Many women feel tetchy and irritable before their periods, but for some, progesterone sensitivity can make it far worse.
Progesterone sensitivity wasn’t something I had heard of until late last year, even though it seems I’ve had just about all my menstruating life.
And it was during a phone call with menopause expert Peter Greenhouse in February that I discovered I’d suffered from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Until then, I’d always said I’d had “really bad” premenstrual tension (PMT). I’m not alone – up to 8 per cent of women suffer from such extreme symptoms that they can feel depressed and anxious and even suicidal.
PMT on overdrive
For me, it began around two weeks before my period, when I felt a huge black cloud descend on me and my anxiety and depression levels rise. I was irritable and angry with people and then would feel an enormous guilt about my emotions and end up sobbing in safety of the bath or shower.
I couldn’t sleep and and I lost all interest and energy in doing anything or seeing my friends. My breasts ached and my clothes were tight – I’d put on up to 2lbs on through bloating or non-stop eating; I never felt full.
There was physical pain, too. I became incredibly clumsy, not just dropping and smashing things, but bashing my head off cupboard edges and shelves and car doors.
The grey days felt they would never stop until, within a day or so of my period starting, a lightbulb clicked on and the world was good again.
This became a way of life. I didn’t need a calendar for when my periods were due; I could tell by the number of arguments I had with Mr 50Sense and the tears I shed.
Along comes the menopause
But then perimenopause hit. My periods began getting irregular and I felt amazing. For months on end, my emotions and body would be on an even keel. I lost weight – over a stone and a half – and trained for my first half-marathon.
“I never realised this was what life should be like,” I told one group of friends. “This is how I felt when I was 11.”
Sadly, it didn’t last. As my oestrogen levels did their rollercoaster drop and my progesterone lagged behind, I gradually started to feel worse and worse until it felt like I had non-stop PMT.
Ah, I hear you say, we know this story and you went on HRT. Problem solved.
HRT, if you still have a womb, comprises two parts: oestrogen and progesterone, spending 14 days on one then swapping to the other. For someone who is progesterone sensitive, that can be a ticking bomb back to the old cycle.
Within a few months, I’d noticed a pattern. The fortnight I was on the oestrogen, I felt incredible; as soon as I started the progesterone, I’d get my old symptoms again.
Only worse.
I changed patches. It continued, but the black cloud wouldn’t lift and only seemed to get thicker and thicker. Eventually, the oestrogen could only slightly dampen the negativity and in the end, I had a meltdown on Boxing Day.
The darkest hour
I wish I could say that was the worst of it, but it hasn’t been. I’ve been without HRT for most of this year and it has been hell. At first, I felt okay, that I could manage. Within a couple of weeks, I was bad again – mood swings, anger, guilt, hating myself, feeling responsible for the world, crying, crying, crying…
The Monday after Pausitivity went to parliament, I was as low as it is possible to get.
Black thoughts that hadn’t hit me even during my OCD years bombarded me, telling me what a horrible person I was until all I could think was: “I don’t want to feel this way anymore. I don’t want to be me anymore. I don’t want to be around anymore”
If it wasn’t for three wonderful women, I’m not sure I’d be here now. I owe them more than they know.
Thanks to Peter, I’d been prescribed an oestrogen gel, which I’d been taken for five days at this point. I put my trust in that and the next day, after my daily cry in the shower, rubbed it into my thigh and waited…
It took another couple of weeks, but eventually I woke up feeling bright. I did my hair and my face, got dressed and faced the day. I’ve been doing that every day since and while I’m not on top of the world, I count every okay day as a blessing.
We need to change this
This has also been another wake-up call as to how overlooked women’s health is and how much we need to keep on fighting to get the research needed. PMDD is little known about and even PMT can raise eyebrows – a friend once told me she couldn’t have PMS, as it was then, because her husband “didn’t believe in it”.
I’ll be honest, I’ve come close to giving up everything in the last couple of months as my hormones and feelings have had a ballroom blitz. But I know the relief I felt when I heard I wasn’t losing my mind and that what I was going through was explainable, understandable and controllable.
If you haven’t already done so, join us in the KnowYourMenopause campaign to highlight the need to have posters showing menopause symptoms in GP offices. Plus sign the MakeMenopauseMatters petition to get better training in menopause for our GPs. Because if we can get these done, then we know we’re on our way to getting women’s health the respect and attention it needs.
It is only by making our voice heard that we can stop other women suffering.
What is progesterone sensitivity?
Progesterone is a sex hormone mainly produced in the ovary to get your womb ready for pregnancy. It is released in higher levels after you ovulate (about day 14) in the expectation that the egg may be fertilised. If that doesn’t happen, levels start to drop again, you have your period and a new cycle begins. It is also made in smaller amounts in other parts of your body.
PMDD is not a hormone imbalance; rather it’s how your brain reacts to the hormone. Scientists believe that in some women, progesterone can affect the part of the brain that controls emotions, behaviour and general sense of well-being. Researchers in Melbourne think it is the receptors in the brain that help us deal with anxiety and stress that are affected by changing levels of progesterone.
What are the symptoms of progesterone sensitivity?
There are a lot and if you’re going through a bad menopause, you may recognise some of them.
- Crying, feeling sad, hopeless or suicidal
- Anxiety and stress
- Panic attacks
- Mood swings
- Irritiable or angry with other people
- Lack of motivation or interest in life or relationships
- Difficulty conentrating or thinking
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Cravings
- Eating too much
- Insomnia
- Feeling out of control
- Bloating
- Sore breasts
- Headaches
- Muscular and joint pain
How does this make you feel? I know looking back, I can pinpoint the angry message on social media or the stinging email to those weeks when I was on the progesterone part of my HRT. It felt as if a devil had got inside me and was controlling my actions, that I wasn’t in control and was compelled to do this. Honestly? It’s a frightening way to be.
How can you control progesterone sensitivity?
Unless you no longer have a womb, progesterone is needed as part of your HRT to help protect against endometrial cancer. Oestrogen causes the lining of your womb to thicken; progesterone helps shed that in the form of a monthly bleed (a faux period, if you will). This is the reason women who have had hysterectomies can take oestrogen by itself.
For people with progesterone sensitivity, the trouble is that HRT preparations in tablets or patches flood your entire body with the hormone. If you have PMDD, it’s bad enough with the majority of your progesterone being in your womb so to have a sudden whoosh around all of you…
Many GPs will prescribe the Mirena coil, so the progesterone is being delivered directly into your womb and will have less chance to have a party in the rest of you. You can also get progesterone pessaries to insert in your vagina, although this is off-licence for the NHS.
I’m on the coil journey, although coronavirus means my original appointment to have one fitted has been cancelled. You can be on oestrogen gel without progesterone for up to six months, but most GPs counsel 12 weeks. It’s another reason why I’m hoping the Covid-19 crisis will be over soon as the thought of having to stop the oestrogen is too scary.
Helplines and further contacts
If you’re on Twitter, I follow Vicious Cycle: Making PMDD, PMDD and Me CIC and Describing PMDD for loads of information and help.
There’s also the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders and the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome.
Finally, if you’re feeling low and need someone to talk to, whatever you’re going through, please contact the Samaritans on 116 123. If you can’t face talking, text SHOUT to 85258 anytime day or night and you can chat by text to share what is worrying you.
A huge thank you to Peter Greenhouse and also to Dr Andrew Weber of Bodyvie Medi-Clinic, Richmond, for his help and advice. Any errors are mine.
Have you experienced PMDD? Please me know in the comments below. Your experience could help someone
Thanks for raising awareness of this! I had a lot of the symptoms you describe in the perimenopause stage, particularly bring teary which was unusual, and a meltdown on Christmas Day in front of my new stepchildren. HRT has helped but having to have different formulations because of one bring discontinued, and the shortages, hasn’t helped.
You’ve hit the nail on the head, Gail. Having to swap HRT treatments because of all the problems has definitely exacerbated how bad I’ve felt at times. I haven’t been able to have what the GP wanted me to have; only what the pharmacist had. I hope you’re feeling better now xxx
Thank you so much for this info!! Unlike many of my friends through the years I was lucky enough to have very little moodiness during my menstrual cycle. But 5 years ago (now I understand is was the start of perimenopause) I start feeling many of the symptoms people have mentioned here… not feeling like myself, low mood, irritability, etc etc. I started going to a therapist thinking I was depressed. I am so disappointed/ frustrated/ angry that no one in the medical field told me my “feelings” could be related to perimenopause. I am now on HRT, which has helped some, but my Dr has not explained any of this to me. I did not even know the HRT pill packs are half estrogen, half progesterone. I assumed each pill was a compo of both hormones. Nor did my Dr talk to me about any of the tropical or patch options you talk about.
That’s a really good point, Lucy, GPs just give you a prescription and that’s it. We need more information. Hope this has helped you xxx
Hello-
I’ve had PMDD since I can remember. I think started Senior year/Freshman in High school. I recently had a hysterectomy and was hoping would help but of course didn’t. My ovaries didn’t miss a beat and obviously they are the reason I have PMDD but we need them – I know!! Ovaries are a good evil. I had intensive hormonal bloodwork recently and was but on testosterone & progesterone. The progesterone was awful and made crazy so I’m thinking sensitivity. Im thinking I need to try oestrogen. How long can I take this by itself along with my testosterone? Thank you in advance.
This has been more informative than any doctor I’ve spoken to, Thank You. Ive just had my hrt review, I complained about pmt, I’d controlled this in my 30s with evening primrose oil. Now with the patches, my breasts are painful, the bloating, back ache, irritability… it’s all normal apparently! Aghhh, I’m tempted to come off completely as I don’t feel listened to.
Hi Pauline. I’m so glad this has been of help to you, but it’s awful to hear what you’ve been going through. First of all, if you do decide to come off HRT, please wean yourself off slowly. A sudden jolt to your hormones could really impact your emotional wellbeing. I moved on to Evorel Conti at the start of the first lockdown as I couldn’t get the treatment I was supposed to have. However, after discussing this with a few people who have also been down this route, I asked for anti-depressants too as I was scared of dropping so low again. I had a lot of irregular bleeding to begin with (about six months) but it has died down now and I do feel a lot better. I still get a very mild PMT but it’s manageable in a way it never was before. And my breasts get full and ache every now and then, too. I think there may be light at the end of a very long tunnel….
Hi,
I am on oestrogen with utrogestin capsules which I can take orally or vaginally. I am certain that I am progesterone intolerant. I take as little of the progestin as I dare, but after upping the levels recently I feel absolutely terrible. All the wretched emotional effects that you describe.
Are you aware of any regimen that is safe, but which incorporates the lowest possible progesterone dose?
Hi Lindsey. I’ve been told that the best way to take progesterone if you think you have a sensitivity, is topical, so via a patch or vaginally or through the Mirena coil, so it goes exactly where it should be. Taking capsules orally floods your whole body with progesterone. I’m on patches and I’ve decided to take anti-depressants while I wait for a coil fitting, which has been delayed because of covid. It’s taken a while – nine months – but I feel okay most of the time. I would say I’ve been okay for the last 2-3 months. I have a few blue days, but in this world, who doesn’t? Perhaps discuss a coil with your GP? Certainly go and see them and ask for help. Don’t suffer any more and please let me know what happens xxx
Just come across this site & feel just like you – I’m on patches & feel awful- great to start with. Also tried the gel & tablet prior to this but again, great at first but then awful! Just don’t know what to do- wondering how it’s going for you?
It can take time to settle, but please see your GP as you shouldn’t feel awful x
This is also misleading,symptoms of pmdd areacurate and scary and largely under diagnosed and misunderstood.
But I have pmdd not menopausal suffer from ovarian pain badly, pelvic congestion. Was put on the mirena and evolrel 50, started mirena first then 2months later evorel, wow! Mu pmdd became a constant nightmare what was usually 3 days of horror became a never ending trip to zombie land! Emotional not as angry, but barely functioning, no motivation ability to do normal things l, cried at anything, suicidal. Went to the doctor who said I was depressed wanted me on anti depressants. Refused and told her I wanted off the patches, within a month I was functioning again. Still have a hormonal imbalance still ruin my relationship, smash things and become withdrawn at every cycle but at least I have a few weeks of functioning. I still have the mirena for me eistrogen nearly killed me that’s no joke of how low I felt.
I have demanded a hormone check which I am undergoing. I’m also making sure I have a high protein breakfast and lion mane supplement ls which all help keep me focused to some degree.
Sick of doctors fobbing people of with depressants before actually talking about hormones. Everyone is different demand hormone checks amd makesure you time them when ypu know your at your worst.
Have u has the coil fitted yet and how are you getting on ?
I am definitely progesterone sensitive and just recently had the Mirena fitted along with oestrogen patches. I have never Been so rough. It seems to have exasperated all the symptoms I had it put in for !!
I don’t know if it’s the oestrogen or progesterone but I suspect the latter . Not sure if to stop the oestrogen and leave mirena in or scrap both – get me off This journey !
I haven’t had it fitted, but I have heard of someone else who felt bad after having it and she went off HRT all together. I do know, however, that it’s taken me a while to get on an even keel and I’m happy with the Evorel Conti. Whether that’s also because I’m taking anti-depressants for the progesterone, I don’t know! But the first 4-5 months on it, I still had very, very rough times. It is only in the last few months I’ve felt better.
I had the Mirena IUD put in 5 years ago, my doctor assured me that it was only a small amount of progesterone and I wouldn’t feel the usual side effects of depression and anxiety I feel from progesterone. Long story short, I slowly ended up feeling more and more hopeless as the months went on. I attributed it to turning 50, there could be no other explanation, I thought. But it got worse, and then it got scary.
After 2.5 years of despair it dawned on me one day that it might be the Mirena IUD that was causing my disturbing thoughts and moods. The day after I had it removed, I felt amazing relief – all suicidal thoughts stopped and never came back; it was a miracle. I wanted to yell at my doctor for ever suggesting the Mirena IUD for a patient she knew was sensitive to progesterone.
But I’m more angry at myself for not figuring it out sooner.
I didn’t know how dark it could get. Be careful – hormones are powerful drugs.
Please don’t be angry with yourself. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. So glad you’re feeling better xxx
I had the mirena coil when my Daughter was nearly 2 and had a complete breakdown apart from the fact that actually having it put inside you is highly unpleasant the hormones within a very short time made me so anxious I couldn’t leave the house and gave me delayed post natal depression – I tried everything natural to get my body back on even keel and had to have the bloody thing surgically removed as it ended up in my womb It’s only since I took Sertraline that my life returned and actually only since I’ve looked back that I realised it was the progesterone – no one helped me they just told me it gets better after time and to bear with it – please don’t listen to you if you feel rubbish on it and just get it out I wish I’d have done it sooner I’d remember more of my kids being babies. I’ve now been given progesterone tablets for menopause and been promised it’s body identical and not the same as the coil but after 5 days all those horrible feelings returned and I stopped it – not sure what to do now as the oestrogen def gives me a bit more energy! Thank
Thank you for sharing. I am in menopause and have felt like In
Losing it. I am on HRT and felt better at first but now feel horrible.
I am researching and feel it’s progesterone. It helps me sleep but feel awful the next day. I am getting off of this stuff.
I’ve just seen a specialist in women’s health.
She believes the mirena may be giving me progesterone sensitivity and the HRT I am on.
I’ve had continuous low, low mood and moments of suicidal thinking since being on these. I had thought it was just me and perimenopause.
I’ve always had big drops in mood the week before my periods but it always passed.
But never continuous bleakness. No energy. Bloating.
Just had a heap of bloods done to check hormone levels etc. Will see what the results are and go from there.
Hi Rae
Just read this and interested to hear how you are doing. I feel exactly the same. I’m on Utrogestan tablets (continuously to try to avoid the fluctuations) but I’ve been feeling progressively worse over the last few months. So so low and terrible dark thoughts plus bloating and crazy appetite. I’ve had Mirena in the past but didn’t get on with it – terrible bloating and horrendous dishydrotic excema outbreak!
I too have started to feel awful after the coil. Tried oral and pessary – same low mood, paranoid and hair thinning, acne etc. Asking for a hysterectomy next.
I got the mirena when I turned 40. It was horrendous for 4 months but then amazing for 10 years. I’m now on HRT and suffered so badly on my 2 weeks of progesterone cycle that after 2 months it was clear that I’m very sensitive to progesterone (such LOW mood, angry at everything, and such bad thrush) Now I’ve been told to only take progesterone (vaginally) every 4 months for 12 days instead for every two weeks (in fact as I’m post menopause I should be taking it daily). Anyway I should be taking the progesterone this week but I’m terrified. I’m making all kinds of excuses (starting a new job, covid lockdown, teaching online, didn’t sleep well last night, the weathers not great today!!) but I know it will have to be taken. Wish me luck.
Loads of luck! Is there a reason why you can’t continue with the Mirena?
I am very sensitive to progesterone. I tried pills and was miserable. I recently tried the Skyla IUD and all the symptoms came back so I had to take it out. I am still feeling some of the symptoms and its 4 weeks out. I am at a loss what to do. Go off HRT or have a hysterectomy or try the progesterone again for 2 weeks every 2 or 3 months. Or try BHRT progesterone cream, but I’ve been told by a few mainstream Drs that the BHRT progesterone cream does not protect the uterine lining. BHRT Drs say the progesterone cream does protect the lining. Ugh!!! No good choices. Be miserable either off HRT or on progesterone, have a serious operation and its effects or take a chance and use BHRT progesterone cream and if I’m not sensitive to it take a chance of getting cancer.
Hi Sandi. It’s a merry-go-round, isn’t it? We just want an answer and to feel good! I’m with your mainstream guys – BHRT to me is complicating HRT to get women to pay out more. There are lifestyle ways you can look at helping menopause symptoms. Have a look at The Happy Menopause by Jackie Lynch. It’s a great book for this. Everyone is individual, but I’ve decided the way I deal with this is with anti-depressants for the progesterone downers. It’s helped me find my peace.
Im in a similar situation to you however I went to see a private HRT specialist (marion gluck clinic) I was quickly given Progesterone and told i have too much rage hormone (eostrogen) I felt great for 2 years but was also very naive – I didnt really undertand the Hormone situation and then did a little research and fund that i carried more risks etc. I went to the Gp and she put me on HRT evorel 50 and 200mg utrogestan. 12 days. since then I have been making everybodies life hell !!!!! I thought Ill stick with it maybe I just need to give it time. Im now 8 months in and have relaised that I can NOT tolerate utrogestan. I stopped taking it last month and continued with evorel 50 on its own and i felt great it was a huge relief. but I know this is not ok long term. I am confused as to why I can not tolerate body identical but i am ok with synthetic . I have another appointment in November with NHS consultant but if im honest I really want a hysterectomy ;o((
Could you advise which clinic recommended that regime please – I’m trying to find a clinic to help with progesterone intolerance
Thank you so so much for all of this. I’ve suffered all of my life with bad PMT and never realised it could be progesterone. I started menopause about 3 years ago and suddenly started feeling so different and I loved the feeling but I have vaginal atrophy and zero libido so started HRT. Wow what a mistake. The 1st one contained norethisterone, I became so snappy and really down. Swapped to a different progesterone 6 days ago, yesterday was an awful day, I kept getting surges of anxiety and didn’t want to get out of bed, headaches, bloating, sore breasts, I feel hopeless, can’t concentrate. I didn’t take it last night, I can’t bear the feelings. I want this awful cloud to go away. I’m so angry at myself. Anyway, thank you for 50sense. It’s such an amazing source of help and advice
Hi Helen. I’m so glad this has been helpful to you – but please, don’t be angry at yourself! This is our hormones talking and we are as vulnerable to them as we were when we were teenagers. I now take anti-depressants to counter-act the progesterone devil and while it was a difficult decision (we hear so much about ADs), I’m glad I did. Things seem to be a lot smoother and less stressful. But they’re not for everyone. Please go back and discuss further options with your GP. I actually have to do that tomorrow as I have the results from seeing a gynae… Not looking forward to it but better I know and can take action. Please keep in touch x
And then there are people who can’t take ADs. In my case I took Lexapro and I was sedated for 2.5months. I had apathy and parkinsonism syndrome. I have just tapered of to 0 last week. ADs are great for those it works for and terrible for some of us and having ADHD doesn’t help either.
I am now in massive mood swings and rage and I know its my PMS as I have the physical symptoms as well.
Long story short, I was put on HRT months ago as I am post menopausal at 43. I take Estrogel every night and Promentrium every 2nd night vaginally.
I am very close to just getting an operation so I never have to take progesterone – its either that or my family walk out on me as they are over my anger and rage.
Hi – great to see these issues talked about- I started to think I was sensitive to progesterone over 5 years ago when I talked to my doctor and we changed from an implant to the mirena coil. What a difference after a couple of months – the horrendously heavy periods ( and anaemia) finally stopped- as did the monthly shouting sessions. When the menopause started for me I could feel the impact of dropping estrogen and it felt like pmt all the time. I started on the estrogen patches which have worked well for until a couple of weeks ago. My mirena coil ran out and so I was brought in to get a replacement fitted…. all good so far – then a new one couldn’t be fitted because my womb appeared to have changed shape. So the gp proscribed evorel conti (lower estrogen than I had before) and the mini pill since apparently at 54 I’m still at risk of pregnancy!!!! I’ve not had a period for years but the coil does that… so now I’m on less estrogen and about 10 times more progesterone than before – admittedly mostly from the hrt patch. I feel dreadful and am going to be looking for ways to either get a coil refitted, drop the pill and or stop hrt completely.
So for others wondering- I found suggest that the mirena coil worked very well for me to give the lowest level of progesterone right where it was needed.
A recent ultrasound found my womb was ok so that’s reassuring. However I’d like to know if I’m post menopause- no family history to help me either. Has anyone been offered blood tests to check whether they are post menopause? They seem to be used in other countries and the consultant who did the ultrasound appeared surprised that I hadn’t had one.
I haven’t heard of blood tests to see if you’re post-menopausal, to be honest. The ones I’ve heard of are for when you’re under 45. But that’s no surprise as women are the last to hear about these things!!!!
I was on Evorel Conti too and I asked for anti-depressants as I was so worried about the impact of the progesterone. I couldn’t face feeling that way again. It all worked together and I felt… okay. Not great, but not wanting-to-jump-under-trains bad. I wish I could get this HRT buzz everyone talks about. But now it seems Conti isn’t right for me so it’s gel and progesterone tablets. I’m on the gel at the moment and then start the tablets in a week’s time. It’s fair to say I’m a little worried…
Thanks for dropping in and sharing Merion. The more we talk, the better it gets for everyone xxx
You can get estradiol and FSH levels tested. If you’re 12 months without a cycle and estradiol is consistently low and FSH is consistently high that would indicate menopause. I technically have menopause levels but have not gone the year with no cycle.
I also have had the best luck with using the Mirena for both birth control & PMDD management. It was life changing when I got the first one 10+ years ago!!
I still have it & am going thru peri-menopause. This article has helped more than 2 gyno doctors I’ve seen – neither could say if I should stay on the Mirena or remove it to help/adjust the natural hormone fluxes.
I’m only getting a “period” that consists of spotting and pmdd symptoms every few months but when they come, they are bad. But I embrace them as a sign that my ovaries are giving up! I’ll keep the Mirena & add oestrogen as needed until it runs out in 2 years and hope I’m in menopause by then. {Fingers crossed}
I thought I was the only person looking forward to menopause because the hormones will go away!! I’m happy to have found you!
Hi JJR! Sorry for the late reply – you disappeared into the spam folder! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m getting a coil fitted next week and was really nervous about it. You’ve given me a fresh boost and also a great way of looking at the hormones! Thank you so much xxx
I am heading to take my Mirena coil out. 3 weeks after fitting it I felt suicidal. I allowed it to settle down, but have constant headaches, constant low mood, fatigue, itchy skin. I can only manage 1 pump of Oestrogen, and I have all the feelings you mention in the right up. My falling Oestrogen is causing me to be a melting pot. I feel bloated, so ravenous I could eat a horse, then I get body dysmorphia. All the doctor wants is to put me on antideps but they give me migraines, and don’t teally make me Feel better… just lethargic. Anyway, thank you for high-lighting this. I cried when I read it as I felt seen x
I’m so sorry to read this, Natasha. It can take several months for a coil to settle down and it can make you feel worse at first. I hope you get the help you need x
So pleased to find 50sense I’ve been scrolling through the internet for days trying to find an explanation for the raging anxiety, sadness and the seemingly unsurmountable agitation. PMDD explains so much, that
No you. I’ve thought the progesterone phase of HRT was to blame but didn’t know why. I’ve read too many books which didn’t help, I’m going to speak to my gap about anti depressants. Though the next appointment isn’t for three weeks and I’ve only just started the dip. Going to work on my diet and exercise in the mean time as I know antidepressants take a little time to start working. Thank you again for raising the awareness of this debilitating condition.
I’m so glad I’ve been able to help. Check out the IAPMD website for help too. It’s so good.
I’ve now changed to oestrogen gel and utrogestone, which I’ve been told is one of the best ways to get your progesterone. I’m still on the anti-depressants, though, because I’m so scared of the progesterone! You’ve made me reassess and think about my lifestyle to help, instead. Thank you. x
Great to find this site. Thanks for all your hard work. I’ve had years of struggle to get things right, it’s so difficult. I’m post menopausal but still using Oestrogel ( 3 pumps) daily and utrogestron 1 a night. I am also on AD’s. For years I took Noriday and oestrogel, but after I changed to mirena coil I had a really bad reaction and had it removed after a week. Maybe I should have persisted. I tried to go back to the old regime but it didn’t work. Since then I’ve been chasing around trying to find answers. My main symptoms were anxiety and depression and terrible brain fog and memory.The oestrogel took care of the hot flushes and night sweats. I had to swap around with the AD,s as well which was hell.
Hi Maggie. Thank you for your kind words – I’m so glad to hear 50Sense is helping you. I know medical staff who had the same problem with mirena coils. It’s so hard when you try to find the answer and nothing seems to work. Have you found an answer now? x
I never had any premenstrual changes but when perimenopause hit I started to feel completely awful.When I eventually found someone who believed me and prescribed me HRT the month with estrogen alone was bliss but when I added utrogestan I fell into the pit of despair, then rage and had awful thoughts about the pointlessness of me and within just three days I went out of the house intending to end it.
My family told me not to take another one of the tablets and to find another solution becuase they couldn’t see me this way.
The solution for me has been a Jaydess IUS which has much less progesterone than Mirena and in the two years I’ve had it, I have maybe one premenstrual day of feeling I should throw my business in the bin and thinking I’m no good at anything then it passes with nothing worse happening, thank goodness.
I’ve never heard of a Jaydess IUS, but it sounds ideal. I’ve just started on utrogestan and the first month was great, but I’m having a wee wobble at the moment. I’ll give it another couple of months and see. Thanks for this, Rachel x
needed to read this today !!!! im in the pit.
Goodmorrning,
Peri menopause here.. just started my journey.(50)
January was my first ever month I didn’t get my menstruation.
Looking back it has been a while… I was so depressed I had to go in therapy, lost my job, got medication, lost my drive, losing my mother feelings towards my children, wanted to end my live, gained so much weight and soforth..
Here in the Netherlands if you menstruate regularly, nothing is wrong!
GPS don’t believe in hormones and when I was so scared in January, I litterly had to fight to get an appointment with a gyn.
For now I have been looking and looking for the right address about hormones.
I want a bloodtest since I am sure that I can find my way back to the fearless killer woman I once was.
I have a 16 year old daughter who finds me on the couch every day.. not at all the example I want to be.
I showed her a picture back in 2014.. she could not believe it was me and I started crying.
I told her that I wished for her to have the role model I was back then.
But if you are not in your bairing years.. not a man with sex problems, a Trans in transition you don’t exist and you are told to deal with it.
The lady who is supposed to have a menopausal clinic put me on zoely…
Although I told her birthcontrolpills were not an option for me..
I had to wait for my menstruation to kick inn.. because the lining was so thick it would be any day..she said, it took 2 more weeks and taking progesterone, which I still had laying around from 3 years ago.. I gained 5 kilo’s in 3 weeks time and am really upset and sad.. it took my a year to get rid of 7 kilo’s
They told me to accept the weight, it was part of being menopausal…
After a lot of you tube and searching I found a regiment that I think has potential.
I had to beg for estrogel and utrogestan.. which I have been on sinds 2 weeks..
I just started the progesterone portion and feel terribly bloated
Had a falling out with a potential date (not a good start) and am losing interest in live again.
The one thing I DID have the last couple of years was a sex drive.. more than ever before! Lubrication and everything… so happy!!
Now even that is lost 😩
How do I know if I have to much or to little off the estrogel.. and utrogestan.
And whatever happened with the testosterone levels..
Do I take 1 pill or 2.. do I take one pump of more.. do I take estrogel every day or cycle… there are so many different story’s and advice.
I don’t trust anybody.. HELP!
If someone knows a good doctor who does bloodwork as well please let me know…
I am so so unhappy right now.
And I am not going on AD .. that is ridiculous
My hormones should be checked ✔ than we will feel better without AD
That is a totally different story ..
Warm regards and wishing all a beter life..
L
Hi Lionne. I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. It is so tough when your doctor won’t listen. Please remember HRT takes 2-3 months to settle into your body, so the first few weeks may be difficult. Hasn’t your doctor told you how many pumps and tablets to take? Please go back and ask. Your pharmacist may also be able to advise as the doctor may have written instructions that haven’t been passed over to you. You should be taking the estrogel every day with 12 days of progesteron. Continue to take the estrogel throughout this. But most importantly, please go back to your doctor or ask to see another one.
If it helps, I have decided to take anti-depressants too as I was so scared about the effects of progesterone again. They are not cheating nor wrong, but an extra weapon in my arsenal.
Please let us know what happens
x
Hi everyone. My goodness. I can not believe how little the GP’s know about HRT or the peri menopause. I have always had the worst PMT and the last three years my cycle has changed and the PMT has got worse and anxiety has crept in, over nothing ! Just an awful feeling of impending doom. My confidence had wobbled and my body looks like it’s literally sagging before my eyes !! I’m Only 49 !!!Just at a time when really life is good. I had no idea until I got a period at 24 days that I was going to dive head first into the mine field that is HRT. My first GP threw gel and ustrogen tablets at me and the first 14 days I felt myself uncoiling ! The flushes were less the sleep was better and so soon ! Wow 🤩 then I took progesterone .. OMG four days in and I came off the lot. I felt like my body and head was filled with fog, rage, and hopelessness it was horrendous. Never again. I called the GP and a different dr suggested patches so when I asked how I come of what I’m on and start these safely she paused and suggested I read the packet !! I was horrified. I have been watching Lisa Snowden on Instagram talking weekly in her “midweek menopause madness “ sessions to a menopause Dr and each week they tackle either symptoms, or hormones, or different HRT they cover progesterone intolerance and it’s marvellous ! Highly recommend so we can go to our GP’s informed and ask for what we want !!
I have since started to put some money aside so I can see a hormone specialist a menopause Dr so we can tackle this together and I have to believe I’ll get help !! Maybe I’ll never find a balance but the Information I’ve come across suggest it may take time but eventually every woman can find the right balance of treatment if they persevere with the right help. I am so pleased this group exists – thank you so much for your sharing ! I’m interested to know how you were advised that the gel maybe okay to take on its own for 12 months ! I’m so tempted as it’s a bit of a miracle hormone although I do understand we need the progesterone too I just think I have enough of that already !!
Thanks so much
Good luck everyone – we so deserve to have our body, minds, and sex life back !
Louise x
I am nodding to so much that you say, Louise. The way progesterone makes you feel … and no-one mentions it, so you end up feeling it’s you, that you’re the one who is wrong. That’s the way I felt: that everyone else got through menopause without a problem so I was useless. I’m lobbying MPs so no woman has to pay for menopause treatment. I don’t think they’re aware at all.
I was told by a BMS doctor that you can go six months without oestrogen, but he advised three months. We need that progesterone so please don’t be tempted not to take it. (I explain more here What is HRT)
Thank you so much for your message. I’m sure many women will identify with what you say. Good luck and please keep in touch
Lizzie
xxx
Hi, I’m new on here and am desperate for help, this week I have been suicidal and nearly loosing my husband 🙁
I have been in the change for 10 years, well I haven’t had a period for 10 years.
I have never been able to take the pill because it’s make me awful emotionally.
I put some estrogiol on last in desperation, my question is: can I just use the extrogel every day and the mini pill for 12 days
Thank you so much Donna
Hi Donna. I’m so sorry to hear how you’re feeling. It’s something many of us on here know and you have my biggest, biggest hug. I’m not medically trained so I can’t advise you, I’m afraid, but as far as I’m aware, the mini-pill may not have enough progesterone for you. I have found a lot of relief with oestrogen gel and utrogestan – WITH anti-depressants to counteract the progesterone. It took me a long time to accept I needed ADs and it was talking to other menopause campaigners that helped. Please go and see your GP and explain how you feel. Ask to be referred to a menopause specialist, if there is one in your area, for further help and please keep in touch. Menopause is a short-term thing. It will pass xxx
I have POI. Yes, yes , yes to progesterone hell for years on all kinds. About to have a hysterectomy but keep ovaries at 40 so I don’t have to take progesterone anymore!
What anti depressants helped you? Did you gain weight or have sexually side effects? It just seems like life will be all around better for me without progesterone.
Uuuggghhh, I’ve been going through hell for 3.5 years, I had a rare benign tumour removed, the surgery threw my mast cells crazy, my mast cell activation or menopause symptoms (they seem the same) were awful, IBS, rashes, burning mouth, massive anxiety, flushing after eating, silent reflux. I believe I was peri for a few years before surgery, but never realised, I’ve always had irregular periods, but age 40-46 I had the most normal cycles ever, but did have a little flushing, anxiety and tinnitus (but tinnitus was from my tumour). So trying to make sense of what was going on was hard, the GPs had no idea what to do with me, getting a Mast Cell Activation Syndrome diagnoses on the NHS in the UK is near damn impossible, so I went private, that Dr, A immuniologist wrote to My GP advising her what to do. Trying to get my HRT was a horrendous experience, one said no as there was a history of clots in my family, another said I could have a combined pill when I was asking for estrogel and utrogestan, that was after a few visits and I went in in tears with my husband, I eventually found a Mast Cell aware gynacologist who wrote to my GP and gave them proper instructions about HRT, although they would not prescribe the testosterone she recommended. After 6 months I started bleeding, ultrasound scan and scrape, one side of my womb was slightly thicker, back on HRT, 12 months I started getting weepy and proper scared feeling (worse than my normal anxiety) and I started bleeding again, gynaecologist asked me to stop taking HRT while they investigated, a couple of days later my mood improved and I stopped bleeding, the ultrasound and all looked fine, but this time I had a hysteroscopy just to make sure, again all looked ok. Back in HRT, ok for first couple of weeks, but then started getting weepy, so think I might have to start cycling. The last time I was in this dark place was after having my first child (using closed drug to balance out my hormones), I had postnatal depression for 5 years. I’m changing my lifestyle, I’m eating healthier, stopped drinking 12 months ago, practicing yoga, meditation and tapping. I’ve also made an appointment with a herbalist, I’ve got so disppondent with Western medicine. I get so jealous when I think of all those women that breeze through menopause with a hot flush and a bit of insomnia for a little while.
Oh Ann. Your story has made me feel so angry – women deserve so much better than this. You’ve been through a horrendous time and I wish I could give you a huge hug. It is ridiculous that women can’t get testosterone when it has been shown to have such a proven effect.
My colleague in Pausitivity, Clare Shepherd, is a registered nutritional therapist and offers a 30-min free consultation, if you’re interested in exploring the lifestyle route further – although it sounds like you’re doing a brilliant job. Looking after yourself is the most important job we can do in menopause. If you’d like to get in touch with Clare, she’s at Your New Lifeplan.
Also, I highly recommend Jackie Lynch’s The Happy Menopause, which is like an A-Z of menopause symptoms and the lifestyle changes you can make to help them. Jackie is also a nutritionist so knows what she’s talking about. Check her out here
Huge hugs and please keep in touch x
👋 Hello, so pleased to have found this site.
For those of you in oestrogel and utrogestan, you can take the Utro vaginally. The UK is the only country to not be licensed to use it this way, but it is perfectly safe, and more effective. Taking hormones orally involves the liver which isn’t ideal.
I have discovered that I am progesterone intolerant too. I had an early, unexplained meno at age 42, which was preceded by months of extremely heavy bleeding. I was given a Mirena coil which left me feeling hideous. I had it removed and never had a bleed again.
I have tried cycling and taking utro in different doses (100mg or 200mg) for three years and now I can’t even look at the utrogestan packaging without wanting to throw up. My GP knows nothing about HRT. He had to write to a consultant gynaecologist to ask for the definition of ‘continuous HRT’. I kid you not. It took 8 weeks for a reply.
I have begged and cried for some support. At one point I was told he’d refer me to the local meno clinic. But when three months had passed with no appointments invitation in sight, I discovered that there is no memo clinic in my area and never had there been. My GP fobbed me off.
I am currently trialling 50mg of progesterone daily, from a bio-identical hormone doctor I paid an arm and a leg to see in London.
It’s my last hope. I use 2 pumps of oestrogel daily. I last used utrogestan in December and January and it resulted in me locking myself in the bedroom while I sobbed the days away. This isn’t ok. We need more understanding and no more one-size-fits all approaches to hormone dosages. Why is utrogestan only available in 100mg or 200mg tablets?
My heart goes out to all of you struggling with your hormonal imbalance, insufficient HRT preparations and ignorant and dismissive doctors. If you want to chat to others going through similar I recommend the menopausematters forum. Lots of utrogestan and prog-intolerant women there.
Menopausematters forum is great. There is so much help and advice there. I also like Mumsnet (I know…) So far, utrogestan seems to be giving me one really bad day, but it’s early days yet so I’m waiting for a few more months to see how it goes. I’ve heard of many others who have had trouble with the coil, too, so I’m hesitant to try it. If this doesn’t work, it’s cold turkey menopause… x
I loved this post. Thank you for writing it. So much of what you said I’ve experienced. If peri/menopause isn’t enough to push you over the edge then unknowledgable, fobbing off, patronising unsupportive doctors will do it for you.
Thank you for your comment, Audrey. I hope it helped you x
Hi Rachel
Thanks so much for your message. You’ve asked EXACTLY what I’ve been asking – why is utrogestan only available in 100mg or 200mg capsules and not 50mg’s???
They’re WAY too strong for me and make me feel like I’m losing my mind.
Please can I ask what brand your 50mg bio-identical progesterone is from the hormone doctor?
I’m contemplating trying 50mg progesterone vaginally for 2-weeks of the month with evorel patches, to scrape-by with the bare minimum progesterone, but I know I’ll have to be very specific with my GP.
Many thanks in advance
Hi Nicola, sorry to be so late to the table! I see a private hormone doctor called Wendy Denning in London. She prescribed me the dose. X
I am almost 52. Started HRT 2 years ago. Estradot patch (other patches seem to disperse too fast for me). I’m in the US so I get the patches “offshore”. With the shortage recently went to an online doctor.. two actually. The first put me on bi-est compounded cream and a vaginal progesterone cream. The cream is fantastic in terms of symptoms but illicits immediate bleeding. As soon as you use the progesterone cream.. nightmare. Mood, depression, harmful thoughts, unmotivated, brutal migraines and dizzy spells, massive weight gain. So then I see another doctor who puts me on oral and norethindrone pill (low dose birth control progestin). No…all the symptoms come back. I used a progesterone oil for a while which is GREAT for the bleeding and it has less of the side effects but still there BUT.. no uterine protection.
I never really had PMS issues per se? Maybe a day or two before. I had IBS D very very badly around my period which may have been my manifestation but I more likely suspect that I have never had high levels of EITHER hormone and all this addition is likely way way way over my “natural” state. I did use estrogen unopposed for a wihle and cycled totally normally like I did pre-perimenopause. Was about 10 months of near normal. Now that’s not possible but the progesterone issue is just brutal. I had NO idea about the body aches/muscle pain issue. That’s a massive complaint I have (I spent $400 a month at least on bodywork to keep me mobile at all). I would probably not do a coil. I had an IUD in my early 20’s which scarred my uterus and led to the extreme premature birth of my teen. I would definitely be nervous to go that route again (and thus far, my experiments with vaginal progesterone at least has shown that the effects for me are still totally systemic.. using in the vagina doesn’t mitigate the side effects at all).
I sometimes pray there’s a uterine issue so they’ll HAVE to remove it. Then I could just do just the estradiol and be able to live like a normal person.
I am thrilled to find this blog and another one (no offense) just yesterday. I am in the US as I said and both of you bloggers I found discussing this are in the UK.. I’ve NEVERRRRRRR seen this discussed in the US.. ever. I’m pretty sure if I told a doctor they’d look at me like I had 12 heads and tell me I needed depression meds (last in person doc I saw said that if what he prescribed, medroxyprogesterone and a strong patch didn’t work it wasn’t menopause it was depression and I needed to see a shrink.. sigh). Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s sooo validating!
Another blog? Shame on you, Dawn 🙂 It sounds like you’ve been through the wars, though. I am on a new HRT – gel and utrogestan – and so far have one bad day a month, which is great compared to previously but it’s still a horrendous day when I feel the world is ending. Many women have told me they’ve gone the lifestyle route because the progesterone was so bad – and that includes a few menopause specialists, too. I think there comes a point where you have to decide if the HRT benefits are worth it or not… I’m getting close to that point myself.
Thank you for stopping by and I’m so glad I’ve been able to help you x
Hello,
Just happen to stumble across your page. I normally don’t comment but I wanted to just let you know about my experience with the kyleena (a low-progesterone iud, similar to the Mirena coil.
I had gotten the Kyleena as a form of birth control and was told it was localized and was the lowest hormonal option out there. I was super excited and the initial process went great. About two-three months after, I got very depressed. It felt like this giant cloud over me that I couldn’t escape. I’d suffered with anxiety and depression my entire life, but this was another story. I googled the kyleena and found stories just like mine- and new evidence on why iuds/coils need to be tested more, as they don’t appear to be acting just localized. I ended up getting the kyleena removed, though all my doctors told me it couldn’t be the cause. I can’t lie, I also took other measures to calm down my life, but I felt visibly better after the removal. My partner, who was supportive albeit not very knowledgeable, would comment on the difference my mood had.
As a result, I know recognize that I am sensitive the progesterone and no longer feel crazy when I tell people that the week before my cycle, I truly do not feel like myself.
I just wanted to share my story to highlight that iuds/coils don’t always act localized. Obviously discuss with your own doctor and see what works for you (many people find the Kyleena fantastic). For me, I needed to see posts like this, and articles like yours, to realize I’m not crazy, there is a reason for this and just because it’s under-researched does not make our experiences invalid- it means we need more research and more compassion.
Thanks for hearing me out!
Sam
This is great advice, Sam. Thank you so much. Several women have said they can’t cope with the progesterone in coils, neither. If this HRT doesn’t work, then I’m not going down that route. I’d rather take anti-depressants to help with my menopause moods than risk feeling as if I wanted to jump under a train again. I hope you’re getting some good help xxx
I have been suffering with lots of the symptoms of Progesterone sensitivity and had no idea that this was even a thing, I thought I was just depressed. I’ve been using gel and utro for a while now, going to try using the utro vaginally to see if it helps. Thank you for such an informative blog, hope you manage to get yourself sorted on a regime that works for you.
I’m so glad it was of help. You’ve brightened a bad day for me at the end of my own progesterone cycle. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment x
This blog is so validating for me. I live in the U.S. and have been going through the same things everyone here is describing and to know I am not so alone. I haven’t been able to work since November when I started feeling really bad and have just been spending and spending in a desperate attempt to find something that works.
I am wondering if you think that the bad reactions can be due to more of a timing issue. I have read a lot suggesting that PMDD is more of an intolerance to fluctuations in hormones than the actual hormones themselves. This is why SSRIs help. They help our brains manage the fluctuations better somehow. This makes me think that patches might be better because there would be a more gradual dispersal of the hormones? I wish there was a bioidentical Progesterone patch or vaginal ring. I went off ADs at the beginning of last year and in April my expensive holistic doctor started me on 50 mg micronized Progesterone when I had some sleep issues. She didn’t test my levels or give me Estrogen at the time, though, and I think she was mistaken there and set me down a bad path.
The progesterone helped with sleep some at first but made me moodier. It seemed cycling it was worse so I tried continual and that may have been a bit better. Then, in October, I started feeling terrible with terrible anxiety and insomnia. My doctor had me increase and try 100 mg Prometrium (that’s like Utrogestan in the U.S., but I’m not sure it’s as good). I felt even worse. She added one click of a compounded estradiol gel, it’s only .125 mg per click. My psychiatrist suggested trying a treatment called TMS and that was horrible too. I won’t ever know if it was the hormones or the TMS but the next few months were awful.
I stopped the progesterone in December but stayed on the Estrogen. Acupuncture and the herbs she suggested seemed to help. I felt a little better and continued getting periods for several months. I tested my hormone levels and they were fairly balanced but cortisol was very high from morning to evening. I started trying to find another doctor. One doctor sounded promising and then $600 later dumped me because I think she was too busy and overwhelmed and I think my situation was too complicated for her and she didn’t know hormones well enough to figure it out without spending time doing research. My OB/GYN wanted me to do a patch and the Mirena coil and I feel the same way about that as most of you here. Once it’s in, if I need it out ASAP, I don’t want to be stuck waiting three weeks to get it out. I’ve read too many horror stories.
After my cycle stopped for two months I decided I would try taking some progesterone again. I took a 50mg capsule for two days, and yep, felt worse. I tried doing some progesterone cream in a tiny amount and that felt no better but I stayed on for 9 days and got a period. Even after my period starts now I feel bad. It used to be that I’d have poor sleep and anxiety before my period and then feel better a few days in. But now it just turns into a weird feeling of dizziness, depression, and yuckiness.
I just paid $375 to meet with a naturopath who specializes in BHRT to get a super low-dose prescription for a 10 mg progesterone suppository which I am splitting in half to start. I started it two days ago and haven’t felt too good but I am thinking I might actually need a higher dose. Today I felt good on it for about 6 hours and then it seemed like it was wearing off or something and I started feeling more anxiety and depression. I don’t want to be administering it 4 times a day so hopefully I will up the dose over time and be ok and have it last longer. They were expensive, though, $65 for 14 suppositories. I’m spending my future to get relief in the present
I was really hoping to not go back on an SSRI but I don’t know if I will make it through another winter with my sanity intact, not that it really is now. I’m giving it a few more weeks/months and will probably start on a super low does liquid Prozac. Some of us just need that, I guess. I was on Prozac and Wellbutrin for over 13 years and gained 60 lbs. in that time. I think my perimenopause was starting even back then and wonder if HRT could have prevented years of being on unnecessary meds. I think they helped mask a lot of the symptoms of perimenopause so I didn’t even know where I was in it. I kind of knew because I had more irregular cycles and some mild night sweats and hot flashes, but didn’t think much of it. Since November I’ve lost half of my weight gain. It may have been due to anxiety and depression but I think the ADs cause my metabolism or eating to go off track somehow as well. Also, I don’t like being on ADs because they are so hard to stop for me. It takes me months. I had to take brand name Wellbutrin to counter the side effects of the Prozac and that was quite costly.
Well, thanks for reading my long-winded story here. I hope it helps someone else feel not so alone in their struggle and that we can get through this together.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s amazing seeing all the figures for how much you’ve spent. We shouldn’t be having to pay so much – especially when the treatments often don’t work. I do hope you find some relief and again, thank you for sharing x
I just wanted to give a quick update.
I am doing a lot better now. It was suggested to me that many women don’t tolerate Progesterone well for several reasons, two of them being:
1. If their Estradiol levels are too low.
2. Taken orally.
I have increased how much Estradiol I am taking and although my blood serum levels are still not very high, I feel much better overall.
I am using Progesterone vaginally in a cream, but also the capsules can be used that way.
It is still a work in progress. I don’t love the cream and am using oral Estradiol because the patches gave me a rash. But I feel like myself again and much more functional than before.
“But I feel like myself again and much more functional than before.” – I love love love that!
Has anyone here tried the Utrogestan vaginally ? I notice a few had mentioned trying. Like many of you I absolutely dread the progesterone part of the hrt cycle, largely due to the total lack of energy (I’m lethargic at the best of times but now so much that I slur like a drunk) and general low feeling. It renders me incapable – starting to feel unemployable..
Therefore I’m curious whether the more targeted approach reduces symptoms. I considered the coil but it couldn’t be fitted (uterus prob) and anyway I don’t like the thought of being stuck with it if it doesn’t suit me.
Thank you for raising this- I’m relieved to have found this forum!
Glad it helps in some way, Sarah. I’m still trying to get some answers on utrogestan being taken vaginally myself. If I find out, I’ll let you know x
My doctor told me that prometrium onserted twice weekly with patch change is all that is needed when using vaginally
Thanks that’s interesting – I wonder what doseage and wonder how much the side effects might be reduced. I have utrogestan- might just have a go as I think they’re suitable for use that way, albeit unlicensed.
I’ll keep you posted !
Sue – I’ve been searching for this type of feedback. Thank you! Did it seem to help?
I used utrogestan vaginally for ages. It is better for the liver taken this way, and more gets to where it is needed (uterus). It’s not licensed to be used vaginally in the UK but is in every European country. My hormone specialist told me to use it vaginally as orally it made me feel extremely nauseous. I now use bio identical progesterone in capsules, vaginally.
So pleased to have found this- so much talk at the moment about HRt which is great , but nowhere is there much going into the side effects/potential stumbling blocks.
Been on hrt for 2 yrs, started with the patches (always dreaded progesterone weeks)and now I am trying estrogel and 100mg utrogestan daily route- 3 weeks in and I’m ready to abandon it due largely to the overwhelming fatigue. I’m not a lively person at the best of times and this is like the final nail in my coffin. Zero energy and feeling addled – at a time when i need to bust my a*** to work hard and retain my job I’m feeling unemployable. A few people here have mentioned trying utrogestan vaginally – can anyone report back on whether this helped alleviate some side effects eg tiredness? Sounds plausible as I understand the tiredness is due to a byproduct of the progresterone when it’s processed in the liver. ….might be wrong.
It’s so extreme- and I can’t have a coil thus starting to feel like hrt might not be an option after all….
Thanks for any feedback!
Progesterone being processed by the liver is one of the reasons women like us struggle to take utrogestan. I’m struggling to get a GP who can discuss vaginal utrogestan – even getting utrogestan was difficult enough. If I find an answer, I’ll let you know x
Hi, this blog is so interesting, thank you. I’ve always felt a hostage of hormones. Have had low mood, anxiety on and off since puberty. But no problems with fertility, have 3 kids and no pregnancy problems. Symptoms became v bad a few years ago during peri menopause, aged around 45. I felt like I was drowning was irrational and anxious had suicidal thoughts and brain fog and almost ended up divorced. I now think this was pmdd. I knew I had to stop the monthly rollercoaster, went on a progesterone pill which was ok, then was switched to Zoley which is a more oestrogen based one I think. After a month one night I started to feel numbness and tingling which progressed next day all down one side of my head & body. Ended up in A&E but symptoms subsided they were happy I wasn’t having a stroke. I was referred to a neurologist and had a brain scan, all normal. So tried oral hrt, femostan but within a few days the numbness returned. Was then put on anti-d, venlafaxine which has been great for mood. Have also been taking vagifem. After a year without any periods I recently wanted to again try hrt for overall health benefits, brain fog and for libido which fell to zero. Went to a menopause specialist who said problem was likely with oral hormones and prescribed oestogel and utestrogen tablets. After one day I began to get the tingling /numbness again and had to stop. Second specialist says I can’t risk taking oestrogen again and we’re looking at maybe starting testosterone. They say I am hyper sensitive to hormone fluctuations and worried reactions could trigger clot or stroke. Other than hormonal problems I am v fit & healthy with no lifestyle issues. Would greatly appreciate any insight, at 49 the rest of my life without some hormones seems v difficult
Hi Afazza
I’ve tried so many ways with the Utrogestan and am now taking 200mg vaginally for 14 days. I hate to say but I still feel utterly dreadful. The first morning after taking it the night before and I literally cannot function. I have a really physical job and am self employed so I cant even call in sick which is all I want to do for the 14 days that I take it. As soon as I have the break I feel a lot more like my old self. Im at my wits end and just don’t know what to do anymore. I know that HRT protects us form so many things but im now convinced I was better on the anti depressants as I was a lot less anxious, angry and argumentative. I had no libido but I haven’t had one for years anyway. Just so sick of it all. x
Hi Debs. I take anti-depressants with the utrogestan. It’s not ideal, but it seems to work for me. The meno specialist wants to try a coil, but I’m wary after all the bad press at the moment. Hope you get some relief soon xxx
Can you tell what antidepressant work for you. The HRT is not good for me
I’m taking sertraline, but talk to your GP about your HRT options too. x
Hi Debs, I dont know how accurate this is but I think people half the dose when taking vaginally?
I can totally relate. I’m having issues even with vaginal utrogestan. I’m fed up and don’t know what to do.
Hi, I am on oestrogel daily and utrogestan vaginally for days 15-26. My first month the utrogestan made me slee better but my moods became extremely rages and snappy. No crying though just aggressive feelings and very impatient. The oestrogel makes me feel calmer and like a normal person must feel.
My second month on utrogestan and I became paranoid again, moody, and now I am having terrible insomnia and can feel anxiety pent up jittery in the middle of my sleep which wakes me up. I’ve always been progesterone intolerant, I have Pmdd and pcos and I am so fed up. Vaginally hasn’t stopped the symptoms for me so I am wanting to get off HRT all together.
Just to add. My gp has given me the wrong utrogestan I think? I’m in 200mg ones which I am sure are for ivf but can be taken this way. I’m thinking of asking for the 100mg ones and taking them vaginally instead. Maybe I’m just getting far too much.
Hi Lauren. He has given you the right dosage for days 15-26 usage, but it may still be that it’s too strong. Go back and have a word x
So glad to find you. I’ve been on HRT now since November last year. It has taken me a while to stabilise and I’m still struggling with swings in my mood. I take 75mg Evorel patches with 2x 100mg of Utrogestan for 10 days and I’ve added 0.5ml of Androfeme. I’ve always known I was sensitive to fluctuations in hormones and suffered dreadful PMT but didn’t know about PMDD until my niece was diagnosed and my sister pointed out that she thinks I have it too. It all adds up. Even with the HRT and paying for a private consultant with PMDD specialism, I’m not there yet. It would seem that because I am still producing natural hormones, my HRT can sometimes be too high, when my body produces a good level of hormones and sometimes just right.
I have personally found that my mood swings now are more prevalent after my bleed, and I’m unsure why. I also don’t know whether I’m sensitive to progesterone or just damned sensitive to all fluctuations, although I had a particularly bad day the day after I stopped my utrogestan. I may try it vaginally, which my consultant said is fine, but only 1 tablet not 2, which will make them last longer anyway lol… and see if that helps. I get really good days and I would just love more of that, in particular more predictable moods.
Hi Abigail! I find my moods were worse after the bleed, but they seem to be settling down now with oestrogen gel and utrogestan. Can I ask if your consultant said it’s okay to use 1 tablet? You have to make sure you get the right amount of progesterone x
Since reading some recent responses I have been trying 100mg vaginally at night. I read some work published in Australia which said 100 mg 3x a week would be enough. Similar to what Sue mentioned. So far I’m 3 weeks in and the side effects are far less, much more manageable , feel the positive effect of estrogen and little of the negative mood/mind effects I had before from utrogestan. I do feel a little tired the next day but nothing like before and I’ve had a couple of light bleeds which I put down to changing the regime. I’ve also gone down from 3 to 2 pumps of estrogel.
Anyway I’ll continue with this for a little while longer and will pay for a scan to see if the progesterone is doing what it’s meant to in a few months time as it’s so low a dose. My gp is supportive albeit reminds me this is way is off license.
I’m just enjoying a consistent mood for the first time in a long while and having a bit of energy left to drag myself to the gym ….perhaps it’s the calm before the storm, we shall see.
I’ll keep you all posted on progress in case anyone finds my experience helpful! Xx
Oh Sarah, I’m so happy that you have found a method that’s working for you. That’s wonderful to know and thank you for sharing your story to give others hope xxx
I am 48 and peri (still having periods). My doc prescribed oestrogel and Utrogestan 100 but told me to take 1 tablet of Utrogestan for first 25 days then 3 day break then start again. I now think this is wrong and I should have been told to do the 12 days on 2 tablets. The thing I am struggling with is stomach pains, bloating and some constipation which I think is linked to the Utrogestan – it has been going on a couple of weeks and I am about 4 weeks in to taking hrt so I know it’s early days. I will phone the GP and ask what to do but I am pretty sure I already know more than them from some things said.
Hi Jo. Quite a few women take Utrogestan for 25 days – there’s less withdrawal bleeding this way. It can cause constipation, too, so concentrate on upping your fluid intake and fibre, if you’re not already. Bascially, the Utrogestan slows down your digestion so all that matter sits in your colon longer getting harder and dryer. But like any HRT, if you’re not getting along with it, talk to your GP. x
OMG. I turned 50 in December and April of this year marked a year without a period. My irritability and sensitivity had gotten to the point I didn’t want to go out. It was the memory loss that finally prompted me to try HRT. I was given a .375 estradiol patch to start, which made me sick. After Dr. told me to cut it in half, I experienced the most amazing change in my mood that i have ever had. No anti depressant or other pill had ever given me back my life like that estrogen. But a month later, I had to start the progesterone. I was prescribed 100mg of prometrium capsule. Within a week I had spiraled into the worst depression and anxiety I’d felt in decades. I had to stop taking everything. It took a month to start feeling better. But then the hot flashes started and they were worse than I’d ever expected. Long story short, I ended up back on the estradiol. And a few days ago I started a much lower dose of progesterone (25 mg.) I’m now 3 days in and I am already having bad anxiety and depression. I just want to eat and stay home. I don’t know what to do short of getting a hysterectomy.
Hi Silly Rabbit. There are alternatives for hot flushes, if that was the main symptom bothering you. Anti-depressants get frowned upon, but they can help and I know women who turned to them when they had trouble with progesterone. It may just be your body adjusting, but please don’t keep feeling this way. Go back to your GP and ask for a follow-up with a meno specialist x
Hi, I went through so many of these seriously depressive moods, anxiety, feelings of not wanting to live, crying, not getting out of bed, not being able to face people especially as a healthcare worker who was supposed to help others, that i left my job. My Gp trialled me on some antidepressants and valdoxen for me seemed to help (along with mind therapies) a bit to stabilise mood swings, but as im 55, we discussed HRT as i still didnt feel energised, so i started on Femostron cyclic. I hadn’t had a period for 9 mths. The first part estrogen seemed to lift my mood, I was really relieved, and hopeful and then I seemed to be sleeping better too, first time in months. I was thinking the bouts of depression id been getting every 4 mths may have been hormonal fluctuations. But after being on Femostron for few months, come the bleed at end of cycle, i agree with all of you, nasty moody, depressive me was lurking. I also started having itchy hive reactions that seemed to worsen around period time, and despite now needing antihistamines, the hive reactions started happening daily. After 6 mths , i discussed with my gp i want to try different mode. He prescribed patches, but im still paranoid im going to have same issues. I haven’t been on any HRT for only 5 days to see if i have hives, but i am so depressed, anxious, and not sleeping again. I didnt know progesterone could be so problematic.
Thank you for all of you for sharing your experience. I feel very tired from trying to finding suitable solution. I had early menopause started age 37. ( I am now 43 ) I had 1 yo and 2 yo children that time. I didnt do much about it first few years. There was no time for myself but I needed to do something. Eventually I started Femeston first few months was ok, hot flashes went away quickly but when I was having progesterone darkness was starting. Went to meno specialist, started estrogel and Utrogestan it was ok mainly only estrogel time. I needed to stop taking progesterone at 6-7 days couple of months as the dark thoughts was quite scary and obviously related to progesterone. Stopped estrogel and progesterone all together for a year. Felt amazing first few months. Than gradually discomfort started from menopause. Plus doctors recommend HRT for bones and heart health specially on early menopause. I need to use at least until 50. I started gel and Utro again, this time 1 dose but everyday progesterone with gel. Even though felt terribly down I hold myself to wait if it is going to settle. Meanwhile my daughter 8 yo developed breast buds. I suspect it was gel, because after applying I was going to bed tgan she was cuddling me and sleeping. I stop using night time and only applied when she is at the school. After 6 weeks breast buds disappeared. I went to endocrinologist we decided too risky to apply gel while I have 2 young kids around me. She put me on Tibolone. I was hoping i will feel good again as all the reviews was positive. I am having extremely dark thoughts with it. Feel hopeless, helpless and dont know what to do. I thought last few days if I die all will finish That scared me and I know it is not me and progesterone or imbalance all the hormones. I wrote email to doctor to change Hrt or completely stop. Thank you for listening
Oh, I want to give you a big hug. I hope the tibolone works. Please keep in touch x
Hi all, just want to let you know my experience. I’m in Ireland and Utogesteron is licensed to be taken vaginally. I take it that way now – I am on my 4th HRT regime and I still cannot manage the progesterone sensitivity.
I had to have the Mirena removed 8 years ago after 2 months because I became suicidal- my psychiatrist at the time (for PND) said “oh, I’ve only ever had this in 2% of patients’🙄
I went to a locum GP last week, as my menopause specialist GP is on holiday. In passing, this GP mentioned a hysterectomy as a solution.
I never even knew this was a possibility until I went home and researched it.
I went back to her yesterday to say I wanted a referral for one, as I cannot remain on progesterone. She made the appointment, but told me I would be better off using antidepressants to cope with the progesterone sensitivity. I said, no, I am on HRT to avoid going on antidepressants so there is no way I am going on both.
I do not know if I will get a hysterectomy for this – but surely it is as deserving a reason as very heavy bleeding? I am now worried about meeting the gynaecologist in case she tells me to get over it.
Hi Margaret. It’s a big operation so I can see why your GP is hesitant. I’m on anti-depressants to help with the progesterone sensitivity, which I asked for. I still get bad days, but they’re not as bad so I’m okay with that. Good luck and keep in touch s
Hello! This article has just made me punch the air. I had actually just googled ‘can my own progesterone make me ill’ and this page came up. I’ve been on estrogel and progesterone and also testosterone (I had to insist on this), I was so so ill even inserting the progesterone vaginally – my body did not like it. The fix was to go onto a pill. But guess what..I still got ill with terrible mood swings and anxiety. I did a little experiment on myself and I’m sure the HRT professionals might be horrified by it. For around 3 weeks I took only 2 pumps of estrogel gel everyday and my testosterone every other day. I felt amazing, no anxieties, my skin glowed and my hair and nails became stronger. I’ve been deliberating whether to return to this format, mostly because of this ‘possible cancer’ from not taking progesterone. Your article says I can go at least 12wks on gel alone without progesterone, my question is what do I do at the end of the 12 wks? Go cold turkey for a couple of weeks then start afresh for another turn of 12wks?
Hi Helen. At the end of 12 weeks, you’ll have to take progesterone as your womb needs that protection. Have a chat with your GP about this or ask for a referral to the menopause specialist as HRT is a fine balance and they will be able to help. x
Hello all, and Helen in particular, Ok I have read through all of these testimonials about this horrible rollercoaster of HRT and progesterone intolerance, I am in the same boat. I will say this THERE HAS GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY! I am 52, very healthy, active etc.. had all of the same symptoms throughout my life, PMS, horrible cramping and a deep despair/depression for 2 days about 10 days before I bled each month … so hormonal depression. That only took me 35 years to figure out. I wasn’t Bipolar, I wasn’t even depressed, I was having drastic hormonal depression. I also went down the route of taking antidepressants, which I felt like a zombie on. I was in your exact spot about a year ago. It took years, and loads of out of pocket money for bloodwork and after getting really frustrated with my western doctors I found the right Naturopaths to dial in my symptoms and the right dosage and type of estrogen (tried cream, pills and now an estrodial patch 2x week.) But I too simply cannot tolerate ANY form of progesterone. I have tried them all, except the IUD which my Gyno is really pushing. Long story short. I finally felt healthy in my brain and body on my estrodial patches, balanced and myself so I stopped taking any progesterone, I was supposed to be doing the capsules vaginally, I had to stop, I was going into a deep dark hole. I lied to my whole team of doctors because I couldn’t handle them not really believing how bad the P made me feel, hopeless, suicidal etc… so my periods were getting fewer and far between which was awesome. I had about 10 months of feeling great. No hot flashes, no mood swings. A little bit heavier than I want to be and my breasts are larger than before but manageable. Then I started bleeding… buckets of blood!!! 47 days straight, soaking through any and all forms of pad, cup or tampons. Turns out I had thickened my uterine lining of course, being on unopposed estrogen. I KNOW, I did it to myself. Now I am dealing with emergency ultrasounds, biopsies and talks of ablations. I hate to tell you this, but I imagine that if you continue using only estrogen that will happen to you also.
So what are we supposed to do? This is crazy that there isn’t better research or answers for literally Billions of women worldwide.
I am in the same boat of wondering if I should get a hysterectomy and be done it all of this BS. but I also work with women who have all sorts of problems, painful sex etc from the surgery. I
feel lost and super unsure of what to do next. My latest ultrasound came back clear and my bleeding finally stopped. I am really wanting to get back on my Estrodial patches but know I can’t until the progesterone side is covered without creating the same issue. I am reading that a ton of women stop HRT all together because of this but really? I mean I can either risk getting cancer and be happy on Estradial alone, or be suicidally depressed and protect my uterus or do nothing and live at half speed and unhappiness forever? ugggggg help!
Hi – if I use only Estrogel for 12 weeks, what do I do next? Do I just wait 2/3 weeks then start afresh again for another cycle of 12 weeks?
Hi Helen. Unless you’ve had a hysterectomy, you have to take progesterone otherwise you lose the protection for your womb. Have a chat with your GP and explain how the progesterone element makes you feel and ask to see a menopause specialist. Please don’t just take estrogel by itself long-term without the progesterone. x
Thank goodness I found this thread. It’s so helpful and comforting to read all of this, but I am not taking pleasure from everyone’s experiences! What a hellish time we have all had. I thought it was just me – somehow failing at HRT. Reading all this I know I am not alone and that there may be solutions. I have tried oestrogen patch plus utrogestan twice now. The first time the side effects took a few weeks to kick in but I stopped all treatment abruptly when I began to feel suicidal, removed from my head and body, I thought I was a danger to myself and others. I left it about a year and things settled down but gradually the insomnia, flushes, brainfog etc came back so I restarted this time with the Utro taken vaginally. Within 24 hours I was screaming, hitting, crying, suicidal once again. I stopped all treatment after 2 days. I feel lost, alone, failed, and not like the person I know I am at all. My doctor is of little use but I have requested a referral. I have taken SSRIs in the past and am reluctant to go down that route again as coming off was bumpy. I had been considering coil but if this is a genuine intolerance or sensitivity I really don’t want it. Who knew this was going to be so hard? At least we’re not alone, that is the only comfort I have right now.
Stronger together, Gail!
Since a few years, I have big daytime sleepiness in the Afternoon. I was taking POP (Cerazette). Could it be related to the pill?
Since 8 weeks I take Zoely for perimenopause symptoms and contraception. During the placebo pills I don’t have this horrible sleepiness of the afternoon. Could it be progestins sensitivity??
I’m struggling with this since si long…. I’m not able to work in the afternoon because of that…
Valérie
Hi Valérie. Track your sleepiness on a calendar and have a chat to your GP. Also, do you take the pills at night? x
Hi
So glad that I stumbled across this site… I have been suffering from peri-menopause symptoms gradually since the age of 46/47 – low mood, anxiousness, anger, slight brain fog… I have regular periods every 28 days or so. I have been a bit on the fence re HRT (as my mum died of Breast Cancer 32 years ago) and like most people was worried that putting extra hormones in my body was not a great idea!!! So put up with worsening symptoms… After all the brilliant exposure that HRT has being getting recently in the Media I realise that I have been very misguided… So put up with the symptoms. I turned 50 in June and boom my hormones seem to have gone into overdrive, sleeplessness, anxiety, hopelessness, tiredness, no motivation, low self esteem and don’t know if this has now toppled into depression? I finally made an appointment at my Drs at the beginning of September armed with my symptoms because thought they would want to put me on antidpressants.. The Dr was good and prescribed me Utrogestan and Estrogel. However, I have seen no change in my symptoms and have had new ones , living on my nerves/suicidal thoughts, (never ever in my life felt that bad before) I am on Utrogestan 100mg 1 – 25 days (taken at night), (upto 4 pumps Estrogel) done 2 months worth now, but I have done lots of reading and it says this continuous use for Utrogestan should be post menopause, which I am most definitely am not!!! I wonder if I would be better taking the cyclical routine and see if that alleviates any symptoms – especially as this is my first time of taking HRT… I’ve got a Drs appt on Friday to discuss but wonder if I could be sensitive to the progesterone? I know from talking with friends that it can take a while to find the right balance.. Any thoughts would be extremely welcome 🙂 it’s so horrible to think we have to suffer like this when we should be in the prime of our lives!!!!!!
Hi Melissa. Your friends are right, it can take a long while to find the right balance. And if you’re peri-menopausal, you shouldn’t be taking utrogestan every day. That’s for post-menopausal women so they don’t have a bleed. Well done on your GP for giving you such good HRT to begin with, but definitely discuss how you are feeling tomorrow. They may want to change the regime you’re on. Let me know how you get on, please. xxx
I am going to save this article. I’m 46. In March, my new GP changed my birth control to progesterone only. That started a journey that I’m still on and BETTER END SOON! I want to go back on the combination pill ASAP. I’ve been out of work since March. Because of severe depression, anxiety and weight gain. I’ve been working with my psychiatrist, therapist and GP. It literally took me until a couple of months ago to figure out that this is PMDD coming back after 8 or 9 years of being calm. Because I was on the combination pill continuously until March. This whole time I thought I was going through a huge Depressive episode. It’s PMDD. Again. I have an appointment Friday with a different GP in the same office. I refuse to see the other one. She had assured me that Progesterone only would be fine for PMDD. I’m thinking about stopping it altogether tonight. So, my blood pressure had been high off and on and that was why the change of pills. My blood pressure is the same. So put me on BP meds and put me back on the combination pill. Whatever. But I CANNOT do this again next month. I’m literally just getting over the hell right now. I have Major Depression. I have all my life. PMDD is worse. It is every symptom of depression times 100. Even suicidal thoughts. Lots of them. I’m scared that if they don’t do something this Friday or soon after, I literally won’t make it through another PMDD episode. And when it starts about 10 days before, that doesn’t give me much time. I’m so glad I stumbled on this article tonight. Taking it with me to the doctor. Please pray they do something right for me. I can’t do it again.
Praying for you, Erin, but please don’t stop overnight. You need to wean yourself off hormones gradually or you will suffer a huge drop that can really send you into a very dark place. Please let me know how you get on tomorrow x
I’ve found a solution to my progesterone intolerance:
I’m on 100mg Estradot patches (estradiol), 200 mg vaginal Utrogestan (micronised progesterone) and Testim gel (testosterone).
Adding MAGNESIUM GLYCINATE and VITAMIN B6 to the mix changed everything for me. It got rid of the dark mood, extreme lethargy, water retention and binging which incapacitated me for around ten days every month. It takes a couple of cycles for it to work. Stick with it. I hope it works for you too! I know how tough this it.
I currently take the Utrogestan vaginally for the first seven days of the month, which gives me a 3-4 day bleed on day 10/11 of the month, but the NHS Menopause Specialist wants me to up it to ten days for better endometrial protection. I’m going to give it a go now that I’m not being driven to the depths of despair on a monthly basis.
Magnesium & B6 Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3208934/
Other treatments for PMS/PMDD/Progesterone Intolerance:
https://www.larabriden.com/the-end-of-pms-vitamin-b6-and-other-serious-cures/
That’s really interesting. Off to research!
So pleased to have found this site! Just wondering if you’re still on the gel & capsule? I tried this & felt so weird – stopped for a while & now trying patches -great to start with but feeling awful again! It’s such a minefield 🤦♀️ I also follow dr Louise Newson, Liz Earle & Diane Danzebrink on Instagram
Glad to have you here! I’m now on gel and the coil and apart from a few bad days, it seems to be working okay. Fingers crossed it continues.
UPDATE: Replying to my own post… It’s been a few months and I’m happy to say the progesterone intolerance is no longer an issue. With the help of the MAGNESIUM GLYCINATE and B6 I’ve been able to up the Utrogestan to 14 days a month! This is a miracle. No depression, bloating, lethargy etc.
NB) I did start taking testosterone gel at roughly the same time as the magnesium glycinate and B6 and I sometimes wonder whether that is also helping.
I’ve also been taking the Utrogestan rectally instead of vaginally, because it was irritating my bladder. Works very well. Much more comfortable. I will need to clear this with the specialist next month though.
What a relief to read all your experiences. I’m 49 and looking back I have been experiencing peri menopausal symptoms on and off for the last 10 years. The worst symptom for me has been the depression and anxiety. I was put on anti depressants a few years ago which has taken the edge off but I would still experience a low mood and the anxiety, brain fog and forgetfulness for weeks at a time and then it would lift. This isn’t ideal as I’m a Sister in Intensive Care and need to be able to concentrate and support the team at work. I went to my GP back in October to ask to go on HRT. I was put on the Oestrogel, Utrogestan tablets 100mg which I take from day 1-25 in addition to desogestrel 75mcgs. The first month was ok, but the second month I was waking up shaking, full of anxiety with a low mood. During the course of the day I would feel like a Zombie just going through the motions. I’ve also been sleeping a lot which has worried my children, not wanting to go to my usual gym classes, not wanting to do anything really. I spoke with my GP before Christmas and she said to continue the regime as it can take 3 months to settle. This I have done. Christmas was a nightmare. I worked, sweating constantly in the red zone thanks to the lovely PPE we have to wear and my bloody hormones. I was anxious but got through. From talking to friends who had similar problems with Progesterone and from my research I believe I have a Progesterone intolerance which has worsened my symptoms. I have woken up today and decided to stop the Progesterone. I have a GP appointment Tuesday (well phone call anyway) and I’m going to ask for coil to provide local Progesterone as this is debilitating and enough is enough.
I had no idea hormones could be so powerful and overwhelming. I thought I might get a-bit hot and moody going through the change but nothing prepared me for this. Well I have a plan, let’s hope the GP agrees and I can get back to being me. Good luck all you lovely ladies going through similar horrendous experiences and I hope you find a treatment plan that works for you.
Gosh I am sat here crying because you have described exactly how I feel. Knowing that there is a reasons for all these symptoms gives me hope. I get that low, with bad suicidal thoughts, but then my mood can improve and life goes on. And then the next month repeat. I need to break this cycle. I need help. Right now I’d happily have a hysterectomy if this would help. This article has given me hope and I cannot thank you enough x
Thank you for this! I have been on the FemSeven patches but felt it was not giving me enough – so changed last week to Oestrogel and Utrogestan tablets… OMG the last couple of days I have felt like I was losing it – emotions all over the place, anger, overwhelm, anxiety, panic; it;s been hideous 🙁
I didn’t know there was such a thing as progesterone intolerance but this explains the terrible mood swings I had when I had periods (I felt like I worked with idiots for 2 weeks out of 4..)
I have not had periods for years but only started HRT 6 months ago when I found out that my terrible anxiety and low mood were probably not just lockdown related.
After reading this I am going to try taking the Utrogestan vaginally tonight until I can speak to the dr tomorrow.
I take it vaginally and it’s not great for me. I’m still sensitive and having anxiety from this route. I hope you get on better with it.
This is my dilemma. I suffered with extreme PMS during my reproductive years. Felt more normal than ever in my short peri menopause years and then landed here dried up in post menopause. I’ve been trying and researching BRHT creams for over a year now. My estrogens make me feel great, normal. But I can not tolerate progesterone. I’ve tried vaginal and it causes UTI’s, rectally and I get horrible digestive issues and topically I’m a groggy, bloated, irritable, dizzy and have no energy but anxious. I’m about to give up. Thinking about phytoestrogens (Genistein, soy free). So sorry for all of you that are struggling too. Thank you for this article and for all of the replies. Best Regards.
I had PMDD – it was horrendous. Crushing fatigue, depression, emotions wildly out of control, violent aggression and irrationality. Didnt care about anything one minute, the next i was screaming at my husband. Got worse and worse as i got older. I was totally unpredictable, out-of-control and dangerous, losing half my life to it- not to mention the impact on my husband, children and father. It is a wonder I still have a marriage. The answer was to go to a very expensive gynae called Prof John Studd in Harley St, London. He put me on oestrogen gel (x4 squirts a day) to suppress my cycle, with a mirena Coil fitted by my GP for the progestogen needed. Now a local gynae prescribes me oestrogel so i dont have the travel- or cost- of getting it from London. It totally transformed my life- it cured me. Now I am symptom-free. I was scared of getting the coil for years after a terrible experience with the Progestogen implant Implanon where I wanted to drive my car into a wall, or a pedestrian. I needn’t have worried. The Mirena coil has been the magic key- no side effects when combined with the oestrogen, because the progestogen is only local in effect. So to anybody out there suffering like me, go and spend £1000 with Dr Studd and get yourself on oestrogel and the coil- it will change your life. As a PS, no it shouldn’t have to cost this much, yes it should be available for free, yes it is a scandal women have to generally suffer and be ignored for the lack of something so simple, but I can’t do anything about all of that…but if you want an answer for yourself- this is it.
~Hi Kathryn,
Wonder if you will read this as it is so long ago you wrote it. This is the regime I am now after a lot of researching! It seems to be working so far. I had the patches first, but I was even sensitive to those fluctuations when I changed patches, so gel seemed much better. I have a few questions thought if you wouldn’t mind me asking you?
I had an early menopause aged 43. For the last 10 years I felt I was existing and not living life. Felt absolutely great on HRT for 9 months. Brain fog disappeared, muscular aches & pains, started sleeping well, libido returned, had sex again ( not painful) – first time in over 10 years!! Seem to have lost the ability to orgasm – is that normal with the menopause? Felt wonderful 🥰 Then I bled for a month – 9 months after starting HRT. Referred to a gynaecologist and asked to stop HRT in the meantime. Endometrial biopsy came back normal. Advised Mirena coil and could restart HRT. I had the coil put in 4 days ago. Absolutely hate the sensation – it feels like a dragging sensation, almost like when you are on a period and you haven’t put your tampon in the right place. I’m bleeding every time I need a wee (fresh blood with clots) and needing to use absorbent panty liners. Having never had a coil, will this awful sensation lessen in time and will the cramps/ period-like pain stop ( worse in the morning)? Will I get to the point of being unaware that I have a coil insitu? I’m so desperate not to stop HRT as my life has improved massively. Any advice would be gratefully received. A x
Hi Anita. I spotted a lot during my first 8-10ish weeks with the coil and I also had that feeling that it was “THERE”. I was advised to try an anti-histamine to help with that feeling (it worked) and I haven’t had any sort of bleed or spotting since before Christmas. I still sometimes feel as if I have a little period cramp (very, very light) but otherwise I’m happy!
Thank you for your quick reply. Will try antihistamine. The horrible sensation is definitely lessening!
Hi Anita and everyone.
Thank you all for posting. I found this while trawling for answers to Progesterone intollerance and although reading your stories made me feel sad I realise I’m not going mad and I’m not alone.
I also came off Citalopram last year and started HRT. I have had 5 months of Progesterone side effects that have made me want to give up HRT (non stop period pains, tearfullness, aches, tiredness, lack of focus etc. My GP has been good, arranged Ultrasound and blood tests to check all OK but I decided finally to book a private appointment as I was finding it hard to explore what is going on in enough detail. My hormone levels have dropped even with an increased Estrogen dose so I’m not receiving any theraputic benefits of it but all the negatives effects of Progesterone. I’m now trying NO Progesterone for a month and upping my Estrogen dose to see if I feel better. After that I will take Progesterone 100mg vaginally every other day for a month, then review. I’m also adding in Testosterone for aches and pains, energy and mood. My next appointment is in 3 months. Will keep you posted. ( )
Hi I have just posted in the thread below but just wondered how the testosterone is going and if its helped. I am also going to cut the progesterone for a week and see if any improvement in my mood. I’d love to know how you’re getting on?
How’d it go? I plan on doing the same thing, go off my progesterone for a few weeks to see if anything changes, I am on 1 mg Estradiol don’t know if I should mess w that dose
Check with your GP first and ask to see a meno specialist. They’re much better at helping and advising x
Hi, all
It was with much relief, sadness and anger that I read all your stories. I am not alone, I am not going mad, I’m not suffering from mental health issues. What I am dealing with is hormonal changes caused by the menopause, simple as. Why hasn’t anybody told me this?
As far as I knew, the menopause caused hot flushes, mild mood changes, that’s it. Not true.
Seems to me that everyone, including other women, are reluctant to express what they are really feeling. I have felt very alone so this platform is very important in reassuring me that I’m not.
Have been on SSRis since 56, ( I’m now 66) which have blunted symptoms but not given me back myself. After reading up on HRT , I suggested to my GP that I try them, he prescribed an eostrogn patch and progesterone 100mg daily. Eureka! I found Greta……….for 2 weeks then fell into a depression where I wanted everything to end(bad). Back to GP, I suggested to him that I thought it was the progesterone, he thought that unusual ( found out it’s not ) and was put back on SSRis.
Felt like giving up searching for me, but some articles and tv programmes encouraged me to keep searching.
Looked up British Menopause Society, who give a list of specialists locally, however I was not in their catchment area. My GP states postcode lottery. I’m now looking for a private consultation.
There is no service for women struggling with menopause issues in my area. GPS are not knowledgeable enough to prescribe more than bog standard therapy for menopause.
I am thinking of going to my MP to discuss this. If men had the menopause, probably be different.
Society just doesn’t understand the impact of menopause on woman’s lives. Had to give up a job I loved, key worker for charity, my family lost me and so have I .
Anybody found Greta yet ?
Hi, I had oestrogen patches at first too. (Which was great) I had a coil in which I couldn’t wait to get rid of as I had a prolapse and it was really uncomfortable, it was also 7 years old so needed removing anyway. I was told I could either have a new coil or go on a combi patch. It was a no brainer a combi patch sounded perfect but a couple of months in I had constant thrush and terrible acne which I’ve never had before, even as a teenager! I was then given Femoston conti. Straight away I felt terrible, really low and dark and the acne got even worse which made me feel even more depressed. I stopped taking those two weeks ago as I couldn’t stand it anymore and my flushes and sleepless nights are back. I’ve been fighting since January to try Utrogestan. I was told no initially and given a load of excuses then a friend told me she’d been given it but they don’t like to prescribe it as it’s expensive. When I told my doctor she said she’d have to write to somebody and I’m now waiting…two months on to find out if I can have it!!! I have a phone appointment this morning! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
I was diagnosed with PMDD in my early 40’s, after a lifetime of difficulties, eventually having my cycle stopped with Prostrap for 2 years when I was 47/48. I had add-back Everol and never felt better whilst on the treatment. I couldn’t have a hysterectomy due to family commitments so had to stop the treatment and hope for the best. After a year I had a few periods and then nothing now for nearly 3 years. I’ve managed since then without any treatments but have suffered a range of menopausal symptoms, more recently anxiety and sadness. The hot flushes stopped a long time ago now thankfully. I tried a Mirena coil back in my 40’s and was assured my progesterone sensitivity wouldn’t be affected. It took quite a long time to realise it was affecting me. The relief I felt when it was removed was immediately noticeable. I’ve spoken to other ladies with PMDD who found it helpful though. I’m trying to manage my menopause naturally but really wish I could take HRT. The fear of what the progesterone might do to me though really puts me off. I have recently spoken to my GP whose only suggestion was to put me on Venlafaxine but one tablet gave me huge side effects so I’m stuck now not knowing what to do next. Support since covid has been really non-existent so I’m just doing the best I can with supplements.
I’m so glad I’ve found all of these posts. I started on hrt about 4 years ago. I was originally on Evorel Conti and Everol Sequi which I found ok until June last year, I started to feel dreadful again when on the combi progesterone patches and asked for advice. The doctor suggested I try continuous hrt which is the everol 50 for oestragen and the ustragen 100 tablet which I take each evening. I haven’t felt great on these since the start, I have always had issues with progesterone since the injection and mirena coil I had when younger which i had to beg to be taken out at the time. I have trouble sometimes catching my breath and with nothing physically wrong i am convinced it is the progesterone that causes this. I stopped taking it for a while and just had the oestrogen and felt great however got worried and went back on it. I get terrible anxiety and a panic attack every few months. I have never suffered with these before until menapause. I have currently had blood tests for testosterone levels as i said to my doctor i have literally lost my balls! He had agreed to let me try the gel as long as my levels are currently ok. I’m hoping this may counteract the progesterone sensitivity. Does anyone have any experience of the testosterone gel? I read a couple of articles saying it cured anxiety altogether. Also did anyone up their oestragen to try and counteract also? I’m so frustrated with the whole thing and totally understand everyone’s dilemmas. After 4 years I just want to enjoy life but dont like going anywhere anymore. I would love some advice.
Hi I have been on continuous HRT for about five years 1 mg estradiol and micronized progesterone 100 mg which is standard and of course I do not feel well. My main symptoms are breakthrough bleeding abdominal cramping and feelings of PMS and I have anxiety and depression I am bipolar so I’m taking meds for those and I can’t tolerate anti-depressive meds. Before HRT I had all the raging symptoms of estrogen deficiency and I tried to go off of it and they came back with a vengeance so that’s not an option. I tried the oral progesterone vaginally and it irritated because it’s made in peanut oil so I’m going to try to get suppositories. I am wondering if that’s a sign of progesterone intolerance when I’m having all of this breakthrough spotting and cramping and also cramping after orgasm. I have had vaginal ultrasounds and Pap smears and all come back normal. I suspect something needs to be adjusted and I am fearing my doctors appointment today that she will take me off estrogen which I will refuse, I feel like taking the absolute minimum of progesterone or even stopping it for a week to see how I feel I just wanted to know if others had this breakthrough bleeding and terrible cramping and I’ve had tests that are normal and if this is progesterone intolerance? I am very moody and depressed
Hi all, after reading this I sat there crying. With relief that I’m not the only one, with sadness that there needs to be a blog at all. I have been on everol sequi 50 for a year. Every month I dread the progesterone component of my hrt patches. The familiar feelings of impending doom, the anxiousness, feelings of utter panic, heavy feelings in my chest and throat. I have to have patches due to migraine with aura. I have also thought about asking for a hysterectomy. Hormones have been ruling my life for so long. I have IBS which is triggered by the anxiety, Hashimotos that now needs to be adjusted more often,which seems linked to my perimenopause in some strange way, migraines turned into hormonal migraines, so fun on her and lastly, two herniated discs which are acting up, along with multiple muscular aches and pains which come from seemingly nowhere. My progesterone problems started years ago, on the mini pill I found the week you stop taking the pill was horrendous 3 days in. I would have a 3 day migraine, which only stopped happening when they took me off the pill altogether due to the aura. I was still childbearing age so I tried the low dose pill, I bled constantly. I tried the implant, my hair started falling out. I read articles that a lot of women feel great before their period and lousy on it. I’m the opposite, lousy before and better a few days into my period. I gain comfort knowing I’m not alone, not a freak for having these very difficult stages every month. I’m now on Amitriptyline to prevent my migraines, so far so good. I may have to get them increased to feel better emotionally too, as they are an antidepressant too.
Hi All,
Been on here all morning reading all of your stories. So frustrated that we suffering are not able to readily get the help we need and deserve. There is so much to keep track of! I am 50 and experiencing non stop heavy bleed going on 6 weeks at the moment. This has never happened before. I have always suffered from PMDD but now my GP has put me on high dose (200mg) of micronized oral progesterone to thin the uterine lining and hopefully stop bleeding (it hasn’t worked). Experiencing a lot of anxiety and depression since starting this regimen. Thinking of trying it vaginally or maybe low dose birth control pill or mirena now. If those don’t work, ablation or hysterectomy have been offered since I am severely anemic. Thinking of you all!
Hi Aimee,
That crappy heavy painful bleeding seems to be common as we go through the change. We just dont find out till we read blogs like this, or happen to talk with other women going through it. I was so low on iron, tired and lethargic, I eventually succumbed to a mirena at age 45. My bleeds were so heavy, and unpredictable I couldn’t have had an overseas holiday for 6 weeks without it. It was a few months adjusting, but did make a big difference iron levels. I think the other moody, sleep problems still existed. I had my second mirena taken out age 53 cause i believed it was causing my back ache, and break through bleeds, even though ultrasound ok. Back pain improved. But eventually my menopause issues worsened as my period stopped. For me, the 5 -7 years of mirena was minimal effort/symptoms for early menopause, worth a try before more complicated issues of later menopause. It may be enough to help you for now. Nothing is a perfect cure unfortunately. I feel for you.
Hi Aimee
I wish they would do more research on progesterone intolerance. I had regular period all my life, 3 normal pregnancies and didn’t suffer from PMS. However all normality left the building in my early 40s as I started peri menopause with wild hormonal fluctuations. Like you I started having incredibly heavy periods that would go on for days, resulting in low iron and tiredness. Eventually I had one which just wouldn’t stop and carried on for a month, they gave me high dose norethisterone to stop the bleeding but it didn’t. Made me weepy and horrible. Like you I didn’t know whether to opt for Mirena coil, hysterectomy or ablation. At that point I just wanted the bleeding to stop, and didn’t have the energy to risk another 3 months of potential heavy bleeding while adapting to the Mirena, I thought hysterectomy was a bit drastic so opted for ablation. It was v successful, virtually painless, stopped the bleeding overnight and it never returned. It’s been great! When the meno symptoms started to increase a couple of years later I tried HRT, reacting to all the progesterones which would make me down and depressed: I tried evorel conti, estrogel + utrogestran, estrogel + cyclogest for 7 days per month. I tried estrogel on its own, but I found it had a cumulative effect making me puffy and bloated and put on weight and emotional, although did improve mood. I came off hrt for 2 years, fed up. Decided to give it another go as it is no fun being flat with no libido or motivation. I’m now on half a patch of Femseven Conti, and although it gives me dry eye and a headache and lighter sleep, it’s bearable compared to meno symptoms. It’s not perfect but it’s the best I’ve tolerated so far (levonorgestrel which is the same as in the Mirena). Hope this helps.
Hi 50sense thanks for this article it has helped me understand I am sensitive to progesterone. I have had ultra bad pms all my life, anxiety and depression being the main symptoms, just lived with it for decades and used alcohol to cope. Like you when peri started I felt good but it slowly got worse, I’m 53 and have been on HRT for 9 months, the 2 weeks of Progesterone are terrible , I tried to come off it altogether but that made the anxiety come back really bad , before HRT I had to leave 2 jobs because I was so anxious. I dont know what to do, I have just started trying taking only the half dose continuously instead of full dose every 2 weeks but feel the low mood kicking in now. The 2 weeks of estrogen-only are great but I know I’m risking cancer without the progesterone, its so annoying ! Why doesn’t Davina mention progesterone intolerance, I thought HRT would save me !! So worried for my 18 year old daughter she has PMDD so a lifetime of this ahead 🙁
“Why doesn’t Davina mention progesterone intolerance, I thought HRT would save me !! ” – So much I could say… But if you know, then you can start helping your daughter to look at her lifestyle to help. And please, Kate, consider the coil. It has helped me so much. Post going up soon x
Just curious if you’ve tried bioidentical progesterone? I feel like you’ve only mentioned progestins.
At the time I hadn’t, but I did use utrogestan later and it still had the same impact.
Really helpful comments here, thank you all. I started patches a few weeks ago, the estrogen only ones felt like fresh rain on a dry desert, finally myself again even though I didn’t realise until now how far away I’d come from my happy energetic old self. Fast forward to the combined patches, and I’m sat here crying. I’ve Called my GP and got an appointment but it’s several weeks away. I’m seriously contemplating skipping the last of my combined patches tomorrow and start the next box because the thought of another almost week of this is just too much. (Yes I know you’re not supposed to!) I suspect my estrogen levels have been low since I first gave birth 9 years ago and I’ve always struggled with PMS but this has gotten much worse and I’ve been struggling with anxiety & depression that would ease off for a few days around ovulation. The rest of my cycle then varies from feeling meh to feeling despairing, angry, or crying at the drop of a hat. Not fun at all. I realise now that it’s the progesterone to blame… And I feel so disappointed because I felt so, so good on the estrogen only. I know it’s likely to settle down, but I just want to feel better so much!
When I do get to speak to my GP I’m hoping to switch to estrogen only patches or gel in combination with vaginal progesterone and have it less every 2-3 months. I don’t like the idea of a coil at all for various reasons, the main being my need for control.
I’d love to hear similar experiences?
Interesting thread. This exactly matches my experience. Horrible peri menopausal pmdd – almost 3 years of experimentation with hrt options, suicidal reaction to systemic progesterone – solution found with mirena plus day oral estrogen. I’ve been on that for more than 7 years now and I’m wondering what comes next. At some point I’ll have to stop the HRT won’t I? Does anyone have any experience with that?
I’m not entirely sure that you would have to stop HRT one day? If you listen to what Louise Newson has to say on the matter, unless there’s very good reason, you should be able to take it until you die.
Hopefully in years to come there will be more evidence and better therapies available. At the moment the thinking is that the minute you stop taking HRT, you very quickly lose all the health protecting benefits that it was giving you x
The trouble is, there hasn’t been long-term research into HRT to be able to say it is safe to take for 30/40+ years. Nor do some women – like me – want to be on medication every day. To be honest, the thought of having to think about HRT when I’m in my 80s is horrendous!!!!!
I just started crying reading this because I just can’t take it anymore. I feel like such an abject failure bc everyone who seems to take progesterone does well and when I take it I dread it so much because of all the horrible side effects. I hate the most are the suicidal thoughts and the giving up on life. Oh and the gasping for air for no dang reason.
I’ve tried almost everything except the IUD which I refuse to do since I don’t want to have a bad reaction and have to wait goodness knows how long before I can get it removed.
Is there a support group for this?? I need help and just not getting it. The side effects are so debilitating, I’ve figured out that with progesterone I’m a mess but my body hurts less and without it I feel so much better but the joint pain is worse. I just want to be me again.
Hi Angela. Check out the IAMPD site – there are lots of tools and resources to help you. https://iapmd.org/
x
Super good blog. More awareness needs to be made of this.
I am in the US. the number 1 go to advice for all peri/M/Post is “take progesterone”. I see it everywhere.
I have also seen blogs that scrutinize any commenters who say they have had ill experiences with P. The replys are usually somethng like “its estrogen doinance” “it cant be Progrest” “Progest intolerance is not a thing” ……..
Anyway, I am cruiser, not a joiner per say. I observe and take notes.
I am probably late in Peri. 47 soon. skipping. 6 months here, 3 months there, 4 months here…ect 2 years now.
However, hormone shifts started for me back in 2012.
I did not have baby blues. I did not have PMDD prior to the shifting .
The general advice, is to follow Dr. Lee. I have both his books. I have read them as well.
While it is noted in every study I have read that progrest does go down during this phase, it is also noted that Progest one job, is to carry the baby , it has no documented functions on a female physiological system . Whereas Est is responsible for absolutely everything in a female body, heart lungs, brain, blood, ect…
The general advice is : Take Antidepressants. Take Progesterone. Take lots of tests.
I wonder what the cumulative outcome of these advice actually is? Are they keeping track? Is anyone keeping track?
I cannot and will never. take Progest again.
I was told in my 30s to take depo it will make me not have a period for 3 months. I was sucked in. I didnt know.
I remember however, that the administering doctor had me sign a waiver of damages when the shot was administered. I was naive.
The damage from that one depo shot altered my entire life.
Post 1 month I was put on Zoloft to “counteract the depo”. Which had its own more excrusiating side effects. Quit that. However I was never able to go back to work.
Down the road 5-10 years later I tried Progest 2 more times. Cream I could control. Never worked out and made things 100x worst.
into trash can it went.
I do not beleive the goal is to help. If it was then science backed studies would be the basis of continuing care. Studies, I as a normal lay person must go get and read because no care provider will do this.
I think we suffer a plague of complacency when it comes to care. I feel that Dr. John Lee was genuinely interested in helping women, however if he were alive today to re-evaluate I think the enviornmental changes that are present now in our lives would be accounted for. Which did not exist in the 90’s to early 2000’s when he died. We did not have the onslaught of hormon disrupters in our foods, supplements, water, air, and we did not have 5g emf at that time. We also only had Rx HRT. We did not have OTC BI creams avail at that time (that I am aware of) .
I submit that the reason so many of us find things not working, as maybe they did years ago, is because we are bombarded every single day with the above. Not accounting for these enviornmental changes, is probably the crux of the treatment issue.
So we are taking doses that worked before the onslaught of endorine disruption factors, that maybe need to be refactored entirely based on life in todays world with todays enviornmental stressors.
Hi I’m due to have a Meno clinic telephone appointment tomorrow and have dropped o this thread… I have suffered with hormonal migraines from being 15 yrs old and think I started in peri at around 42yrs but didn’t realise i was peri. After trying several tablet forms of HRT which I’m now told I shouldn’t have been prescribed anyway due to migraine I was referred to a Meno clinic who have been a godsend. I have been on evorel Sequi for about 5 yrs and also testosterone gel and this was great for me especially the testosterone (didn’t give me back my sex drive unfortunately) I was still having periods and then went 11 months without only to have another period and then again 6 months later. I then started to get some symptoms back.. hot flushes, not sleeping and anxiety .. called the clinic and was put on evorel conti which seemed to work at first and PMT like symptoms stopped.. now 4 months in I’m in a terrible state with my moods, hot flashes, crying one minute, aggressive the next and an insatiable appetite for food .. not great!! I’m still on AD’s and have been for years and just wanted advise .. it seems like I was ok on the Sequi but they suddenly stopped working, could I be put back on those ones and be given a eastrogen gel to top up my levels? I feel dreadful for my family as I am unbearable some days and I know it but I can’t help it 😢
Hi Helen, I’d love to know how your phone appointment went and whether there were any helpful suggestions made?
And have you found anything that has stopped/eased hormone migraines?
My energy levels are so low and I frequently feel overwhelmed and anxious. I’ve been taking oestrogel (3 pumps daily) and utrogestan for 12 days every month for the last 3 months. Fatigue and brain fog were even worse before that. I waited around 8 months to finally get a menopause clinic appointment 5 weeks ago and finally got a prescription for testogel. I pinned all my hopes on testosterone thinking it would remove my non-existent libido, strength and energy. Sadly it’s barely made a difference. I dread sex and feel constantly low, unmotivated and frequently in tears. Oh and I’m at least 6kg heavier. Don’t know what to try next. For the last 1.5 years marriage of 24 years has been a big strain and really don’t know what to do next.
Hello
I’ve just been searching for information on this condition as I was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago after hitting rock bottom, having suicidal thoughts and a rash ver my torso, so intensely itchy I wanted to rip my skin off. I spent months feeling so deflated and no energy to do anything. I saw an incredible HRT specialist nurse who asked me several questions (centred around bad PMT and postnatal depression). I actually had the marina coil in at the time, so she removed it the same day. The itching subsided the next day! Even my mood lifted significantly. Two weeks later I have just hit my luteal phase and my depression and tearfulness has been awful for two days! I am currently off progesterone for a month and just taking estrogen gel to rest my body but I will have to start taking utrogestan again – I am dreading it. My nurse suggested I could take fir 10 days instead of two weeks and take take it vaginally. So will see how that goes. It has been a massive comfort to find this and know I am not losing my mind but also makes me anxious I may never find a balance. Time will tell
A lot of women find it so much easier taking it vaginally, Clare, because it’s going directly where it needs to. I do hope it helps you – and please let us know! x
OMG- This article just described me! I was diagnosed with PMDD during perimenopause (didn’t even know it was in that), I’m 53 and am suffering through the 5th year of post menopause. I’ve been on BHRT and didn’t do week, thinking it was the testosterone. Just started the estrogen patch and daily progesterone pill. After 7 days my mood swings were worse than before and ai had to stop. I stopped the patch for the risk of cancer since I’ve got all my lady parts lol. You’re article just helped me realize it’s not me- it’s my sensitivity to progesterone. All those years of feeling horrible and angry only to be happy when I was on my period. Now I have no period but menopause has wrecked havoc! I’m using this article and logging my responses to my OBGYN follow up appt this month. I’m sick and tired of feeling sick and tired! I’m ready to get my life back to a balance I can deal with!
53 and proud in the USA! Now off to cry in the shower 🤣🥰
I’m so glad it helped you understand. Please let us know how you get on xxx
I’ve only just started taking HRT, lasted 3 weeks and stopped, I felt worse than ever. My doctor realised quite quickly that I’m probably sensitive to progesterone and HRT is more than likely not going to suit me. I’m currently off work trying to sort my head out. I had such a bad panic attack at work I had to be treated by a doctor….luckily I work in a hospital. Not that I wish this upon anyone, I’m also reassured to read I’m not alone in this extremely difficult journey. Thank you for all your advice and Sharing your journey. xx
I’m so relieved to have found this forum. I’m on my 2nd attempt at hrt, Estrodot patch and ultragestan which worked at first. Then started feeling more anxious, so I increased oestrogen patch – then massive panic attack, went cold turkey for 6 weeks but then started with nightmares probably from stopping so abruptly, so went back on it. Same thing again, more anxiety, so I increased oestrogen, fast forward 2 months later, worse anxiety I’ve had in my life, nightmares nearly every night, intrusive thoughts during the day and now tinnitus.I feel like I’m going insane but reading these comments has really helped me, thank you for sharing. I think I could be intolerant to the progesterone, so I’m going to try a few days without it see if it helps. I’m changing my lifestyle, more movement and getting out into nature as this helps. Not sure if I can carry on with hrt or whether I just need the right balance. We never heard of menopause being this bad for so many women years ago, whats going on with us?
Hi Elizabeth (that feels weird to write!) Careful with your progesterone – see a GP first because you do need it if you still have a womb to give that protection. I know people who call utrogestan utroSatan. It may be that a coil is better for you. But well done on the lifestyle changes – I wish I heard that more often. x
Hi , I have always had pmt then at 39 ( after my dads passing ) I started with pmdd 🥺 it took me years and many tears to discover what was wrong with me. I am now 59 and have been on one hell of a horrible journey, how I am still with my partner I don’t know !!! Any way I finally went into the menopause at 57, yes Mother Nature thought it would be fun to make me suffer this long .. I am now on the gel and tablets ( it did feel like I’d given in tbh but I just couldn’t function in my new job without sleep , the side effects from my antidepressants ) well the 1st 3 months have been amazing, I’m off the antidepressants and felt like my old self, but now I’m bleeding every other week and the rage is coming back along with other symptoms. After reading this now I know why.. so my question is what do I do next ??? It’s scary to think I could be back where I was before 🫤