Is there another way?

[Blanketfull]

I was on HRT for about 18m. I asked for it because of brain fog and lack of focus. I dont think it made much difference for that, but it did stop the 4am waking, which I didn't realise was a menopause symptom.

However, the progesterone gave me horrendous "PMT" symptoms, real red mist rages. GP switched me to continuous progesterone, but that just meant I felt on edge and prone to rage every day rather than a few days a month.

So I've stopped. I feel much better but and sleeping terribly and getting lots of flushes at night, which I wasn't getting before.

I'm taking magnesium, but it doesn't seem to be helping as yet.

Sympathise with the poor sleep - its been the main thing i took hrt for.
Since having the mirena coil instead of a tablet for progesterone i have felt better mentally - i read something about it being more localised as it goes right into your uterus so fewer side effects. Might that be an option for you?

I use magnesium sleep cream and that’s helped my sleep enormously. I am sleeping in the spare room and have to listen to a podcast to get to sleep and a SAD lamp to wake up.

I can’t have caffeine after 12pm or a nap in the day.

I add a small spoon of mushroom coffee with Ashwaghanda to my morning coffee which I think has helped with the rage and brain fog.

I have accepted my tolerance levels for people and bullshit has reduced.

reformer Pilates also helps regulate my emotions and adds a little strength training.

basically not looking after yourself becomes less of an option.