HRT and Anxiety

[itstimeforme]

Sorry I’m posting in AIBU but I’m at my wits end.

I haven’t had a period in 18 months and the hot sweats at night have become unbearable and anxiety is now dominating my life day and night, physical symptoms, racing heart and dizziness and mental symptoms of worrying about everything and finding even the smallest tasks difficult to complete. I wouldn’t say I’m depressed in itself but low because I’m constantly fighting the symptoms to get through the day and appear ‘normal’.

Has anyone found that HRT has helped with anxiety, I have booked an appointment with my GP? I went on antidepressants about 15 years ago for a month but they really didn’t agree with me. Just want to get my life back.

Thank you

Yes. I'm peri and the anxiety was awful. Been on hrt a few years now and it has gone, along with the brain fog.

Yes they helped! I also got referred for talking therapy- was at a time when everything was overwhelming- had just separated from my long time partner of 25 years. Went to my GP and she was amazing. She suggested the symptoms could have been peri symptoms.
Either the therapy or the HRT made me feel so much better- not sure which one but I'm.still on the HRT and don't intend to stop. Good luck x

@Isitmeyourecookingfor
@Pfpppl

Thank you both. I have been referred for talking therapies. Do you mind me asking how long it took for the HRT to kick in and what HRT you have?

Yes definitely. Anxiety was one of the biggest perimenopausal symptoms for me, and HRT has helped a lot.

@Bramshott Thank you, that’s great to hear!

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.

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, 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.

Thank you @sandgreen@JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn@Barney16

I am sat here in tears at the thought that this might not be me for ever, your responses have helped no end x

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.

Thank you @GillN1976I’m so glad you are starting to feel better x

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

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

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.

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

Thank you @WoolerOwl, it really does feel horrible! And good luck with the HRT @LeoTimmyandVi

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.

@ItsjustnotthevibeThat’s great to hear, thank you

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

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

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.

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

@Trovindia@Torturedsoulwow that’s amazing! And gives me hope!

@orian@jeaux90I will definitely stress the night sweats. I’m not depressed now but I will be if this goes on for much longer!

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

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