Antidepressant with HRT?

[Dweebie]

I've been on HRT for 18 months and it worked like a dream for the first year. Now symptom control is not bad for most things but I can't shake off the anxiety and joyless feeling. I'm already on 4 pumps oestrogel so don't want to go higher. I do think it's hormonal in origin as I have never suffered with my mental health before peri , but I now feel it has become ingrained. Has anyone else experienced this and do you take something additional to HRT, either prescribed or supplement? I already meditate, walk and do yoga. I hate my job which doesn't help, but have a very good relationship and supportive family.

I was told by an NHS CBT person that the longer you’ve had anxiety or depression the more those neural pathways are laid down they’re harder to shift. I had peri anxiety for years before starting HRT and I can’t say it’s helped much which is frustrating as that’s the only real reason I started taking it, so his theory would make sense
I've tried everything to help supplements, yoga, acupuncture, no caffeine or alcohol etc and nothing touched the sides
I'm currently having private CBT weekly to help but it’s early days
I hate peri, this is the worst I’ve felt mentally ever

@pinkrabbits39 thanks for replyig that makes sense that it becomes more established in the brain the longer it lasts. Just not sure whether to go down the prescription route. Partner started taking citalopram 12 months ago and doing much better on it.

Maybe try a daily vitamin D supplement? Evidence suggests an uplift to mood (and I can certainly vouch for that) .

Thanks @heartchakra I do take recommended peri supplements like vit D/ omega 3/ magnesium already.

Im on HRT and anti depressants and like you started the HRT first. I’ve found my anxiety and mood really lifted.

@LizzieSiddal you mean your anxiety and mood lifted on the antidepressants more than with the HRT?

Yes. I had thought the HRT would help but whilst it is brilliant for stopping hot sweats, insomnia and aches and pains it did nothing for my mood or anxiety. The antidepressants did help me.

Thanks Lizzie that's helpful. I have just ordered magnolia rhodiola supplements which I will try first. If no improvement will speak to GP.