Progesterone / PMS help

[Pegs11]

Hi, I’ve recently been put on HRT and I’m struggling with the progesterone phase, it’s making me very tired, weak and listless as well as giving me tremors. Just wondered if anyone has any advice or recommendations for things I can do/take to help combat these side effects? Thank you

I've no experience sorry, but how recent are you talking? How long do they say the side effects last?

Hi @nolovelost, I’ve tried lots of forms of HRT and never got on with any of them, because progesterone makes me feel dreadful. I’m now on a ten-week cycle where I only take progesterone for two of those weeks and I take it vaginally.

Only having to take it for two weeks out of ten is much, much better! but, as is usual when I take progesterone, I’m extra tired, listless, anxious and grumpy. So I wondered if there’s anything I can do to minimise this

My progesteron been checked and was 64 on day 19 after ovulation .. i been tring to get pregnant for 4 months

@Pegs11 do you feel feverish or have flu like symtoms? Because Google says to contact your GP if you do.

Do you feel like you'd be better off without HRT. I don't think it'll be that long before I experience all this....

@nolovelost, no, I don’t feel fevery or flu-like, just tired and lethargic and grumpy and kind of brain-foggy.

Unfortunately I do very much need HRT as I’m “only” 40 and went through surgical menopause a few years ago. Tried to get by without HRT (because of the progesterone) but got terrible CFS and other symptoms that were literally ruining my life.

I didn’t put two and two together though... didn’t realise it was the lack of hormones making me so ill. Turns out that at 40, you NEED oestrogen in order to stay healthy... wish someone had told me sooner as I suffered for two years, had to give up work etc... but the NHS were absolutely shit and neglectful... it wasn’t until I paid for private treatment (which I could scant afford, having no job) that the problem was finally discovered and is now being addressed.

I am SO grateful and happy that I feel better... and suffering for just two weeks out of ten is a million miles better than suffering the whole time... but I’d still like to find ways to manage the effects of the progesterone. I guess because I feel like I’ve spent enough time living with fatigue, brain fog and depression/anxiety!

Just wondering if there are any vitamins or routines that might help (I take magnesium citrate and vitamin d already).

OK, so you're definitely better on HRT.

What about B6 and B12, aren't they supposed to regulate hormones, or is that for women having periods?

Sorry I'm not much help. I know that when I come off the Depo (progesterone) I'm a mess. You have my sympathy. X

Ok at 40 you definitely need to be on HRT to protect you heart, brain and bones, have you thought about a mirena coil for the progesterone part. You tend to get fewer or no hormone related side effects as it bypasses your liver and blood stream and goes directly where needed (to keep your uterine lining thin) then you just get oestrogen through patch !gel or pill.
I know there are negative stories about the mirena but millions of women have positive effects.

Hi, I have heard that the B vitamins are good, but my GP says supplements aren’t necessary unless your bloods show a deficiency... and mine don’t. I did actually try having a series of B12 injections (paid for privately), in an attempt to combat the fatigue, but my doctor told me to stop because my B12 went through the roof! Then again, a lot of people swear by the injections... I don’t know where the truth of the matter lies.

I’m far too scared to get a mirena coil fitted ... I’ve heard too many horror stories from people I know who’ve had one fitted - and then has to have them removed due to excruciating pain. Plus I’ve had so many procedures done “down there”, I really can’t tolerate any more 😞

I’m the same OP I feel awful on the progesterone phase really tired & grumpy.
Which HRT are you on?

@SoLongFurlough I’m on estrogel and testosterone gel “full time”, I apply them to my inner thigh. And I take utrogestan for two weeks out of every ten, 100mg taken vaginally.

This was supposed to give me the least “trouble“, mood- and energy- wise, as the hormones aren’t delivered systematically. They are concentrated on the uterine area. But for me, the effects are almost as bad as taking it orally. Maybe not quite so bad mood-wise... But I’m just finishing week one of my two-weeks of progesterone, and I am KNACKERED.