I am in the progesterone phase of my HRT and I absolutely hate it.

[HumphreyCobblers]

My boobs are agony. I am starving hungry. My bowels don't work properly. I have lower back pain and I am battling with a very short fuse as I don't want my family to hate me.

Only on day six! I would stop HRT altogether were I'm not for the not sleeping and horrific heart palpitations. I get two 'good weeks' without progesterone and some of that is spent actually having my period. I skipped a round before Christmas and it was absolute bliss in comparison, I even managed to drop some weight due to the lack of hunger.

Is it possible to got to three monthly progesterone even if periods are still regular? I am 50. I take one pill vaginally for 14 days so already on minimum dose.

Gosh I do sound so moany . Sorry.

Hi @HumphreyCobblers how long have you been on your current regime? As it can take a few months for side effects to settle down. Another thing, how come you are only taking 100, it’s usually 200 for 12-14days even if vaginally? I think there is a 3 monthly cycle you have, not sure on full details though sorry .

I really don’t get along with progesterone. I have/had PMDD, struggled with many contraceptive pills, I’ve been on antidepressants for more than a decade. My GP started me on patches plus Utrogestan and I was all for walking out on my life. I’ve since switched to the Mirena for the progesterone part. I managed with that for birth control too, seems to be more tolerable emotionally. But I’ve gained weight - quite a lot, so I’m having to work quite hard at lifestyle.
It’s probably worth a further discussion. Mirena is better for me because it works locally rather than systemically. All it needs to do is protect my uterus, so the more I can limit that without the added mood stuff, the better.

Thanks for the replies.

I have been on this regime for three years and the progesterone dose is my correct prescription from the Newson health clinic. I stopped having appointments with them after a year or so and moved to my GP management but I haven't had an appointment with the GP at all yet.

Am now worried am on the wrong dose as well! I do remember having a discussion with the specialist about it. I think because I had appalling PMS before my menopause this may have been the reason for the 100 mg? Think I will have an appointment with the GP to discuss it, but am apprehensive about this as the menopause specialist fobbed me off in the first place and only offered me anti depressants.

I have always avoided having a coil due to an extreme phobia of smear tests - I could never go through the procedure.

Piggywig- I can definitely sympathise with the walking out of my life feeling!

Have just been through the correspondence- the clinic changed it to two 100mg just before I swapped to my GP but when my GP issued it just said one. Bugger.

I think I will book a private scan to check my womb lining is ok even though I have been taking a lower dose and see my GP to correct the prescription or look at if a three month cycle would work also.

Are you taking it orally then if so switch to taking it vaginally as I felt suicidal when on those days of it and taking it vaginally less side effects and not so low and skin and bloating improved. It really makes such a difference also. Hope you get some relief soon xx

Hi @HumphreyCobblers You sound like you’re really struggling, so hugs to you.

i agree with @BOOTS52PollyPrissyPants to try inserting the capsule vaginally. It’s the best result for me as well.

I’m very intolerant of progesterone too- all the symptoms you mention I have - low mood irritability boobs hunger headaches- progesterone 100 vaginally for 21 days is the way I can handle it!