Mood swings and lack of sleep

[ThePhoenixRises]

I only started on HRT patches on Saturday and my moods are getting worse.

When should the patches start to help?

I'm so tired all the time, not sleeping at night and when I do, I'm having nightmares or wake up in a puddle of sweat.

Can someone reassure me that it's because the HRT patches have not been used for long enough rather than they are just not working.

Bumping incase anyone can help this morning

Just giving this thread another bump in case anyone's around to give the OP some advice and support.

And one more for luck!

I'm pretty sure it needs to build up and settle into your system. Give it a bit longer

BetterEatCheese

Thank you, I'm so tired and miserable all the time and the lack of sleep is really getting to me now.

You need to give it some time, it usually takes about 3 months for the oestrogen to build up in your system, but you will probably start to see a difference after about 4 weeks. If you're still suffering after 3 months then you may not be on a high enough dose.

rosie39forever
Thank you, I really hope it's sooner rather than later, I feel awful.

At least a couple of weeks

Does anyone have any tips on controlling the mood swings?

I go from being fine and calm one minute to then wanting to punch my way though a brick wall.

How's your diet? You could try keeping your blood sugar stable which means eating a low GI type of diet = cutting out refined carbs (mostly all beige and white carbs) and eating whole grains, little or no sugar, little caffeine or alcohol. Loads of fruit and veg instead.

Also exercise- at least 30 mins brisk walking a day.

HRT is great but it works best if you do all the good lifestyle stuff as well.

also- apps like Headpace or some mindfulness ?

Thank you JinglingHellsBells I was wondering if I could take herbal Kalms along side the HRT.

I don't drink alcohol and only have 2-3 cups of tea a day, the rest of my diet is shocking so will aim to improve on that.

I'd not take Kalms simply because it won'thelp you know if the HRT is helping and is the right dose.

You really do need (not lecturing you here! :) ) to adopt clean eating for want of a better term.

Wholegrains
No sugar or no more than 1-3 teaspoons in total a day that includes any added to yoghurt, cereal, ketchup, ready meals etc etc (adult max recommended amount is 6 anyway) as well as cakes, choc,s drinks etc.
Aim for 7 fresh fruit and veg daily
Eat nuts, oily fish, lean meat, eggs, dairy .

I am sure your mood swings are diet related if you say it's not good.

I’ll second the diet. You really need to clean it up. & exercise,.

not lecturing you here!
I don't mind that lecture, it's all new to me.

Sympathies OP. I am in the same position though I get anxiety/panic rather than rage.like you I am just starting HRT and waiting for improvement.