So depressed - what's come over me?

[needmoreoomph]

Been on HRT for about 3 years now - estrogel gel (2-3 pumps) and progesterone (100mg) daily continuous. I have been good, sweats gone, mood better, aches and pains improved (I "up" the pumps to 3 for a while if I get achy) l, skin clear etc etc.

BUT over the past 6-8 weeks, my mood has dropped like a stone. I've upped to x2 pumps twice a day but no change. Christmas has been a bitch (well I have) and the past two days I have taken to my bed, not got up and not eaten or drunk a thing. Honestly, I feel like absolute shit. I have no interest in anyone or anything.
What the heck is going on?

I'd say you need blood tests to see how your body is absorbing everything.

It might be you progesterone that needs increasing, not the estrogen, since progesterone has a calming effect. Or, it could be both that need increasing, but you'll need to speak to your healthcare provider to see how much progesterone you need to be taking now that you are on a higher estrogen level. You could also try testosterone, although I'm not sure that will work in this case since what you're describing sounds really bad.

Thanks @EarthSight, I think you're right and I will make an appointment with GP (try to). I'm a little better than I was but still feeling very low with little motivation for anything.

I'm just reading the thread on the change in the estrogel pump packaging, mine changed two months ago. I wonder if that's anything to do with this...

GP. It's on my list.

I have a lot of friends who say it's testerone that's the game changer for their moods?

You might need to change your diet. Take a look at Geogia Ede, Mindy Pelz and Dr Boz on You Tube.
And good luck!

I’m feeling dreadful, as well. Missing period started by surprise today. Almost a relief as the pressure, pains & bloating were building up over the whole of Christmas (and I was also very busy at work). It’s like I have a permanent period but no bleeding. This should make me feel better, I hope…

Also, eating loads of cake etc isn’t helping! Fun, though it is… The sugar hangover is horrible. Luckily, I’m not big on booze so no actual hangovers! But, I’m cleaning up my diet this week.

A gp visit and doubling my oestrogen sorted my mood, although it was very flat rather than active depression.

I think I might have had this, but because it's more subtle and doesn't involve lots of crying all the time, just lots of 'blah' feelings, I don't think it's taken as seriously. I don't know if it was coincidence, but I felt like testosterone gave me back my personality and interest in life, in hobbies.

OP - this also needs discussing before making any changes, but some women don't get along well with progesterone, or they have to switch to non-bioidentical type. Some take it vaginally as well, although I'm not sure if it's licensed for that in the U.K.

My GP refuses to adjust HRT on the basis of blood tests, but weirdly agreed to me having the tests. My testosterone level is below the lower limit and I have to try different HRT for 3-6 months before they'll entertain a change.... So every three months I email them and ask for a change. Maybe I should go private?