all different and so you need to try a variety of strategies to cope.  Good luck DG x

[Fimble]

Thank you so much DG, I do walk most days as I work full time in an office and also practice breathing techniques. I have also had some counselling through work who are extremely supportive and I'm sure it is health anxiety I suffer from. It's almost like I'm waiting for the next thing to go wrong, google it and convince myself it's worst case scenario! I stay positive though and know this is only a phase, and reading what others go through count myself extremely lucky.
Julie x

[CarryWarry]

Fimble, is there any chance of getting tested to check your oestrogen levels?  I agree with you about the Citilopram.  Last year I was put on it for my headaches and I felt even worse on it and stopped quickly just like you.  I have the Mirena too and am now on 75mcg Evorel patch as well as two pumps of gel...so it really is fine tuning and can take ages to sort out (I'm still sorting after two and a half years of ghastly headaches daily).  I just think it's so hard unless we have tests to try and resolve what's really going on.  Some GPs say tests are a waste of time as our hormones fluctuate, but in my case the tests have been invaluable.

Good luck sorting it.  I feel for you.

[Fimble]

Thank you CarryWarry
I will ask the menopause specialist next month about being tested for oestrogen levels. Sorry to hear that you're still struggling, I'm sure there's light at the end of the tunnel for us all