I don't think my HRT is working

[LiverBirdie]

Been on Estrogel since end of Aug plus progesterone tablets for half of the month. Last week I swapped the prog tablets for a Mirena. I will wait to see if that makes any difference but I am not sure HRT is working for me.

When I first started taking it I felt better for about 2 months, then I just started to go downhill again. My sleep is OK but getting worse lately, waking at 4am in a massive sweat. The anxiety and low mood are beginning to get the better of me and this was mainly why I went on the HRT in the first place.

I am on 2 pumps of Estrogel. I did ask my GP if I should up it but she was reluctant. Anxiety is the main reason for taking it but I don't think it is having an effect on lowering it.

Any suggestions?

I too suffer from this but other than the mitena, am not fond of taking too many things. Anxiety, insomnia (waking up in the night) also flowed to depression and significant sleep issues with night terrors. GP referred to a psychiatrist (as per my private health insurance requirement) who gave me melatonin and referral to a therapist for CBT. Part of the CBT includes meditation and mindfulness. I can now manage my anxiety. I can now go back to sleep if I wake (indeed some nights sleeping through). Hot flashes don’t last as long (at least I don’t feel that way) using meditation through it snd I fall back asleep. Also follow good sleep hygiene routine (google sleep hygiene, it’s not what it sounds like).

@LiverBirdie

I am on 2 pumps of Estrogel. I did ask my GP if I should up it but she was reluctant
.
She's wrong. I despair at these GPs who seem to know nothing about HRT.

The dose for Oestrogel is anywhere from 1 to 4 pumps. This is on the leaflet in the pack. The starting dose is 2 pumps (but some women are fine on 1 pump and I was advised to start on that and see how it felt.)

The whole point of using gel is that you can adjust the dose. I don't know why your GP is reluctant because a higher dose not not increase risk.

I'd increase your dose by 1 pump (to 3) for a couple of weeks or more and if no better go up to 4 and see how that feels.