Started HRT 2 weeks ago and I feel awful

[Mich1986]

Started 2 pumps of oestrogen and progesterone tablets hoping it would help with some symptoms, but I feel worse :( feel hopeless, bursting into tears throughout the day, hate my husband, kids are triggering me, increased appetite, feeling groggy in the mornings. Will this settle or have i messed my hormones up by starting this? Please tell me it gets better as I’m thinking about just stopping taking them as don’t want to feel this way.

When do you use the gel? I was using at night but it messed with my sleep, so now it’s morning.
Do you have a medication review booked? You might need more oestrogen

Gel in the morning, progesterone before bed. My review is in march.

Some women are progesterone intolerant. It could be it’s too high a dose or HRT. I would ask for an appointment. I was full of energy at this point. Some people it takes longer to find the suitable dose.

It’s 100mg, is that a lot for first time on HRT? It’s a bio identical one. Do you think I should give it a couple more weeks and see if it improves?

I started on one pump of gel in the morning. Now, a year later, I'm on 2 pumps as my symptoms started to come back. Your system might be a little overwhelmed.

I was told that you always start on the minimum dose and work your way up.

I feel the same as you. I was on the patches seemed ok ish and then since I started the progesterone on day 14 I have been depressed feeling hopeless miserable snappy. I’ve stopped it a few days early on day 12 can’t take it anymore. Speaking to the gp tomorrow

I'm on my third attempt at HRT. First time I tried I felt exactly the same as you. GP told me to persevere, and I did for three months and then gave up.

This time I am on week 5 and am feeling better: my first week I felt the beginnings of what you describe. I am also determined to make it work as I have osteopenia now so am feeling quite committed to find HRT that works for me so am working with GP to find something that works rather than just giving up (like i did before).

It’s so confusing as they say it’s meant to help you feel calm!

How much time did you leave in between trying each time?
when you tried that first time for 3 months, did you feel like shit the whole time?

First time: Jan-March 25
Second time: June 25
Third time: Dec/Jan 26

And yes, I felt pretty terrible for the three months, which is why I only lasted a few weeks the second time. I should have gone to GP much earlier- suggest you do too! Good luck x

Can you skip the progesterone for a couple of days? See if you can isolate if that’s the cause?

I started last week on oestrogen only patches - I have a Mirena and that does the job of the progesterone which is needed for the womb and Mirena dispenses tiny amounts directly there so it doesn’t get into your system as much.

So if you work out that it’s the progesterone maybe an IUD could be an option?

I had the mirena fitted and it reduced my rages. I prefer it as it’s low dose and continuous.

Is it Utrogestan that you’re taking? 100mg daily is a standard dose if you’re taking it continuously but 200mg daily is the norm if you’re taking it sequentially (i.e for only 12 - 14 days each month).

Taking Utrogestan orally made me feel really rubbish. It just didn’t agree with me and I felt ‘off’ all the time. Taking a same dose synthetic progesterone tablet was completely fine for me though with zero side effects.

From some of your symptoms (such as bursting into tears, moodiness etc) it could be that you need to increase your Oestrogel dose or that the dose you’re applying isn’t effective for some reason. I can tell if my dose is too low as I get upset at the drop of a hat for the tiniest of reasons. I increase my dose by an extra half a pump for a day or two and I’m fine within 24-48 hours. It’s bonkers but that’s hormones for you.

I really recommend you go back to your GP and get a much earlier review of your HRT regime. You need some guidance. A lot of HRT is finding what works best for you as it can be different for everyone so don’t be nervous of going back and talking to your GP, and if they can’t help, ask them to refer you to the nearest NHS menopause clinic.

I had a hysterectomy, sorry should have put that on my first post. I’ve tried the mirena and unfortunately it fell out as a I had a fibroid which pushed it out.

Maybe im wrong but I thought you only need progesterone if you have a uterus.
Im on gel only, I have a mirena in. My first 2 weeks were an emotional rollercoaster though, settled down after that.

Same. I thought the majority of women only need estrogen if they’ve had a full hysterectomy? Is there a reason why you’re also taking progesterone? If you don’t actually need it, it may be why your hormones aren’t well balanced as your symptoms sound like not enough estrogen to me (and progesterone counteracts estrogen to some extent)?? Note: I’m not a medical professional but you definitely need to see one to discuss this (if you haven’t already).

I struggle to tolerate progesterone. When using it, I am vile. Short tempered, depressed. Low energy and mood. It’s awful.
now on oestrogen gel, testosterone and progesterone suppositories, which I haven’t tried yet as I’m waiting to have a period and then count forward two weeks….
ive felt loads better on just the gel and the testosterone.

I also have endometriosis, so the progesterone is being used to slow down regrowth x