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Menopause Matters magazine ISSUE 81 out now. (Autumn issue, September 2025)

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Author Topic: Utrogestan sudden intolerance after 6 months?? Acute anxiety and insomnia help!  (Read 2709 times)

LucyAB

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HI all

I'm new here, hello!  :)

I started HRT last November when I'd just turned 46 as I was symptomatic (sleep disturbance, anxiety, itchy scalp etc.), though my periods were regular.

My GP started me on Oestrogel and Utrogestan, I was taking 1 x pump and 200 mg Utro which seemed to work fine apart from one insomnia blip for a week or so.

Last month Utro had run out everywhere and I couldn't get any. A few days after my normal date of taking it, I started to experience insomnia and extreme anxiety which I put down to progesterone withdrawal. I got hold of some emergency supplies of Utro and took it around 10 days later than I normally would in the month, and a week or so before my normal period time; this made my symptoms much worse and after 6 days I stopped. My symptoms eased around 5 to 7 days after stopping and I had a blissful week and a half of sleep and calm, then this month when I have re started the Utro the symptoms have come back; awake all night, high anxiety and also this time extreme anger and very low mood, having to use sleeping pill to get through if I have a busy work day. I can't go on like this as I'm a sole parent and it's affecting my son's life as well as my own so I'm considering coming off HRT. I don't want to use the coil or synthetic progestens. I tried upping my Oestrogel dose to 2 x pumps but that made me feel worse and I broke out in eczema all over my face so I went back down to 1.

I wonder if this might settle if I persevere (I'm now on day 8 and still zero sleep) if I should reduce the dose to 100 for the remaining 5 days, or if I should try 100 vaginally (I've only taken orally so far)? Any advice appreciated as I'm at my wits end!

thanks

Lucy
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discogirl

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LucyAB

Im so sorry you're having all these symptoms

As you were fine on utro at first maybe the 10days off the utro did cause prob withdrawal and maybe now its sort of knocked you're system out of sync a bit.

Im post meno so the peri meno and when you do and dont take your utro seems complicated but is it possible that everythings out of sync with when you take it regarding your periods and stuff.

I wouldnt go reducing the dose of the utro however many women on a cyclical regime use the utro vaginally just by inserting the two capsules.

With the break off them maybe everything just needs time to settle.

I do hope ypur ok and i  do understand regarding your symptoms.

Im sure you'll get more replies.

Take care xxxx
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LucyAB

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Thanks Discogirl! I'm hoping it is a temporary blip but when it's been a couple of months it starts to feel like the world is ending... I might try vaginally xx
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discogirl

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I do know how you feel and its awful.

Give it a go vaginally as there are meant to be less side effects when using it this way.

Its the same dosage so it would be two capsules inserted.

Please let me know how you get on xxx
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discogirl

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Hi LucyAB

I was also thinking, why don't you transfer this post to All things menopause, you may get more repliles that way xxx

Welcome to the forum also  :)
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LucyAB

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thanks will do!
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Nellf

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 Hey, Im the same.  I cant tolerate the 200mg of utrogestan  I'm supposed to take.  I can't sleep, I'm anxious have low mood and generally feel miserable.  After talking it over with my consultant I'm going to  to reduce the dose by half and try it vaginally.  It's so difficult to get the right balance.  We just need to find what's right for us  Here's hoping we can all find that happy balance  :)
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Angelasurrey

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Hi Lucy,

I am definitely progesterone intolerant and have always been . I have yet to optimise my hrt. I’m getting the zero sleep and lots of anxiety on my utrogestan days. It’s very challenging and depleting. it feels like the progesterone is too strong and outweighing the impact of the Estrogen. It has worsened as time has gone by.

Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.
If i find anything that helps I will definitely share!
Hugs
Angela
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