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[KatieK]

Hi all,

Im reaching out in desperate hopes somebody else has experienced what i have and can share how they got through.  Ive had a super tough couple of years with a few major life events that pushed me over the edge.  I do have a history of ocd/anxiety and depression, but have never experienced it at this level - its absolutely crushing me. 

I have always responded well to anti depressants and that coupled with therapy, good self care, i have made it through in the past and could see improvement on the way along.  This time around I have been floored for a year, wailing in emotional pain everyday - i can barely function.

I have been under the acute mental health team, they tried me on a few meds, they didnt do anything and they moved me on.  I have seen 2 psychiatrists, 3 psychologists, eat clean, excercise - I mean it when I say ive done everything your meant to do and there's been no improvement in over a year.

I am 46 and about 5 months ago was put on 50mcgs of estrodial patch and 100mg of progesterone at night.  The professionals thought it might be to do with perimenopause.  50mcg did nothing, yet again i paid to see a specialist that told me that if i go onto 75mcgs, i would see improvement and it would definitely make me feel better and will notice improvements within about 2 weeks- after 5 weeks with no improvement, she told me to go to 100 which i just started.  Needless to say, im pretty upset at all the professionals charging an arm and leg, telling me things would work and they haven't. 

Im not really sure what im asking, perhaps two things...

1: Did anyone else get through this level of depression after a year or longer, if so, how did you do it? and
2.  Has anyone found that 100mcg or higher was the only dose that helped with anxiety/depression?  I wake every morning with absolute dread and/or crushing anxiety, its usually just a feeling not caused by negative thinking.

Thanks in advance

[joziel]

There are research papers showing that women with depression often need much higher than licensed doses of estrogen to counter this. So yes, if you are lucky enough to be seeing someone who will prescribe that for you, I would definitely continue to increase as needed.

I am currently trying to address my symptoms with high doses of estrogen. I increased to 200mcg Estradot plus 6 pumps of gel a day. My symptoms got a LOT better. I did bloods a few days ago during my period (when my own E is likely to be lowest) and my E was 890pmol. So I then decided that was a bit on the high side (we were aiming for between 450-650) and I cut out the gel. That should give me around 520 ish. (All very rough calculations based on many previous blood tests on previous dosages, all during my periods.)

But, after 3 nights on 200mcg patches only, all my worst symptoms night time symptoms started to come back. There is a very particular kind of anxiety I now know is associated with estrogen. I got up and put 3 pumps of gel on again and within 2 hours felt this calmness come over me and fell into a lovely sleep.

So I am now going to try 3 pumps of gel in the evenings (none in the mornings) with the 200mcg patches. This will halve the gel - and should hopefully get me towards the top end of that range, around 650pmol. I will test again in 6wks to check.

By the way, you might also want to try some testosterone for the anxiety too, if you are with a private clinic.

[Nik2502]

Hi Katie

I’ve suffered terrible depression since an ectopic pregnancy at 34. Stuffed full of anti depressants from then until I finally convinced my doctor that I believed it was hormonal. Started HRT at 40 - now 54 - and it hasn’t been easy!

Initially I was on a 75 patch which was eventually increased to 175 - under Newson health.

Earlier this year I began to experience levels of anxiety and crying I’d not had before. GP suggested increased antidepressant. I refused this and decided to cut my oestrogen gradually. I am now in the process of cutting down to 75.
I’m not sure if it’s because I’m now post menopausal.

I no longer pay for my menopause care I just self adjust. I know myself better than any doctor!

Feel free to message if you want to chat x