Anti- depressants or try HRT again?

[JaneIves]

I'm almost 50.
Had peri symptoms for around 6-7 years. Pretty much all of them aside from actual period changes, although my periods are now very light, but longer lasting.

I tried HRT last year, sent me absolutely crazy, I didn't feel like myself as it was but HRT made me feel worse!

Lately, the rage/anxiety/sadness/irritability has been off the scale.
I feel back to normal when I come on. I'm good for a couple of weeks then the above hits me for 6.
It's becoming a real problem.

I am not depressed, but was offered anti-depressants during my initial consultation with my GP for peri symptoms last year instead of HRT. I opted for the latter which obviously didn't work out.

I know everyone is different, but does anyone have any stories to share of anti-depressants for peri symptoms?

I really need to do something as for 10 or so days a month I feel my whole personality changes, and I just don't feel like me at all and it's really beginning to get me down to the point I fear finishing my period as I know it heralds the start the shift in mood.

Any insights greatly appreciated.

The NICE guidance for GPs is that ADs are not be to prescribed for peri (unless there is pre-existing clinical depression, confirmed as a diagnosis.)

If you read the website of Dr Newson (called Balance) there is the science and also case studies of women given ADs and why they rarely work.

The mood swings in peri are lack of estrogen.

I'm sure that posters can offer more help if you describe which HRT you had , the dose and how it affected you.

The usual bad experiences with HRT are due to the progesterone used.
There are 5 available and it's often a case of finding the right one, and the right dose.

Utrogestan
Norethisterone
MPA (in Kliovance tablets)
Mirena coil
Dydrogesterone (only in Femoston tablets.)

For women who are very intolerant to any of these, there is the option of a 3-monthly cycle, where it's used for 12 days out of every 12 weeks.

You should be able to find one that helps and the guidance is to try other types if they first wasn't successful.

I take Citalopram for anger around hormones, initially PMDD but now I’m menopausal and they’re still working for me. I’ve also been on HRT for the last 2 years. Try them, I chnaged from
the Exorcist to Julie Andrews within 48 hours.

Try them, I chnaged from

Even if it's against NICE guidance for GPs?

@JinglingSpringbells Thanks for this, I'll take a look. I wonder why my GP even offered. Never had ADs before anyway.

I was on utrogestan (oral - have numerous skin allergies so reluctant for anything topical)

I felt so much better when I stopped them, convinced myself I could ride it out and did so for the best part of last year. The last 3 months have been pretty awful, so much worse than before, so I'd really like to do something about it now.

NICE guidance does recommend continuous or cyclical anti-depressants for moderate or severe PMS, so they may help you as there is a clear cyclical pattern to your symptoms. Worth discussing the options with your GP.

I take Anti-Ds and not HRT. No intention of taking HRT again as Anti-Ds and supplements have sorted me out whereas HRT didn't agree with me and I had to stop.

I’ve never had HRT but I was on ADs long term PMT and they were an absolute life saver.

@JaneIves This is medical info on ADs compared to HRT.

There is an ongoing medical campaign to get women off ADs (which also have side effects and don't protect the heart or bones like HRT) and although some women swear by them, the actual efficacy is low and many responses are a placebo effect (up to 40%.)

https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/antidepressants-and-menopause-factsheet/#:~:text=Menopause%20guidelines%20are%20clear%20that,psychological%20symptoms%20of%20the%20menopause.

My sister saw her GP today who advised her to stay on antidepressants rather than go onto HRT and I agree with him

I am on both and ad really helped with anxiety and should have been on them years ago. It can take a while to get the right mix/dose of hrt as had to change mine around a few times and it is worth talking to gp again. I take utrogestron vaginally as less side effects and oestrogel. Hope you find a balance that suits you as worth trying if it eases your symptoms and protects your bones for the future.