Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Feebs on February 16, 2022, 09:35:33 AM
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Morning everyone. After my mirena fitting in December I was given an estradot 100 patch, (an increase from a 50 patch and 1 pump estrogel) but after a month my anxiety/panic really ramped up and the nurse suggested a change to estrogel 4 pumps to try to provide a more regular dose and have some control, along with low dose beta blockers to be used as and when.
During the review a week later I mentioned my very sore breasts and she advised to give it a week and if there was no change to reduce to 3 pumps (2 in the morning and 1 in the evening). If anything the pain got worse so I went down to 3 pumps around 10 days ago. After a few days my breasts are back to normal and pain free but I am waking up hot in the night with the most horrendous feelings of panic as soon as I open my eyes. Yesterday I couldn’t find my debit card in a shop and started having a panic attack and got really warm-it seems to take literally nothing much for my heart to start pounding and panic to appear.
I am really confused-it seemed as though the 4 pumps were too much because of the sore breasts but now I’m down to 3 I feel like I need to increase again. I am 51 and still peri and believe that my symptoms are being caused by huge fluctuations. Would a higher dose of estrogel help override the fluctuations or exacerbate them? Hope someone can help 🙏
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Morning. How R your periods, they can interfere with HRT.
How about increasing the dose every 3rd nights a week to see if the symptoms ease a bit? Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary useful to chart progress. It may be too much at once.
As for betablockas - I took them every night rather than as necessary.
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Hi, thanks for replying. Before starting HRT 18 months ago my periods had become lighter and closer together (every 23/24 days). Since HRT they have been even lighter lasting 1 day, but since the mirena I have had light bleeding/spotting every day for around 8 weeks: I think this is easing off now so have no way of knowing as have not had a ‘proper’ bleed.
I do try and keep a diary of anxious/panicky flare ups but not seeing much pattern-I can have 7-10 days of feeling ok ish before things come crashing down again.
I like the idea of altering the dose of estrogel (so if I understand you correctly you think every 3rd evening?)
I take 10mg propranolol each morning ( I feel desperate to take it when I wake up) and usually get by on this but have occasions where I need a second or third tablet later in the day to calm my anxious feelings.
I really appreciate your suggestions!
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BBs can really help ease those early morning anxiety surges caused by cortisol. Which is why I took mine at night - initially 80mg 3 times a day followed by 40mg at night. Cut down to 20mg after a few years.
Every 3rd evening and see? It may take a while to get a regime that helps. Dependant on the reaction then you can increase or decrease as necessary. I don't know how long it takes to adjust? A Trial and Error perhaps?
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Yes the anxiety surge is definitely what I am experiencing as soon as I wake up-it’s such an awful feeling, maybe I should try taking my BB at night and see if that helps.
I will experiment a bit with the gel I think and see what happens-thanks so much 🙂