Stjohn’s wort and hrt

[Busylynn]

Hi I use everol conti patches and would like to use Stjohn’s wort as I’m feeling down and have no motivation, I’ve used Stjohn’s wort before a long time ago and loved it but stopped when I went on HRT, anyone else tried it with hrt

Maybe the best route is to increase the estrogen dose of your hrt and address that?

What do you feel down about? Do you work? Is your life interesting and meaningful?

I had a bereavement last year and am in the process of planning my retirement and training my replacement together with lockdown and refurbishing an office its becoming a bit of a struggle to stay upbeat!, I tried SJW after another bereavement and it worked really well for me but I wasn’t on hrt then and I know it reduces the effectiveness of the hrt but I’m tempted to try it!

I appreciate you have a lot going on and sorry to hear about the bereavement, but maybe the answer is to talk about your challenges to friends or family, or even a grief counsellor, because it sounds as if you need support in that way rather something chemical to alter your mood. You might benefit from mindfulness sessions or CBT - both online for a reasonable cost or free.

I think it's important to differentiate between real depression and reacting to life events which are challenging for everyone.

It's important to come to terms with grief and see it as a process which can take time. If you 'blot it out' through drugs, even herbal ones, it's not always a good idea.

my late MIL became addicted to ADs for 20 years when she was widowed and suffered from extreme depression.

Thanks, very helpful advice, I’ve had grief counselling before and found it useful. A little help to get on with everyday life while I heal and move forward is all I will use the SJW for I’ve never been addicted to anything but understand where your coming from. I’m going to try a low dose and see what happens I’m working from home at the moment so if there is any breakthrough bleeding I can can cope ok!