Just started Oestrogel and horrible insomnia - is this normal?

[abdnhiker]

I’ve just started Oestrogel (2 pumps a day) as I’ve obvious signs I’m peri menopausal and have night sweats, issues with recurrent thrush, and body ache but I’m having horrible side effects. 12 hours after the first dose I became overly emotional, really weepy and fragile-feeling, like PMS but way worse. Then last night I had the worst insomnia of my life - I wasn’t anxious or upset but it was like trying to sleep at 9:30 am after a good night sleep. I was wide awake for six hours and none of my normal manage insomnia tricks (get up, try a different bed, read for a bit and try again etc) worked. I’ve had to take the day off work today as I feel pretty hollow from lack of sleep and emotional rollercoaster.

Has this happened to anyone else? Is it a temporary side effect? Should I ditch the HRT or should I lower the dose and try to persevere?

Definitely gel in the morning. I think the hormones can get unbalanced in different ways e.g. low progesterone with normal estrogen in which case adding more estrogen could be unhelpful.

Thanks @WhereAreWeNow that is so good to know! I need to just find a time when work is calm and when the teens are not writing their prelim exams etc before I muck with my hormones again. My hormones are definitely unbalanced.

There isn't any evidence about this'unbalanced' @UnaOfStormhold

We only produce progesterone if we ovulate. Women who are post meno (or in late peri) aren't producing any at all (unless the ovulate) and progesterone is only given as part of HRT to protect the womb lining when estrogen's being used.

You can apply gel at any time, because as long as you use it at a more-or-less regular time, it's in your system.

Many women divide it am and pm, to avoid having to wait for ages for it to dry (if they are using several pumps.)

@abdnhiker Sorry I didn't see that your first post was Sept and you'd stopped HRT.

My comments then would have been lower the dose. You don't have to start on 2 pumps. I started on half a pump for a while (as advised by consultant) and worked up gradually to 2 pumps. I applied it in the mornings, but now I split the dose 1 pump am and one at bedtime.

If you have not had a period for 12 months or more then you are post meno.
Otherwise- in peri.

@JinglingSpringbells ah thanks - I’m perimenopausal. I definitely saw a build up effect in my system (ie insomnia and the feeling of anxiety and flatness got worse over the few days) so I’m not convinced that for me just taking it in the morning would do anything for how I seem to respond to it.

Did you increase from the half pump to two pumps because you felt you needed the extra? And did your consultant say what do with the progesterone tablets while you were on a half pump? If I’m taking the same amount I’m was proscribed for two pumps would that be out of whack? I’ll not experiment myself with doses before I speak to my GP but I don’t think she’s an expert (but is supportive) and I’m in Scotland so there’s no option for a consultant.

I've been on it for years- around 14.

I was advised to start on a tiny amount- like a pea!- and work upwards to control my flushes and insomnia. I found half a pump didn't do much (I was late peri- periods every 3-4 months) so upped to one and stuck with that for a few weeks. That controlled the day time flushes fine but not the insomnia. I then upped to 2 pumps.
Using 2 pumps in the morning made me feel sick (like morning sickness) so I decided to divide the dose. I have seen the British Menopause Society now suggest this for women who might be using a higher dose ( 3-4 pumps.)

I started on long cycle HRT so only used progestogen(it was Norethisterone which is synthetic and the ones on most patches and tablets) every 12 weeks.

I've dropped down from that now to a shorter cycle, but not every 4 weeks and have used Utrogestan for a long time now.

Could you not see a consultant in Scotland if you pay privately?

There is the consultant who runs Menopause Matters - based in Scotland - and she's NHS. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Currie

Thanks @JinglingSpringbells. I’m rural NE Scotland so that consultant is a four hour drive away - I could look and see if there’s anyone more local but at the moment I’m coping and my GP is decent so I’m hoping it won’t come to that. And thanks for the info about what you’ve tried. I’ll discuss it, and/or trying the patches that worked for @WhereAreWeNow, with my GP and maybe try again just before and in the Easter holidays (oh the joy) which is a quieter time for work (as half the office is away) and before my eldest starts exams.

I think the reaction can be pretty instant. I’m post menopausal so take the Utrogestan every night but my night sweats went immediately and my libido reappeared after a week or so so I can imagine side effects also appearing quickly.

I’m experiencing the same thing and it’s definitely the estogen gel. I have just googled Insomnia related to HRT and found this thread.
not sure what to do as it does help with the other issues I’m having in peri menopause but can’t keep going on so little sleep 😭

Hi Ellah500, sorry to hear you can’t sleep. It’s the pits!!! What time of day are you putting on the gel? I put it on in the mornings now and don’t suffer the sleepless nights anymore. Xx

Insomnia - I found that putting the gel on in the morning helped me. Also I avoid all caffeine after lunch and chocolate and red wine as they are all triggers for me. Also just generally good sleeping techniques.

It's better - but I still wake up for about an hour every night at 3am...