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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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:

Loulou4022 · 05/08/2026 14:06

Tickingcrocodile · 04/08/2026 19:02

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

I’m on desogestrel too and reading your post has me think that I’m less moody too! I could be quite snappy and stroppy and then went on the pill when I met DH and I always just thought I was less stroppy because I was happy but maybe it’s the pill playing a part??

Newusernameforthiss · 05/08/2026 14:09

Just try it and see, if you stop taking it it will leave you body quickly

I am on the mini pill and HRT and I am SO PLEASED the combo has literally given me my SANITY BACK!!!!

JenniferBooth · 05/08/2026 14:13

pinenuts75 · 04/08/2026 19:32

I’ve read up on this and apparently it’s not the same 🤷‍♀️

Show quote history

Its not the same. I was told by the womens health doc at my surgery that the progesterone in the mini pill is too low to make a difference

Cherrysoup · 05/08/2026 14:35

Been on it, Desogestrel, for years, no issues, no crazy mood swings.

Cherrysoup · 05/08/2026 15:08

BlueMum16 · 05/08/2026 07:41

The nurse told me they usually take you off early 50s (didn't say a specific number) because risk of pregnancy stops then.

I said I would prefer to keep taking it if there is no risk to my health rather than come off it and risk late pregnancy or periods or peri symptoms.

At the moment they are still prescribing it.

I see no point in switching from something that is working for me to the unknown.

Show quote history

I bet it’s cheaper than hrt. I was told they stop giving the pill at 55, but I spoke to the pharmacist and the GP’s pharmacist who were happy for me to continue it.

Original poster

flowergirl24 · 10/08/2026 21:03

EmeraldShamrock000 · 05/08/2026 09:53

Woukd you consider a small dose of Steraline to balance your mood? I personally think it is great.,The coil helped relieved my symptoms but I am having long light periods after 6 months. GP said it’s just the end of the road for full menopause, I’m 46.

This was on the table when I went to the GP. However, I don’t really want to feel a bit ‘numb’ or flat. I need a lot of energy for my work (teacher) and I felt as though I didn’t want to lose that. I may consider this though if the mini pill doesn’t work.

Update - I’ve taken the mini pill for a week. My boobs are a little sore but I actually feel much calmer- hopefully it’s not just placebo.

OP posts:

inkgirl · 10/08/2026 21:20

I was on the pop pill and did find it didnt effect my mood but I did gain weight on it. But I was also on antidepressants anyway so could be why I didnt have mood chance

Createausername1970 · 10/08/2026 21:48

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.

For various reasons I was put on to the mini pill in my 40s and took it through to about 55. No periods during that time and none after I stopped taking it.

I think the menopause has passed me by (I am 63) as apart from a redistribution of bodily hair to my chin I have not (so far) had any other menopausal symptoms.

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