Tearful since starting HRT

[Thewidthofacircle]

I put on my first patch last night. This morning I woke feeling very encouraged as for the first time in a couple of years I didn't feel tired and achey.

However increasingly through the day I have been very tearful. I am wondering if this is a side effect of oestrogen? I had an argument with my DH for forgetting Mother's Day and have been tearful since. Normally when we argue I am just numb and don' t really feel anything and it is years since I remember being able to cry.

On balance I am happy to take the tearfulness over the numbness and feeling achy all the time but it just came as a bit of a shock.

It takes time for your body to adjust it will get better. My main perimenopause problem was anxiety it was really bad and it took a bit for it to settle. I can honestly say it’s the best choice I made HRT. You need to take your time and be kind to yourself. Explain to your family what your going through and it will get better. It’s better when they understand. It’s a difficult time for you when your body’s going through big changes.

No it won't be the patch. It takes up to 3 months to see optimum results and the amount of estrogen absorbed overnight is miniscule.
Also, estrogen doesn't make women 'weepy' - it's the feel good hormone.

I expect you may have felt weepy anyway as part of peri. The chances are you'd have felt this way without the patch.

As PP says- give it time.

Thanks both but I just don't know. I have been feeling a complete emotional wreck since I put the patch on. Before wearing it I just felt numb all the time and hadn't cried for years. Unfortunately I don't have any support at home.

Isn't it possible that even small changes in hormone levels can have an impact on mood?

Isn't it possible that even small changes in hormone levels can have an impact on mood?

The estrogen in the patch is meant to last several days. So the amount absorbed in under 24 hours is tiny.

What dose estrogen is in your patch?

It's possible, but given the row with your husband as well as feeling low anyway, you're never going to know which it is.

Crying is a good thing surely, if you were not able to show emotion previously?

I'd really try not to overthink this, or get hung up on every small change, as it's very early days.

Unfortunately I don't have any support at home.

Sorry this is going on. Maybe you need to consider your relationship issues as well as your physical symptoms? It sounds as if you are in a relationship that is not working for you.

@Thewidthofacircle
I’m not sure about advice on your relationship but it’s hard for the men too very difficult for them to understand. I think if possible having a conversation with your husband and maybe get up the 40 common symptoms of perimenopause/menopause so he can see all the things that a woman can go through. Ask for him to support you. It’s easy to just say it’s not working but you’re both going through this because you’re changing so it impacts those around you. Educate him. You really do need support though. I am fortunate to have it at home and have great friends and we support each other do you have friends that you could talk to at all. Definitely persevere with the HRT it does help massively x

I went through skin cancer last year without any support so I don't think I will even bother DH about menopause. I should leave him really but it is pretty impossible with a severely autistic child and toddler who can't coexist in the same space. I guess it was just easier to feel numb all the time but didn't expect to feel so emotional when starting the oestrogen as I haven't seen this reported as a symptom before.

But you don't know for sure it is the HRT making you feel as you do. It could also be the emotional state of your home life. I wouldn't link this to one night of hrt - seriously.

Is it a high dose patch- which one/ dose?

Can I ask if you are having an early menopause? Notice you mention having a toddler so are you still in your 30s or 40s? If so, you might need specialist advice.

I am on evorel 50. I am early 40s but have premature ovarian insuffiency. My main reason for going on hrt was low bone density coupled with hot flushes, joint pain and dry skin.

I understand your point about my home life but I was amazingly feeling pretty chilled before taking the patches and possibly too unemotional given my circumstances.

I have felt a complete emotional wreak since I started them. I wonder if it is worth cutting patches in half and gradually building up the dose?

Yes, it might help to start low. Try it.

Sorry but descriptions of your home life (uncaring abusive H and 2 children with their own issues) sound dreadful and would make anyone cry.