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[Mindfulmoomins]

 Hi everyone,

I am feeling worse since increasing my Estrogel by 2 pumps (as advised by Studd clinic). Maybe it’s not that making me worse though? I am on Estradot 100 mcg (going to try Provera next month as very progesterone intolerant).

It is so hard to tell what it what. Prof Studd clinic said I was a pretty classic case for reproductive depression which makes sense to me.

I just feel anxious, I’m not sleeping well and totally flat, like there is no joy in anything.

I am on Fluoxetine 40 mgs and have been for several years. When peri came along I had some dark months but then Estrogel 4 pumps and mirtazapine 15 mg started to lift me and I went back to work and had a good few years until my latest symptoms (night sweats, depression and anxiety). The mirtazapine was increased by 15 mgs 4 weeks ago but I don’t know if it’s helping.

I don’t feel suicidal but I quite understand anyone who has. I worry I’ll never feel better or like me again. I have a good life but I feel so lost at the moment.

This is a place of such knowledge and support so I wanted to share as it’s better out than in.

Xxx

[Dotty]

Hi how many pumps of Oestrogel were you using and how many are you using now ? It could be that you’ve increased by too much at once.

It will take time for any increase in oestrogel to make you feel better. The change will be slow . With me, it was a few months before I felt “better.” I kept a diary of symptoms do I could see what was improving. xx

[Mindfulmoomins]

Hi Dotty, before changing to Estradot I was on 4 pumps. Now I am using Estradot and 2 pumps although I am wondering about just adding one extra pump instead of two. Thank you for your reassurance xx

[EllaAurora]

Hi Mindfulmoomins,
How are you doing today? 
Do you have a chance to call to Prof. Studd clinic and ask advice if the low feelings continue?

It's also still quite early, as I recall you had your appointment very recently. We're all different but my own experience is that I've felt within 2 weeks if something is going to work or not, directionally. Symptom diary is great and I'm also rating each day from 0-10 (0 being an absolute nightmare / 10 is feeling like my old self on a good day).  Calculating the total sum of the week is helpful in seeing if I'm going going up or down as it cleans out daily fluctuations and gives a sense of direction.

Let us know how you're doing and take good care! xxx

[Mindfulmoomins]

Hi Ella,
 
Thank you for asking. I am wobbly but trying to rest.

I haven’t heard back from the clinic yet. You are right, it’s early days with increasing estrogen.

The idea of rating the day is a good idea. I have been keeping. Track of things in my app.

Thank you for your support xxx

[Shannonplussed]

I know that flat, joyless feeling well. When I cannot crack a smile, jokes aren’t funny, and I don’t even want to sing along to a favourite song. I withdraw from friends and coworkers. For me, it would happen for a couple days before a period (or ghost period when I had a Mirena and had a cycle but didn’t actually bleed). Maybe with the added estrogen, some kind of bleed will happen soon?

[Mary G]

Sorry to hear that.   I agree it would be a good idea to speak to Dr Neale but I always found the secretaries were very knowledgeable and helpful.  Why not give them a ring now.

Give it time.   Gypsyroselee on here was a patient of Professor Studd and had a rough start on a similar regime but she came through it after a short period of time.   Why not have a look at some of her posts.

[Mindfulmoomins]

Thank you Mary. I remember that name. I’ll have a look. I almost daren’t say it out loud but I feel a bit better today. This forum is so helpful, I learn such a lot from you knowledgable and supportive ladies who have stayed on the forum to help out those of us still struggling xxx

[Pippa52]

Do hope you feel better soon.  It  is so hard trying to get the dose really right.  Too low and all the meno symptoms, too high a dose and it can make you feel so hyper and twtichy!!  I am in a similar boat.  Was changed to Lenzetto just over a week ago as the new formulation of Oestrogel (which I was on for over 20 years) really did not suit me at all.  I have been prescribed one spray of Lenzetto for a week then up it to 2.  Upped it to 2 sprays and I was SOOO hyper, twitchy, anxious, could not sleep and vile headache so have gone back down to one spray as could not cope with feeling that hyper etc.  Soo one spray is too little and 2 sprays too much so am thinking of possibly blocking off half of the spray nozzle to try and achieve a half dose as that would be the equivalent of what I was on with the old Oestrogel formula.  Getting the dose right is critical I fully appreciate.  I have also been advised to possibly go on a low dose of Testosterone once I have the HRT levelled out but  not sure how I feel about that.  Anyway do hope you feel better soon - it's a minefield isn't it.  This site is so lovely to be able to talk to people in a similar position and who all understand and empathise xx

[Mindfulmoomins]

Thank you Pippa, yes the dose is so important. I so wish things were more tailored and specific to the individual rather than ‘try this for 3 months’. I hope you manage to get your dose right.

Take care xx

[VictoryV]

Hi Mindfullmoomins, how are you feeling today?

Thanks for posting how you’re feeling. I can relate to a lot of what you’ve said, I don’t know how women cope just doing everyday normal things. I’m struggling to do my job, thankfully we’re still working from home as I’ve not managed to comb my hair never mind wash it this week!
I’d be totally stuck without this group: it gave me my diagnosis and reminds me that we can get through this no matter what.

I hope you start to feel better soon and here’s a hug

Vx

[Nas]

Hi all
Just going back to the dosing oh HRT, how do we do it?
I’m in a similar situation; 75 mg patch isn’t enough, yet 100mg and I don’t feel right either!

Was contemplating patch and gel. Applied a 25mg blob and have been jittery all day, so too much gel ! Tomorrow it will be a quarter of a sachet I think.

I just don’t know how to achieve optimum dose. All I want is to stop is the early waking with a pounding heart and for the  anxiety to go away? It seems a mere impossibly right now!

Xx

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

I do sympathise. I am on 5 pumps of gel but I suspect that my anxiety is getting worse not better.
I emailed my meno doctor at News Health a while ago but still no response, she was a fan of using lots of gel anyway.
I am also using Utrogestan vaginally but I honestly don't know if that is helping or not, it may even be contributing to the low mood and tearfulness I also seem to be stuck with. What fun!

No words of wisdom I'm afraid but I feel your pain!

Take care all.

K.

[Mindfulmoomins]

Thanks Nas, Victoria and Shannon, it is so good to not be alone with this. I have wondered if I was having serious mental health issues but that just doesn’t make sense (I work as a therapist, teach mindfulness and have a therapist and a life I feel grateful for when I am ok - I know that doesn’t mean I am exempt from mental health issues!). I wish I understood how hormones can affect wellbeing so much.

I have read a few papers about reproductive depression. It seems for some of us (me definitely) oestrogen declining affects the ability of the brain to use serotonin (that may well be an incredibly simplified and not very accurate description!).

With the early morning waking I have tried a few things. It’s really tough when it happens. I sometimes imagine all the other menopausal women out there awake and us all standing in a circle holding hands and supporting each other. I also go and drink a Yakult (someone has persuaded me of the link between gut health and serotonin). The other thing is the Calm app. The anxiety release meditation on there my body likes. I have the Bach rescue remedy night spray next to my bed too and accidentally turn the bedside light on and wake my husband as I fumble for it 

Thank you for being there xxx

[Mindfulmoomins]

Sorry to hear that Kathleen. I am not sure I can tolerate Utrogestan anymore. It seems to make me very low, tired and anxious and I just don’t want to put my body through that every month.

I am considering a hysterectomy. I’ll wait until I have been feeling well for a while before considering it more seriously though xx