HRT and Anxiety

Yes! Having never suffered any mental health problems before, I suddenly lost all my confidence and was an anxious, borderline suicidal wreck.

I think it was only about a week to ten days after starting HRT that I suddenly felt like a cloud was lifting.

I’m on Oestrogel, Mirena and Androfeme (although the testosterone came later).

I thought mine wasn’t doing much (been on for 3
months) but I’ve just gone two weeks without as I couldn’t get an appointment for three weeks and the anxiety came back with a vengeance so definitely helping.

Does HRT help with PMT sickness / nausea. I have never felt crap before my periods but the last 6 months feel awful for 2-3 days before.

I am keen to know if HRT does help. But honestly am very emotional and upset as I am still TTC (only 42) and I am worried that I am in peri and whether this is the end of the road for me. Sorry to hijack your post @itstimeforme

Another vote from me. Rage and anxiety significantly reduced (mainly health anxiety) since starting evorel sequi.

HRT is a game changer. Within a couple of days the sweats stopped, I was sleeping then the anxiety faded away.

Go for it OP. Some GPs are useless with HRT and might offer you antidepressants so insist you are not depressed and demand they treat the menopause symptoms.

HRT saved my career/mental health

I think it would but be sure to emphasis any vasomotor symptoms to your GP if you have them as there are still some GP's who will try and give you antidepressants or beta blockers for anxiety when HRT would probably be the best option if its due to peri. Some GP's are still old school on HRT and don't like to prescribe it.

Just hear to echo everyone else. It has been life changing for me. I am on 25mg esteogen patch and progesterone pessaries.

I was suicidal and an anxious wreck before I started HRT (gel and tablets) and within a week or so I felt normal again.

I was so anxious and didn't feel myself at all last year, also had other symptoms e.g periods all over the place, not sleeping well. Started HRT and it was almost like a switch flipped, I feel better than I have done for a long time. Just don't give up on it if you don't feel that has helped, there are many options and one may suit you better than another.

Yes, I went on HRT because of sudden onset anxiety and it has helped loads. I have Evorel and the Mirena coil.

I was having horrific (ie contemplating self-ending) anxiety due to peri. Within a fortnight of starting estrogen patches the oppressive internal dialogue had quietened and I was able to sleep and function again. Utterly transformative. This is treatable and you are not alone.

This is so helpful to hear - I had my first pump of Oestrogel this morning and my primary perimenopause symptom is increased anxiety and brain fog. I am already on citalopram and have been for a number of years but I am certain this is perimenopause related and not a reoccurrence of my anxiety disorder so do not want to keep increasing my anti d dose.

I hope you manage to find what you need to reduce your anxiety @itstimeforme

Yes, absolutely, HRT especially helpful with preventing me waking in the middle of the night in a state of anxiety or even panic for no particular reason. Improved diet has also helped, especially no sugar in the afternoon/evening. And low dose amitriptyline, and magnesium citrate before bed. There is a way through, but it does feel horrible at the time. xx

I only started the patches on Thursday last week and I can see the difference already. Seems too soon to have had any effect but can honestly say I am feeling better. I got it mainly for my mood, struggling with anxiety and feeling depressed and getting annoyed at everything very easily. You should definitely give it a try.

Yes, I would agree with pp who said you don't need talking therapies you need HRT. Admittedly I'm a huge HRT fan and loudly extoll it's virtue to anyone who will listen but it literally changed my life. I was a complete mess, overwhelmed by anxiety, unable to function. My GP at the time was hopeless and I went private. The relief was almost immediate. Part of that was that someone finally took me seriously but my anxiety gradually just faded away. I have estradot patches, in short supply so have Evorel when estradot is unavailable and utrogestan. Just to say too part of my problem was I never got a decent night's sleep which made everything so much worse and HRT sorted that too.

You don’t need talking therapy, you need HRT! I never struggled with anxiety until I hit menopause. HRT helped get me back to ‘me’ really quickly.

Yes, and it wasn’t even on the list of symptoms I went on it for. Just thought the way I’d felt for years was just the way it is, but can see how I certainly did have a problem with anxiety and depression. I feel so level-headed now, and calm. I’ve never been on ADs. HRT made a quite instantaneous difference to me.