Started HRT for peri - more tired, etc, is this normal?

[S2P78]

Hello,
I'm 43 and still have periods. I've had some symptoms on and off for months - sometimes really bad with brain fog, anxiety, etc, and crying at nothing.
I've been put on utrogestan 200mg and sandrena gel 1mg - started on day 16 of my cycle about four days ago. Feel a bit weird in the head, more tired and some stomach aches since. Is this normal?
I wondered whether to try HRT at all as my symptoms come and go and I see have periods. Maybe I should just take anti-anxiety medication? But I felt so bad one month I got desperate - is it bad to take HRT if you don't desperately need it?!
I plan to give it a month or two and see if things even out and if I suddenly get more energy and feel less anxiety in general.
Thanks

Most likely the Utrogestan. it doesn't suit everyone and is known to cause some tiredness. You are also on a low dose of estrogen and at 42 might well need more that would help balance out the Utrogestan.

Do you mean you started BOTH on day 16 or just the Utrogestan?

Usually you would start estrogen anytime and count the first day you bleed as day 1 ( when you have a period) and Utrogestan mid cycle if possible.

Assume you are taking it for 12 days and not daily?

There are lots of other types of HRT. Until quite recently, hardly anyone used Utorgestan but it's become flavour of the month! But lots of women don't get on with it. There are other types- Femoston (tablets) and patches.

Don't give up yet but maybe ask for another type if it's still not helping after 2 months.

I’ve just started a week ago and for first 4/5 days was really really tired and a bit nauseous which I thinks the progesterone. I’m hoping these side effects are a one off when you start and not every single month when you start it.

Are you taking it at night?

Stick with it as I was like that on the first month of the progesterone and now on 3rd mth am fine and brain fog gone. Just remember you are getting a surge of hormones that you are missing so bound to be sound side effects to start with but it is so worth it. I am not as low and feel my mojo returning and feel more positive. Stick with it as it does help and you will get used to it.

take progesterone at night time and if you are wrecked in the day try to close your eyes for 30 mins if you get a chance as does help. I was the exact same felt wrecked but now people who know me telling me I look so much better and am not an absolute wreck mental case. Wishing you luck.