Best Amazon Prime Day deals: Mumsnet favourites

Best Amazon Prime Day deals:
Mumsnet favourites

Shop now

Please or to access all these features

Menopause

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

HRT for someone with bipolar disorder or previous severe depression/anxiety

8 replies

MarmadukeM · 17/06/2026 08:17

Hi I’m after hearing about anyone who has bipolar disorder specifically but also anyone who has had severe depression and/or anxiety (prior to perimenopause, not as a result of it if that makes sense?).
I am 48 this week and have bipolar disorder and I’ve been seriously depressed for almost a year which has included being in psychiatric unit for a few weeks in April.
I have an appointment on Friday to discuss HRT - actually some of the mental health team said I need to pursues it as it could have exacerbated the bipolar depression. I do think I’m peri as, for example, my last 4 periods have been 16 days apart so I’ve basically had 4 in around 2 months when my old cycle was more like 30 days. I’m going to ask for patches but I’m kind of worried they potentially could send me more loopy.
Has anyone been in similar position and found HRT helpful? I know some woman have no mental health problems throughout their entire life and can become super anxious and depressed when they end up in menopause. Thanks in advance xxx

OP posts:
ParmesanRealignment · 17/06/2026 08:22

Bipolar here! When I was first seriously loopy, agitated, crucified by anxiety & early wakening, my consultant suspected early perimeno (I was 41) and trialled me on estrogen gel & mirena coil.
Nignt sweats and early morning terror stopped immediately.
I’ve recently switched from Mirena coil to oral progesterone & my MH has improved a lot.

I suspect you’d benefit from something similar. It certainly can’t hurt - I doubt it would make you worse, anyway.

Sending strength & hugs 🫂

WhereAreWeNow · 17/06/2026 08:25

Can you access any specialist advice? I know the Maudsley in London has a women's hormone clinic for women with conditions like bipolar and psychosis. https://slam.nhs.uk/service-detail/service/female-hormone-clinic-241/
I don't know if if you're near London and could access that or if there's anything similar closer to home.

Service Detail - South London and Maudsley

https://slam.nhs.uk/service-detail/service/female-hormone-clinic-241

KurtCobainLover · 17/06/2026 08:29

I have bipolar and HRT has significantly improved things. It was my psychiatrist who suggested trying it so I toddled off to my GP who was happy to prescribe. I take tablets as it’s easier for me to remember to take it alongside my other meds.

Brain fog as gone and my anxiety has pretty much gone too. All in all with the combination of HRT and meds I’m feeling better than I have in years.

MarmadukeM · 17/06/2026 13:30

WhereAreWeNow · 17/06/2026 08:25

Can you access any specialist advice? I know the Maudsley in London has a women's hormone clinic for women with conditions like bipolar and psychosis. https://slam.nhs.uk/service-detail/service/female-hormone-clinic-241/
I don't know if if you're near London and could access that or if there's anything similar closer to home.

Ah that’s good to know thanks. I’m not very rich as going through a divorce etc but if I don’t get good results from nhs it’s certainly something I could try x

OP posts:
WhereAreWeNow · 17/06/2026 13:37

MarmadukeM · 17/06/2026 13:30

Ah that’s good to know thanks. I’m not very rich as going through a divorce etc but if I don’t get good results from nhs it’s certainly something I could try x

The Maudsley is an NHS hospital. If you're near London you might be able to request a referral.

KweenCnut · 17/06/2026 13:53

Bipolar 2 here - started taking HRT 4 years into the menopause and it made me feel worse. Massive mood swings for a few weeks, followed by disassociation. Gave up after 3 months. It might work for you though!

MarmadukeM · 17/06/2026 14:57

WhereAreWeNow · 17/06/2026 13:37

The Maudsley is an NHS hospital. If you're near London you might be able to request a referral.

Ah right - no I’m in Newcastle but I do have relatives in London so could attend an appointment there. X

OP posts:
MarmadukeM · 17/06/2026 14:58

KweenCnut · 17/06/2026 13:53

Bipolar 2 here - started taking HRT 4 years into the menopause and it made me feel worse. Massive mood swings for a few weeks, followed by disassociation. Gave up after 3 months. It might work for you though!

This is what worries me - the unknown! I figured that patches are my best bet as I can just take it off if I’m go all weird. X

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread