I stopped the Evorel Conti as I could not function on it. I tried Evorel 50 and Provera 5mg/d early evening. I got the Provera from a private pharmacy. I slept very well. However, this morning I have felt extremely tired, like I am under a bit of sedation and bloated and have increased nasal congestion.
I know that I am making changes too quickly. I guess, it possible that the side effects might improve in time. However, so far, I have not tolerated the following and the side effects have excacerbated my underlying health problems and been so bad that I was finding verydifficult to function:
51, 12 months since period.
Long term mental health e.g. Anxiety, chronic fatigue. On SSRI, special diet and supplements.
DUTCH plus test showed testosterone level is ok, oestrogen and progesterone low. DHEA levels is lower end of normal range.
No HRT - Severe depression, no motivation/joy, aches and pains and dry skin etc.
Evorel 25 - Still getting meno symptoms but a bit better e.g. Low mood, aches & pains
Evorel 50 only - Feel great
Evorel 50 & Utrogestan 100mg/d orally & vaginally - Severe depression, no motivation, anger, increased fatigue, flu like, nausea, headache, sleep disturbance.
Evorel 50 & Cyclogest 100mg/d vaginally - Similar to Utrogestan but a bit better
Evorel Conti - Severe depression, no motivation, anger, increased fatigue, headache. I added in Evorel 50 1/2 patch and felt a bit better but still felt very depressed.
Evorel 50 with Provera 5mg/d - Reduced mood, irritability, sedation, bloating, headache, mild period type pains.
Therefore, so far I can not tolerate the full recommended dose of progesterone but have been ok on the following:
Evorel conti 1/2 patch Evorel 50 1/2 patch i.e. Half recommended dose of progesterone - Felt fine
Evorel 50 & Provera 2.5mg/day - Mild side effects.
I know you won't believe it but I have ordered a small box of Femseven Conti to try from an independent pharmacy. I expect it might be the same as the above.
The private meno nurse said I could try oestrogen on it's own for a month to get my levels optimised and then re-introduce progesterone. I took oestrogen on it's own for 2 weeks and then I tried Evorel Conti and now Provera at half then the full dose.
The Meno GP I origionally saw at my GP practice has left. Therefore, I think I am going to have to pay for another private meno consultation to see if I could perhaps continue at a reduced dose of progesterone a bit longer.
I could also try Evorel 50 1/2 patch and Provera 2.5mg/d.
I also wondered whether I could be referred to a NHS Meno clinic. I'm not sure if I meet the criteria for that or whether they can help.
So far I have had one month on HRT (Evorel 50 & Utrogestan 100-200mg/d), one month off HRT and one month back on HRT (2 weeks oestrogen only and 2 weeks experimenting with half/full recommended dose of progesterone). I have not had any bleeding.
I need to make a number of changes; some of which will be difficult which will help my recovery from chronic fatigue. Therefore, my mood and motivation needs to be good to create a positive spiral etc.
I just wondered what other people have done when they have had side effects that have made it very difficult to function which then creates a negative spriral. Have you just put up with them to see if they improved?