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[TrishG]

Hi all-I’m currently 54 -almost 55 and have been on 4 different dosages/ versions of Evorel patches plus Utrogestan 100mg continuously. Post meno-about 2 and a half years.
Was feeling flat and tired so decided to try a meno specialist to see about HRT.
Started on Evorel 50 plus oral Utrogestan 100mg/day. After a couple of months I started to feel great-mood much better and motivation. Thought I had cracked it and this was now going to work brilliantly! Had a good few weeks feeling like this then after 4 months in total, horrendous anxiety hit seemingly out of the blue. Then some depression. My life absolutely fine-job and friends great and nothing to be anxious or unhappy about. Meno doc then suggested perhaps we up Evorel to 75 and start using Utro vaginally as it may help with the psychological mayhem. Felt horrendous when I did this-dizzy, wiped put, really depressed and anxious, but after a month had a month feeling ok again-although terrible cramps and sore breasts for many weeks. Then back to anxiety and really dark moods. Stuck this regime for 3 months but was getting worse and bleeding so meno doc put me back on 50 patches with same vaginal Uttogestan. Had about two good weeks then depression and anxiety again! Back to doc who suggested trying one month without progesterone just in case of intolerance. As soon as I stopped progesterone had horrible withdrawal, felt physically and mentally dreadful for 15 days on just oestrogen. Depression worsened considerably plus anxiety and meno doc said to start progesterone again. It definitely made me calmer when I went back on it but depression and anxiety now at its worst ever. Have gone to GP and started Sertraline so hoping it helps. I’m sure all of this is related to HRT as have never felt so terrible  in my life. Any ideas out there-such a bizarre tale as I know oestrogen is meant to help and I’m not sure it is progesterone intolerance. Feel like giving up on the HRT as it seems to have had a catastrophic effect on my mental health! Any help, advice or ideas out there? X

[SarahT]

Hello Trish,

I don't think your experiences are bizarre at all, it seems many of us even on hrt have the same symptoms and affects.

I began hrt, estradot and initially oral utrogestan,  in September last year, and have gone from 50, to 75 and now 100 rose of oestrogen.
I did not tolerate utrogestan so bad the mirena coil fitted. Only now so I feel a tentative hope I am beginning to feel a bit more stable symptom wise.

Anxiety is a bit part of my symptoms, as it is sadly for many of us. Some also have Ad's alongside their hrt successfully. Having used sertraline myself in the past, it can take some time to kick in.

Whilst I have no real advice, I just wanted to say you are unfortunately not alone feeling like this, I find it a huge help knowing others understand.

I am certain a more knowledgeable person will be along to offer practical suggestions. Just wanted you to know others can understand what you are going through.

[TrishG]

Thanks for your lovely reply-it’s good to know these things can happen.