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[ToriiJ]

Hi there,
I’m wondering if anyone can shed light or give any advice. I haven’t been diagnosed with high cortisol but since my horrible bouts of depression have really ramped up during menopause, I am convinced this is my main problem, through what I have read most of my symptoms seem to fit, mentally anyway.

I can go through days where I am ok but it doesn’t last for long and then I go through episodes of waking up with horrible blackness, stomach churning, I can feel the adrenaline running through my body. Usually by the evening (around 7/8pm) I can feel my body and mind calming down, it’s like a switch. I go to bed feeling generally ok and then as soon as I open my eyes the horrible blackness is there and thinking I don’t want to face another day. My sleep is not a big problem, not the best but not awful either.

I’m on a low dose (1 pump of oestrogel)  and 100mg utrogestan. I’ve tried high dose oestrogen too but that made me worse. I’ve also tried progesterone only and I feel this hormone is more my friend than oestrogen. I take high dose vitamin C, magnesium, B complex, omega 3 and vitamin d, but nothing seems to stop these horrible fluctuations. I feel like my adrenals are shot.

I suppose what I’m asking for is if anyone suffers similar to me and has anything worked to make you feel more stable? I am about 4 years post meno but in the last couple of years I’ve felt worse and I just can’t make plans anymore with friends or family as I don’t know how I will feel one day to the next.

Thanks for reading, it wasn’t supposed to be this long 

[Aprilflower]

Not personal experience but my son, a few years ago. 

Our GP treated him with, I think, steroid injections or tablets.  I think this is regarded as controversial in the NHS but it definitely helped him.

You would have to do some research and then ask your GP.

[ToriiJ]

Thanks Aprilflower, I haven’t heard of that before but I will look into it. Thank you

[jaypo]

Cortisol rushes are “normal” in menopause and do usually occur in the mornings. Mine not so bad now as I’m post meno a fair few years but I remember waking and wondering why I was feeling nervous/anxious almost like butterflies in my stomach, it may be that your hrt is needing adjusting but it is very common to get cortisol rushes

[ToriiJ]

Thanks jaypo. My cortisol rushes seem to last the whole day unfortunately. I’ve tried so many different doses of HRT and it never seems to make much difference. I’ve kinda given up on relying on HRT …. for now anyway.

[jaypo]

It’s depleting oestrogen that cause the cortisol rushes to go into overdrive,so maybe you still haven’t found the correct hrt dose, I know it’s a pain but if it’s lasting all day,maybe you need to get back on it. Sorry,not on hrt myself so can’t help in that department x