Just started HRT

[whippetmum1969]

A few years ago I tried HRT gel and tablets but I had 25 day bleeds so I came off it, struggled on, then I had bowel cancer, pelvic radiotherapy, and no more periods. I’ve not had a period for 3 years. I’m 2 weeks into gel and tablets again and I’m absolutely embarrassed about how horrible I am. Saying awful stuff being horrible to my family, crying all the time absolutely awful. Will this pass? Or should I just come off it ?

If you're feeling low, moody, angry, it's likely to be the progesterone side of the HRT.

It's too soon to give it up, because there are so many different types of HRT and ways of using it.

Rather than using both hormones daily you may be better off (even post meno) to use it on a cycle, with estrogen daily and progesterone for part of the month (12 days.)

OR consider other forms like patches or the Mirena coil.

I was told to give it three months, then review.

Take the utrogestan vaginally op, many women do as it reduces side effects massively and works just as well. No need to ask a gp just insert vaginally as high up as you can get it.

I had awful side effects from the progesterone initially (but the oestrogen makes me feel pretty good). I do what @Janiie suggests and use it vaginally now (on the suggestion of my friend who is a nurse practitioner who has done some specialist menopause and HRT training). I do still have some mood-related side effects but they are milder than they used to be.