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[Lucoley]

HI all

So, Im 50 and post menopausal, 18 months since last menstrual cycle.  Started HRT in July of this year, mainly due to increasing morning anxiety, low mood and all round feeling like I was going bonkers.  I was put on one pump of oestrogel and 100mg progesterone daily.

All went great, after 2 weeks I felt a huge relief in my symptoms and the only negative was that rather than make me drowsy I felt the Progesterone was actually disturbing my sleep, however it was worth it for the relief in other symptoms.  After 4 weeks I went up to 2 pumps of oestrogel, again all was going great until a month ago, so approximately 8 weeks after starting HRT when my morning anxiety returned with a vengeance.  I will say despite this overallly my mood wasn't as low as prior to starting, I am very tearful more so than when things were going great.

Today I had a phonecall with my lovely ACP at my GP surgery who is a bit bamboozled, obviously Progesterone is known for it's sedative affects and sleep improvement but for me my sleep is worse.  I thought it may be the progesterone that is causing sensitivity however she is of the opinion I may need to actually up my dose and that I may have a hormonal imbalance and that's causing the symptoms, she is going to speak to a GP about it before prescribing.

Has anyone else struggled with getting the balance right?  Has anyone had to increase their Progesterone for similar reasons?  I feel a bit scared because clearly I wasn't coping without HRT and I do feel better mood wise but the anxiety is crippling me right now and I won't lie I'm pretty terrified of upping it.  To add in I do take Citalopram 20mg and have done for years so that's not an option.  Advise needed from more experienced HRT takers!

[CLKD]

It can be Trial and Error to get a regime that eases symptoms.  If your GP is bamboozled, he/she should be referring U to or contacting directly, a dedicated menopause clinic.

There are several ways of delivering HRT - mayB keeping a mood/food/symptom diary will help U chart progress and gives U something to discuss with your care providers.

Often anxiety and mood swings worsen during peri-menopause ........ R U on the full dose of Citalopram?

Also: how is your diet overall? 

[Lucoley]

I'm post menopausal. Diet and lifestyle excellent as I made huge changes a couple of years ago. Lost alot of weight, go to gym, eat a low carb/high magnesium diet.

She rang me back yesterday after discussing with a doctor. Given my history of intolerance to birth control they believe Im sensitive to Progesterone. So referral to menopause clinic for vaginsl Progesterone.

[CLKD]

U may consider the Mirena coil - have a lookC at threads on the Forum to get an idea, I believe that it delivers a constant progetesterone.  If U are able to take a short notice appt due to a cancellation at the Clinic, do ring and ask if they offer this service, it can save months of waiting.