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[Wannabewell]

I’m on fifth cycle of Oestrogel 2 pumps and Utrogestan sequi 200mg.

I have had one short period after 3rd cycle.  So far none this no period after 4th cycle and now on day 6 of 5th cycle.

On 21st September and 22nd September I had two severe hemiplegic migraines. They presented like mini strokes and GP sent me to hospital to see medical team.  CT scan showed no bleed on brain.  Told me I’d had hemiplegic migraines that cause same one sided symptoms as stroke.

Since then I’ve been very weak, exhausted, migraines lingering and retriggered easily, intense nausea, depression and severe pain in neck and shoulder. Body aches and feeling really cold at night.

I’m on levothyoxine too and wondering if my thyroid could be causing some of symptoms.

I do get migraines with aura that can cause left sided issues but never to this extent so this is all new.

Could this be the HRT?  I started it for cyclical depression mainly and it’s not resolved that so if this is how it’s going to be then it’s not worth it for me.

Also, the stomach cramps and bloating and water retention when on Utrogestan are horrible.

I’m seriously considering stopping the HRT because I’m really struggling and it’s getting me down, my mood is getting very very low.

Any help at all, thought, anything I’d appreciate, please.

Also, if I was to stop HRT what’s my options for the hormone issues of insomnia and dryness and depression and anxiety?

[CLKD]

Were U referred back to your GP or to a Specialist?

Who prescribed HRT for cyclical depression?  My depression is cyclical: so ill I can't get out of bed, eat, bath; then I begin ADs and after a few months begin to feel 'like me'.  After feeling well for a while I would stop the ADs .  It took 22 months as a complete cycle.  Now I am on an appropriate anti-depressant medication as well as having an as-necessary anti-anxiety pill for emergencies.

Your body has been shocked and stressed, no wonder you have those symptoms.  I would ask for a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic: not a gynaecologist as they don't often know much about HRT and it's effects: as well as keeping a mood/food/symptom diary.

As oestrogen levels drop, the body may become dry: inside and out; skin, vagina, deep in the ears, nostrils, eyes.  Vaginal atrophy can be controlled with 'ovestin', 'vagifem' and there is a newer treatment (name escapes me) which is localised.  This can be taken without other types of HRT.  Insomnia can be eased by short course of medication to break the cycle of waking: do U know what causes U 2 wake?

Let us know how you get on?

[Wannabewell]

Under care of GP, never seen a specialist.

GP prescribed HRT, I did say I’d like to see if hormone treatment could help the cyclical depression and we discussed it, with ADs being a plan if HRT not successful.

Yes, my cyclical depression was worsening month upon month to a point where I felt at risk if I didn’t get some help. The HRT has helped lessen the depths of it but not resolve it completely.

Yes, a specialist would no doubt be better than my GP as he doesn’t know enough.

Yes, my body has been shocked, it was really really bad, really scary.

Thanks for the alternative treatment information. Id get woken by night sweats, loo visits and any noise mostly.

Thank you.

[Suzysheep]

I just wanted to give you a virtual hug. I’m not really clued up on HRT and meds etc… but since stopping HRT I have been plunged into the worst anxiety of my life.
The migraine sounds awful, must have really scared you. I used to suffer awful migraines, with auras, pins and needles, loss of speach etc… but they stopped since I stopped eating gluten. It might be worth a try?

I have also just been prescribed an antihistamine called phenergan ( you can buy it over the counter) I’ve only used it twice, but it really helped with sleep and the awful sickness I was feeling every morning… but it did make me really sleepy the next day.
Xxx

[Wannabewell]

I just wanted to give you a virtual hug. I’m not really clued up on HRT and meds etc… but since stopping HRT I have been plunged into the worst anxiety of my life.
The migraine sounds awful, must have really scared you. I used to suffer awful migraines, with auras, pins and needles, loss of speach etc… but they stopped since I stopped eating gluten. It might be worth a try?

I have also just been prescribed an antihistamine called phenergan ( you can buy it over the counter) I’ve only used it twice, but it really helped with sleep and the awful sickness I was feeling every morning… but it did make me really sleepy the next day.
Xxx

Thank you suzysheep

I’m really sorry to hear about the anxiety, that must be absolutely awful, hug for you too. Did HRT not suit you?

Yes, migraine is awful isn’t it.  The hemiplegic ones were really scary, I was unable to speak, confused, very weak and couldn’t use left arm. Left eye closed and everything slowed down. Nausea was on another level too. Awful. I can’t go on with those if they’re going to be happening.

Thanks for information about the antihistamine.
xx

[CLKD]

If U get the vaginal atrophy treated you will sleep better with less loo visits.  When I get the need2P feelings I take 'nurofen' - 2 capsules 3 times a day until symptoms ease.

Has your GP an interest in mental health issues, he/she may have taken extra courses about medications required.  I have had various types of therapy over the years.  All helpful.  But most importantly, having a GP who listens and is willing to try medication to keep me stable has kept me going.

Which symptom would you like to resolve first.

[Wannabewell]

Thanks, that’s worth knowing about. And thanks for information regarding nurofen.

My GP isn’t clued up on much to be honest.  He does listen though and can be helpful.

Hmm, right now the migraines are the biggest issue. Prior to HRT the depression was a huge and scary issue. I wasn’t safe to be on my own for two days (cyclical) per month.

[CLKD]

That's an awful feeling.  I was afraid of hurting myself  .

How is your eating regime? I was advised by The National Association of Pre-menstrual Syndrome (NAPS) to eat every 3 hours, 24/7.  That keeps the body fuelled and blood sugar levels even.  Worth a try?  It took 3-4 weeks to get into the habit from then on, I began to feel better.   

MayB make a list to discuss at your next appt.?

[Wannabewell]

Yes, it was really awful.

Ah, thanks for the advice regarding eating every 3 hours,  I’ll have a go at that.

I’m going to make notes for next review, yes, thanks. This has been cathartic and helpful in many ways. Just talking about it has really helped. Thanks very much.

I’m feeling more positive now.  I’m thinking of riding out the next two cycles and see how I am.  Then, if things have settled that’s fine but if not maybe I could try conti regimen so I’m on less Utrogestan each night? I was on the Utrogestan part of cycle when the migraines hit?

Anyway, thank you very very much x

[Peripurple]

I can only tolerate 1 pump of oestrogen as it makes my left sided migraine unbearable otherwise, but I need the oestrogen as well as local oestrogen as I have quite severe VA.  My GP gave me propranolol to help my migraine which has been amazing and has a double whammy of helping my anxiety.  I couldn’t take HRT without the propranolol, it all feels like one big balancing act sometimes!

[Wannabewell]

I can only tolerate 1 pump of oestrogen as it makes my left sided migraine unbearable otherwise, but I need the oestrogen as well as local oestrogen as I have quite severe VA.  My GP gave me propranolol to help my migraine which has been amazing and has a double whammy of helping my anxiety.  I couldn’t take HRT without the propranolol, it all feels like one big balancing act sometimes!

That’s very interesting, though I’m really sorry you get those migraines too.  The propranolol is something to bear in mind. Thank you. It is a balancing act, you’re right.

[Floo36]

It does sound that you haven’t got the dose of gel right yet as you still have symptoms.  Can you increase by a pump or two to see if it helps?  You are on a low dose at the moment and it doesn’t sound like it’s enough. 

[Wannabewell]

It does sound that you haven’t got the dose of gel right yet as you still have symptoms.  Can you increase by a pump or two to see if it helps?  You are on a low dose at the moment and it doesn’t sound like it’s enough.

I have tried increasing by small amounts and got to 2.5 pumps but I became very spaced out and exhausted and pressure headaches so I thought it was too much for me and dropped back down to 2 pumps.

I’d been doing okay on 2 pumps, it was just cyclical depression that wasn’t quite resolved so GP said to increase up to three pumps every day .. that’s when I started struggling.

[Floo36]

It is so difficult to know if it’s the hrt or your own hormones causing it.  I used to blame the hrt but in fact I don’t absorb it so it was my own decline and fluctuating Estrogen causing it not the Hrt.  It is very much trial and error. 

Can you ask to be referred to a menopause specialist ?

[Wannabewell]

It is so difficult to know if it’s the hrt or your own hormones causing it.  I used to blame the hrt but in fact I don’t absorb it so it was my own decline and fluctuating Estrogen causing it not the Hrt.  It is very much trial and error. 

Can you ask to be referred to a menopause specialist ?

Ah, yes from what you describe it does seem that it can get confusing, same could be happening with me. Hmm.

One thing I know is that I’m definitely not giving up on the HRT. I’m only on my 5th cycle and I forget that my body will need to adjust, also when I started the HRT (sequi) I had missed 8 periods so I may well be almost at menopause stage?  I’m not having regular bleeds yet on sequi and expected a period after the progesterone part?  I’ve only had one so far and that was for three days.

I will ask my GP at my review if he will refer me to a menopause clinic if things haven’t settled.

Thanks.