HRT - everything worse

[wheretolivecannotdecide]

Hi all

looking for advice, similar experiences and hopefully positive outcomes. I started HRT a couple of weeks ago. I have the Evorel 50 patch & didn’t notice any side effects, however, I’ve now had 5 days of progesterone at night and everything feels worse. My mood is rock bottom, I have headaches and exhaustion is next level. I’m starting to feel despairing and that I’ll never enjoy life again. Does it get worse before it gets better?! Did anyone get used to the progesterone? I really didn’t want a coil as I’m worried about not being able to get it removed easily if it doesn’t agree with me as it’s so hard to get appointments where I am.

@JinglingSpringbells thank you very much. My GP was a bit useless and it was a battle to simply get HRT, so I think some of these are options are a bit beyond their scope, however, you make a good point about a coil privately and so thanks for that. I have a small budget for this luckily, so that is something I could look at doing. Second day in a row of using the progesterone vaginally though and feeling much better so far, so fingers crossed i can just do this!

I can’t take it on an empty stomach. If I do, it makes me feel dizzy and like I’m going to pass out. But it definitely helps me sleep and unlike some posters here, I think it helps with my mood! Recently I’ve started having days of deep, dark sadness and when it’s time to take the progesterone capsules, it gets better after a couple of days.

@wheretolivecannotdecide Hi, I've posted a few threads about this. I persevered for over two years. Tried vaginally (wasn't any better), tried it for 10 days (still felt awful). In the end cam off HRT altogether and have my life back. Good luck, if you can find an alternative that works that'll be great. I just don't seem able to tolerate any form of progesterone and have always been the same (with the pill etc). My advice would be don't stick it out for as long as I did as those two and half years weren't great. Going without has been so much better for me and I wish I'd done it sooner. Wishing you well.

I agree 100% no one should stick it out for 2 years but there are many other options (see my previous post) some of which are available through specialists, privately. I know this isn't an option for everyone but there are far more variations and doses than most GPs offer- usually through lack of knowledge.

Nalvee (dydrogesterone) is now available on the NHS.
It's body identical (almost) like micronised progesterone and many women get on well with it.

I found the side effects worse vaginally than orally. Apparently more is absorbed that way.

I started HRT a week ago because I was PILING on weight and assumed peri was to blame (I'm 43).

But are you guys saying HRT will cause MORE weight gain?? I'm already obese

This is interesting..I'm still on the progesterone only pill ,is that the same as progesterone in the hrt you are talking about
I didn't realise it could effect moods

Hi all. As an update, I started taking the oral progesterone, vaginally. What a difference it made. Im not entirely without symptoms, but it was night and day compared to orally. Generally I am feeling much better in myself, sleeping so much better and energy levels are improving. It’s early days though as I spent the first 10 days on hrt with a horrible virus that knocked me for six. I will update in a month or so.

re: weight gain - nothing yet, but I’ve been being careful and exercising more.

I'm glad to hear things are better. I hope that continues for you.

You took the oral pill vaginally? Does your GP know?

My GP suggested this, though in the end gave me the pessary version.

Its very normal in european countries to take oral progesterone vaginally.

I have aches and pains- fibromyalgia. I went on Evorel combined patches. Yes it eliminated my hot flushes but oh boy my aches and pains ramped up. I had break outs of dry skin on my arms- they now look like bruises. I tolerated it for 6 werks. Doctor told me I needed to give it a few months. I told him.i wasn't prepared to feel so unwell. My mates have said to try another one. Go back to the doctor. Don't let them be dismissive towards you

Many GPs know next to nothing about the menopause or hrt so vaginal administration will probably be completely over their heads.
It's the same drug just taken differently with fewer side effects.

It's not uncommon. It's mentioned in the BMS guidance on progesterone. It is off-licence in the UK but normal in Europe (and has been for years.)
There is a 200mgs pessary but it's the same except bigger (and can't be swallowed because of the size.)

Hi there,

We thought users on this thread might be interested to know that on Wednesday we're hosting an AMA with hormone specialist Dr Louise Newson - if you've got a question you can ask it at this link.

Thanks,
MNHQ

How are you doing with the progesterone now on? Ive stopped HRT first now as even vaginally, they lowered my mood!