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[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

I need a little rant if you don't mind!

I am post meno by a long way and I have had many of the usual symptoms in my time but the emotional ups and downs are driving me to despair. I can feel okay, even normal for a while but it never lasts and before long I am back to feeling jittery with low mood with tearfulness again. Every day is like this and I can't seem to find a way of getting off this roller-coaster.
I have an appointment with my meno doctor at the end of this month but that seems like a long wait. 

I have been on various doses of Sandrena and Androfeme and Utrogestan for about a year but two months ago I switched from Utrogestan to Cyclogest. I was hoping that this would help but I am not sure it has (the reason for the follow up appointment is to check how I'm doing with Cyclogest at the three month mark).

I know there aren't any easy answers but I just needed to share with people who truly understand.

Wishing you all well ladies and take care.

K.

[CLKD]

How about appropriate medication for your symptoms?  Some find that Sertraline is useful, takes a while to feel benefit but probably nothing to lose?

[VictoryV]

Hi Kathleen,

I’m sorry that you’re still suffering. It might take longer than 3 months to see improvements with Cyclogest as I’m sure I’ve read that Utrogestan doesn’t leave our bodies quickly. I took Utrogestan for 3 months without any problems and then had to adjust it to improve unwanted side effects.
Not sure this helps, I really hope things get easier soon.

Sending hugs.
V.xx

[Perinowpost]

Hi Kathleen

I was under the impression utrogestan has a half life of about 2.5 days so should be out of your system by now.

Two things spring to mind:

 1) why don’t you try decreasing your testosterone/androfeme, it can cause negative side effects in some women who are sensitive to it.

2) if you’re not getting on with the cyclogest (and I had high hopes for you) it may be that you’re progesterone intolerant. There aren’t currently many answers to this problem, except to take the minimum amount of prog possible for the shortest time.

Sorry I don’t have any other solutions for you x

[VictoryV]

Sorry I didn’t word that very well at all.

There is a big difference between a medication’s half life and the longevity of physiological effects when the medicine is stopped. The symptoms mentioned are known as progesterone withdrawal symptoms but if those symptoms were present whilst taking the Utrogestan continuously then it points to intolerance.

Kathleen, have you ever had a period of time when you’ve just taken oestrogen and if so did the symptoms improve? I’m wondering if after completing the Cyclogest trial it’d be worth talking to your specialist about a short trial of no progesterone. If you feel better on no P then doing what Perinowpost says would be brilliant and you’d have peace of mind.

Perinowpost, do you feel bad as soon as you take progesterone or does it gradually get worse day by day please?

Thanks for sharing all the info, I thought I was ok on P but it looks like it’s bitten me in the bum too!

V☀️

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies and thank you all for your responses.

Victoria V and Perinowpost -  In the past I have been without progesterone for a few months and my meno doctor expected me to feel fabulous but I didn't. I suppose I could be prog intolerant but I think low oestrogen is my fundamental problem.

Back in 2019 I lost all patience with this meno  journey and came of HRT completely. Initially I felt no better but no worse but after a few months the crying and jitteriness became unbearable. In December of that year I became a patient of Newson Health and I have been with them ever since. I see Dr Boden and she assures me that my experiences are not unique and that we will find the solution. I hope she is right!

My next appointment is at the end of this month and I expect Dr Boden  will suggest another change in my regime. I will of course update the forum when I learn more.

Thanks again ladies and take care.

K.

[Perinowpost]

VictoriaV I’m fine for the first 4 days on utrogestan, then around days 5/6 it flips almost like a switch and I feel very bad indeed. Symptoms are despondency, negative thoughts, no get up and go. I take it for 7 days vaginally and by days 6/7 I’m spaced out and good for nothing. The worst though are the withdrawals, first 2 days are really bad, and then it slowly gets better and I’m my old self again. It’s always like this and I’ve never got used to it, my body just doesn’t like it full stop.

Kathleen sounds like you’re getting excellent care, please keep us posted with how you’re feeling and any changes to your routine. Lot’s of us are in the same boat, and are with you on your journey xx

[VictoryV]

Hi Kathleen and Perinowpost, thanks for sharing.
Kathleen, your care sounds really good and it looks like your specialist is trying different routes to identify a solution. It’s not easy trying each different avenue when each one takes so long but I believe you’ll find it, I hope it’s very soon.

Perinowpost, thanks for being so descriptive. I was ok on Utrogestan until December, now makes me feel very despondent, low and shattered the next day. I’ve relieved the shattered feeling by taking the Utrogestan with food at 9pm BUT it makes me feel very drunk. I’ve just had 5 weeks of utter bliss doing long cycle but am dreading the progesterone week. I shall try the vaginal route.
Thank you for pointing out the withdrawals, I shall watch out for these.
I really, really hope Cyclogest works for you.

I’m still amazed that none of us know about how crap this can be until it happens to us!

[Postmeno3]

My understanding is that ADs are increasingly becoming considered not the best "first line" of approach as has, sadly, often been the case in the past to many women's demise. It's a guess only that these could simply mask and dull what are underlying issues; a sticking plaster in some cases?  However, it's also my understanding that the Newson.clinic does fully embrace ADs as second line where appropriate, presumably once it becomes clear if first line avenues continue to fail for this particular symptom. What is your testosterone dose, Kathleen? In your shoes, I would prefer to tweak the existing regime rather than introduce something new to add to the "cocktail", but only you can judge what is best for you, informed by your highly skilled practitioner. I imagine it wouldn't do any harm to be in touch with them to let them know how you are feeling? Have a hug, meantime!

[Kathleen]

Hello again ladies.

Thank you all so much for your responses.

I should have said that I already take an AD and have for some time. It is Venlafaxine and it was prescribed along with HRT back in 2013. Probably because I began both regimes at the same time I honestly can't say if the AD is helping or not but I have continued to take it and only changed types of HRT since then. I understand however that a change of AD may be beneficial and I intend to raise this with my Newson Health doctor at the end of this month.

Many thanks ladies for your interest and insight, it is much appreciated and has helped me to think more clearly.

Wishing you all well.

K.