Menopause Discussion > Personal Experiences

DESPERATE - HRT estrodial patches - depression and anxiety

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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
(i posted this already, but don't think i put it in the right place??)

Taz2:
Hi KatieK - don't worry about not posting in the right place - it's confusing when you first join.

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with all of this and hope that you will  soon get the advice, help and support you need on here. I just wanted you to know that your post has been read really as, although I am on HRT, I haven't had to deal with severe depression. There are lots of members on here with depression and anxiety though and I'm sure they will be along soon to welcome you and share their own experiences. Could you share which HRT you are on and whether you have always been given the same progesterone each time. Are you having to take 100mg every night? Also, do you have any other meno symptoms and what was your cycle like before starting HRT. Sorry for all of the questions - just trying to get a fuller picture before my vets appointment - well not "mine" but the cats who seem to be seen faster by the vet than I can get seen by my GP I must admit!  ;D

You may like to introduce yourself on the New Members thread as more members are likely to see it. Also, if you want to discuss more personal aspects then the Private Lives section is only open to forum members rather than being accessible to anyone and more members are likely to respond to sharing their experiences on there.

You will find lots of support on here from women who know what you are going through. 

Taz x  :welcomemm:

Dramy3:
Hi KatieK

I could've written your post. Our pasts RE anxiety and depression are very similar but I had a hysterectomy at 42 and then breast cancer right after so a few more things in the mix. I was also under the care of the Mental Health Crisis team in September so know what it's like to be that ill.

I've been learning about all of this hormone mess and my own body over the last 5 years. A few things/questions:

--Are you sleeping? If not, what have you tried to help?
--As above, which patch are you on? I had the same experience with patches--went up to 75mcg and no real change in my oestrodiol levels so changed to Oestrogel and finally saw an impact
--What blood tests have you had and when? Results?
--What AD are you taking now? What have you tried in the past? Do you have any rescue meds like beta blockers or diazapam?

Sorry to bombard with questions but as Taz mentioned above, it'll help paint a picture of where you are and what might help in the future.

As someone who totally gets where you are, it gets better. There are so many options and combinations of things and you will find the right one. The people on here are so helpful and you can learn from their experiences so you'll find a solution quicker.

CLKD:
 :welcomemm:

KaraShannon:
I've only had a quick scan of your post but unless anything else has changed I would wonder if the progesterone is affecting you. 

It might not be that but it sure as hell brings me down, but I'm only on it cyclically, not all the time. 

If nothing else has changed and from what you say you've been doing everything right, no new medications or anything that could tip the balance, then I would ask if you could be on a cyclical treatment with progesterone for only part of the month, I'm on evorel sequi and there is one week that I feel low but that is it, aside from other problems I have but I know what is causing them.

I wish you the best in getting this sorted, but at 46, don't give up because it's likely hormonal and not permanent though it might feel like it atm.

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