Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Red41 on September 29, 2020, 10:23:59 AM

Title: HRT and mood stabilizer interactions
Post by: Red41 on September 29, 2020, 10:23:59 AM

Hi everyone ... I'm new here. I started HRT about 3 months ago and have slowly been feeling more anxious, less focused, etc. All symptoms that my meds aren't as effective. Does anyone know if there are interactions with mood stabilizers or if HRT lessens the effect? Thanks! Noella

Title: Re: HRT and mood stabilizer interactions
Post by: Sage 🍃 on September 29, 2020, 11:25:08 AM

Hi sweetie, it depends on the specific HRT and mood stabiliser you're taking. Can you tell us more about them?

Title: Re: HRT and mood stabilizer interactions
Post by: Red41 on September 29, 2020, 12:21:41 PM

Hi Sage, I'm on Epival for Bipolar2 (plus Cymbalta/Abilify) and I'm on Estrogel and progestrone. It could be COVID overload but I've been going downhill since I started taking them 3 months ago. It's the only common link other than burnout.

Title: Re: HRT and mood stabilizer interactions
Post by: Sage 🍃 on September 29, 2020, 04:29:19 PM

Hi Noella, Epival (valproate) can increase your testosterone levels. The other two meds don't interfere with sex hormones, apparently.

Are you taking any other type of medication?

Are you peri or post menopause?

Title: Re: HRT and mood stabilizer interactions
Post by: Red41 on September 29, 2020, 04:41:26 PM

No other meds and I've been meno for about 3 years. The hot flashes and sleeplessness were unbearable. Now I'm wondering if it's worth it to continue.

Title: Re: HRT and mood stabilizer interactions
Post by: Sage 🍃 on September 29, 2020, 04:47:58 PM

Maybe this regime is not working for you, there are others you could try. What progesterone is it? Utrogestan/Prometrium?