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Original poster

AIBU to worry the progesterone-only pill could worsen perimenopause mood swings?

33 replies

flowergirl24 · 04/08/2026 18:04

I’ve just been to my GP with symptoms of peri-menopause. I’m 40. The worst symptom I’ve got is horrendous mood swings and feeling terrible (like not wanting to live anymore) straight after ovulation. The GP has prescribed the progesterone only pill. I haven’t been on the pill for over 15 years.

Trouble is, I’ve got home and researched it; it seems that taking this could make my symptoms worse and I really don’t want that to happen. I’ve got a FT job and 3DC and I really don’t want to upset the balance.

Does anyone have any experience of taking the progesterone only pill just for this - managing mood swings and did it work or make things worse? Any support would be much appreciated.

OP posts:
frogspawn15 · 04/08/2026 19:09

I got the progesterone coil and felt increasingly mad until I read about progesterone intolerance 2 years later. Just had it taken out and feel so much calmer.

Cryingatthegym · 04/08/2026 19:07

I'm not peri yet but the progesterone only pill and coil made me more chilled and level than I'd been in years!

BlueMum16 · 04/08/2026 19:06

I moved from combined Pill at 40 due to severe headaches and stroke risk to the mini Pill (progesterone only). It was the best thing I've ever done. I'm now 54. No side effects. No mood swings. No breaks so no periods.

Saw the nurse this week for Pill check and she's quite happy and we were discussing that I'm probably peri but don't know it. I do have rubbish sleep and some aches and pains which could be a peri symptom.

Tickingcrocodile · 04/08/2026 19:02

I'm on desogestrel and it improved pretty much all of my perimenopaisal symptoms.

stripesandspotsanddots · 04/08/2026 19:01

The progesterone-only pill made a huge difference to me and to my sister as well, especially around mood swings. I'd say it's worth giving it a go. I really felt like it gave me back my mental stability.

Magenta82 · 04/08/2026 18:57

A month or or so, I was having pretty much every symptom in the book, the coil made a huge difference to all of the physical ones, the oestrogen has had the most impact on the mental ones, but its a fine balance and too much or too little affects me in different ways.

When I had too much i felt more positive but was having constant headaches and massive hunger. I dropped down, the positive impact on my mood dropped a bit but I would rather take practical steps like CBT and exercise than end up with migraines and weight issues.

Original poster
flowergirl24 · 04/08/2026 18:51

Magenta82 · 04/08/2026 18:44

Im peri menopausal and got the progesterone only coil, it changed my life for the better, I've played around with different doses of oestrogen via gel and patches but the progesterone has had the most positive impact.

Oh that’s great to hear! Thanks so much. I was quite pleased to have the opportunity to try this, so hopefully it works. I’m so glad it worked for you.

How long did you take it before you noticed any difference?

OP posts:
Magenta82 · 04/08/2026 18:44

Im peri menopausal and got the progesterone only coil, it changed my life for the better, I've played around with different doses of oestrogen via gel and patches but the progesterone has had the most positive impact.

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