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[Shamo]

Hi, I am having an awful day, very, very low, feel like I did before I started back on hrt four months ago. I am on two pumps oestrogel every day and 14 days x 2 tabs utrogestan ( currently on day 12 of this). I am struggling with major social anxiety, worry and lowness, prob for a month now. Should I up my pumps of gel to 3 to see how I get on? Is this OK? I am 49, have irregular periods . Anxiety, low mood and brain fog are definitely my worst symptoms , which the hrt relieved until now . Also struggled with feeling hot all the time, very poor sleep, which all seems to be creeping back. Also started on testogel 6 weeks ago, although doesn't seem to be having any effect on my libido or mood. I need a hug.  Don't really have anyone I can talk to. Have a lovely husband and two young teenage children, but have distanced myself from others. 

[JoannFran]

A great big hug xx

I know how you feel. I'm suffering with debilitating anxiety too.  Started last October and literally came out of the blue. 

Did the HRT help with the symptoms before?  If it did then I would up the estrogel for sure.  I think that 2 pumps is the starting dose?

How's you diet?  I've felt better lately by eating little and often and keeping my blood sugars stable.  I've also cut out caffeine, sugar and alcohol.  When I feel the anxiety mounting I take slow deep breaths in for 5 and out for 5.

Sorry I'm not much help, but you're not alone xx

[laszla]

Hi Shamo,
I am so sorry you are feeling this way and I can relate to much of what you are saying.
One can go up to 4 pumps of estrogel per day but any increases are best done in increments so perhaps start with 3, give it a couple of months and reassess.
Personally I am measuring my blood levels of oestradiol and testosterone to monitor my progress since increasing my estrogel dose but I'm not sure this would work for you as it sounds as if you are perimenopausal and therefore blood tests might be more erratic if you are still producing some of your own hormones. 
All my best to you

[Turkish delight]

Hia Shamo,

So sorry you are suffering, well done for reaching out for help, I know it's not easy to sometimes.

The fact that you had good control of your symptoms until recently seems a great case for an increase in pumps.
If it were me I'd try 3 pumps for 3 weeks and see how you go. Check with your GP first maybe. How are you taking the Utro, orally or vaginally? I find that part of the cycle much more challenging shall we say. Taking the Utro vaginally you can usually get away with taking 1 tab instead of 2.
 
Testogel takes about 5 months to kick in so keep at it and you'll see a change then.

Hang in there Shamo, things will improve.
TD x

[CLKD]

 

Hormones can be difficult to balance as our own can interrupt or be overwhelmed by HRT.  You are not alone here, there's usually someone listening ;-).

Anxiety can be made worse by hormones, however there are appropriate anti-anxiety medications. Some ladies require them along with HRT.  Keeping a mood/food/symptom diary can be useful too.

Take care of you. It's OK to distance yourself, taking on too much won't help.  R U able to delegate chores around the house for a while?  Getting gentle exercise is important, plenty of fruits and veg and sunshine will also benefit you.

[Cara999]

Shamo hi and sending a big hug. So sorry your feeling low. I can't offer any advice but just wanted to show you some love and let you know you are not alone xxx

[Turkish delight]

Wow some greeaat advice from CLKD!

What a fab sisterhood we have here.
 
TD x

[Nik2502]

Hi Shamo
I feel your pain. After being settled on HRT, I had the Moderna vaccine at Christmas and I’ve been an anxious wreck since.
I can’t seem to get my HRT dose right and have currently increased to a 100 patch.
I’d try and increase your oestrogen slowly and see how you get on. It can be hit and miss before you feel settled.
If you ever want to chat happy ti message x

[Terri]

Hi Shamo, I can relate. You think you're getting somewhere and the bang, symptoms come back - sending a virtual hug from me too.

I too started testosterone in December and it made me feel quite low and a little anxious again around 2 weeks in, and then lasted for about 4 weeks. I wasn't expecting it to as I'd only read good things about it having no side effects. Whilst I had bad anxiety before, I didn't feel low or depressed, just a complete nervous wreck! So that was a new emotion for me.  The specialist said it was normal when disturbing the hormone flow, whether this is an increase or adding something else. It did settle thankfully. 

I also agree you are are on a low dose and its probably time to consider an increase  of your oestrogen. It's so hard to find the balance. I'm still tweaking.

xx

[mandss]

I hate to think of any one suffering, but I think at some point we have all been there! To have some where like this to talk and be heard by others is a life saver. Please do not think that you are alone, WE are all here any time you need us. PM me if you feel you need to talk hun xxx

[Shamo]

Ah thank you for all your replies and hugs ! You are all very sweet and helpful. My diet on the whole is v good, I don't drink v much , a few glasses of wine a week. I do yoga and pilates a couple of times a week, and walk every day, sometimes twice.  I think I do just need to adjust the oestrogel. Used 3 pumps this morn, and will carry on for next few weeks and see how I go. Hopefully testogel will kick in in a few weeks. Also removing people from my life who are either controlling, using, or selfish will probably help in the long run. I think a lot of women of our age re-assess friendships and who they value most. Sending you all a return hug , thank you . Your messages were so greatly received yesterday and this morning .

Xx

[CLKD]

I would wait to see how your body responds B4 adding 3 pumps tomorrow?  MayB every 3rd day and review?

When I suffered anxiety so was unable to go out and about, my C.mas card list halved within 2 weeks.  As years have gone by, others have dropped by the way side.  Since 2019 I've cut back again  .  I don't want to be remembered simply at C.mas!

Let us know how you get on.