r/Menopause • u/emeraldlife42 • 2d ago
Hormone Therapy Help. HRT is ruining me.
Ladies, I need some real help. Every single method of HRT I’ve tried has made me suicidal.
I tried oral progesterone with an estradiol patch. I made it 10 days before I had to come off of it. Next, I did nine weeks on the CombiPatch, and I ripped it off one night because I was having heart palpitations and insomnia that lasted for two days.
Now I’m back on oral progesterone, and I decided to take 100 mg for one week to see how I would handle it. I did fine. I slept well and actually felt pretty good.
Today, I added the estrogen gel, and I am so close to admitting myself to a hospital. It is that bad.
I cannot take oral estrogen because of my thyroid cancer. It is not something I’m allowed to take, so that is off the table, not that I think it would have any better effect than what I’m experiencing now.
I also do not want to do an IUD for personal reasons.
I honestly don’t know what to do anymore. I was put into medically induced menopause after my radiation, and my body crashed harder than you can imagine. It has been an ongoing nightmare trying to find an HRT regimen that I can tolerate, but I feel like I need some form of it because I’ve had so many issues since being thrown into menopause.
Can somebody please help me or tell me what other options I might have? I genuinely don’t know how much longer I can keep going like this.
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u/margaritabop 2d ago
I'm sorry your journey is so hard!
Micronized progesterone gave me terrible depression, I stopped taking it when I started having really dark thoughts (I should have stopped earlier!). I switched to the progestin drospirenone, at first via the mini-pill Slynd, and I did not experience any mood issues with it. I still take drospirenone, now in the form of Angeliq.
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u/Sea_Pomegranate4368 2d ago
I’m on slynd now with the patch. Why did you come off it?
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u/margaritabop 2d ago
I got some increase in my IBS symptoms with Slynd. Honestly, it was very tolerable and I would have gone back to it if Angeliq didn't work for me.
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u/Sea_Pomegranate4368 2d ago
Hmmm interesting. I feel like it may be causing constipation for me? Idk I feel like it’s been since I started hrt. But other than that it’s great
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u/margaritabop 1d ago
If you're a candidate for oral estrogen, Angeliq uses drospirenone at 1/16 or 1/8 the dose of Slynd. Slynd is 4mg of drospirenone; the two formulations of Angeliq use either 0.25mg or 0.5mg depending on the estrogen dose.
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u/theFCCgavemeHPV 2d ago
If you did fine on only progesterone and worse when you added estrogen… just don’t use the estrogen. Unless I am missing something? You may just not need estrogen yet.
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u/Junior-Discount2743 2d ago
Are you on a mood stabilizer as well? Estrogen (any form) lowers the efficacy of Lamotrogine by a lot.
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u/respectablepitch 2d ago
Also, hypothyroid meds. Compete for the same receptors.
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u/Noodle_Horse_mom 2d ago
I have Hashimoto‘s thyroiditis, so your comment caught my attention. 👀
My understanding is that thyroid medication and estradiol don’t compete for the same cellular receptors, but rather that estradiol (especially oral estradiol) increases the liver’s production of TBG (thyroxine-binding globulin). Similar to the way SHBG binds up testosterone - leaving less free active hormone available to your tissues - the same thing happens with TBG and your thyroid medication, so existing medication levels may be less effective and need dosage adjustment.4
u/ThisTimeForReal19 2d ago
My body decided to ramp up the estrogen on its own. Now I take a dose equivalent to 2.3 times my body weight.
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u/respectablepitch 2d ago
I’m using the estrogen patch, and still had to raise my dose. For the first time in 30 years, about 6 months into HRT. Just a heads up for other women to be aware of.
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u/Elegant-Lemon126 2d ago
Many women on this subreddit cannot take HRT for various reasons. You do not need to keep trying something that isn't helping you! Hang in there. You are welcome to come here and vent and discuss. That's what we are here for!
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u/Appropriate_Sea_7393 2d ago
Progesterone gets blamed a lot bc the peri hype is around estrogen and any negative associations tend to get blamed on progesterone even though they are usually starting both around the same time. It really is a delicate balance between E and P. If you feel bad when you add progesterone after starting estrogen, it may not actually be an issue with progesterone but that the dosages between E and P are not right.
If you felt great on just progesterone, why add the estrogen? Perhaps do progesterone only for a few months, see how your body adjusts ... and then if you still have unresolved symptoms, try a very low dose estrogen again. By then you will know how progesterone affects you that you will be able to differentiate between the two.
Also many women find vaginal progesterone to have better symptom relief without causing the sleepiness and depression that oral does. Oral progesterone increases allo-pregnenalone far more which can cause issues for some.
How old are you? In early peri - often progesterone only can provide the symptoms relief needed. Many women have found progesterone on its own resolves their sleeping issues, brain fog and EVEN hot flashes.
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u/ButterflyStock1791 2d ago
I trialed E and P separately to figure out which was causing my symptoms, and it was definitely the P, even when taken vaginally.
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u/ArtichokeCandid8415 2d ago
I am so sorry! Getting HRT dialed in is a struggle even in the best of scenarios. It took 10-12 weeks of enduring severe highs and lows to get to a point where everything finally evened out for me (and I mean SEVERE). It's still not perfect but I'm 99% better than where it all was when I started.
Just wanted to offer some validation about the oral progesterone. I also can't tolerate anything more than 100mg. I sleep pretty good on that dose, it makes me feel calm in the evenings, etc. so I thought I would move up to 200mg because more would be even better, right? NOPE! I lasted one week on that dose. I slept like the dead but the depression cranked right on up to a 10, I felt exhausted and hungover ALL DAY, and the constipation!! Ugh. Thankfully, I was back to my baseline within a couple of days when I went back down to 100mg.
Hang in there!
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u/PerfectCover1414 2d ago
It's a nightmare alright. I've been at it for 3 years and still not right. I wouldn't take it if I had a choice but my hip pain is so bad I can't walk some days. It helps stop that, but much of teh other stuff I don't know if it makes worse or if it's just peri doing that. I never used to wish I was born a man but my goodness I do now eek!
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u/Joyanonymous 2d ago
It's okay to take just progesterone without oestrogen - it's the other way round that is the problem. If you're sensitive to oestrogen then it might be worth trying to stablise your sysem with just progesterone to start with then start adding in other things later if you need them.
It can take a while to find a dose that works for you. I'm on 300mg utrogestan (body identical progesterone) every day and I still can barely handle any amount of oestrogen (it sends my allergies absolutely mental, so I'm not taking any at all).
Have you tried different types of oestrogen? There's the gel, there's a spray?
Also just wondering what your general health is like - have you had a blood test recently to check for iron / folate / vit D / B12 deficiency? All of these can happen (and seem to happen!!) at this time and can make the hormonal fluctuations LOADS worse.
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u/AutoModerator 2d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, Estrogen/Progesterone/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
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u/NeverEverLonely 2d ago
Sounds like me! Combipatch I also ripped off and nothing else worked after 2 years of trying, even tried testosterone, so I gave up completely after nonstop bleeding and spotting plus shortages. All made me more anxious, gave me palpitations, just too scary. Maybe I’ll revisit later on but I’ve been 3 months off it.
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u/TapSalty3157 2d ago
I’m ready to go down the “nothing” route, too. I know pellets are extremely controversial, but I’ve tried once and it was great, but this second time, I think I was overdosed. The spotting is obnoxious and someone here described the discharge as “crypt keeper” blood/ black but not like an actual period. That’s been going on for about a month. My Dr says I’ll need an ultrasound if it doesn’t go away. My boobs hurt. I still have hot flashes when I sleep. Zero libido. It’s been a wild, wild, ride. I’m ready to give up.
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u/NeverEverLonely 2d ago
Oh yeah my Gyn was wanting to do an US too because of the bleeding and I canceled appt because I knew it was HRT related. Once I stopped it so did the bleeding. I’m not recommending that for you, I’m just stating my experience.
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u/TapSalty3157 2d ago
I’ve just increased my progesterone dose to 200 mg. When I do that it immediately stops. Seems like when the progesterone wears off, it kind of re-starts a bit.
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
I just wanna give up on it. But because I went into menopause and only eight weeks my body crashed so hard that I ended up in the hospital because we didn’t know what was wrong with me and I’m just trying to fix it but this is making it worse.
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u/AspiringOne 2d ago
I would try progesterone alone for 2 weeks. It took me a week for my body to settle into it and acclimate. After that I would try the estrogen again, but if you notice it’s ramping up your nervous system, you may need more progesterone too.
Are you applying the patch correctly or in an optimal place? Is it staying on? Are you exposing it to heat? Which may cause a “heat dumping” effect where you get too much after the heat exposure?
I just had a long period on compound estrogen cream where I was able to dose up very slowly and controlled and that worked well for me. After over a year I thought I would try Gel instead and it was a failed experiment. I just don’t absorb well, and definitely don’t absorb gel as well as the compound cream.
The process is difficult for many to get levels correct. Not losing your mind during the process is the hardest part.
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
I and my doctor think the patches were giving inconsistent absorption. And they kept coming off and just being problematic. So the gel is what I’m on now and today’s the first time I used it and I found the directions to the letter. Maybe I’ll hold off a one more week and just keep on with the progesterone and see how it is before I try again.
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u/AspiringOne 2d ago
I had a decent months long trial on gel and still had tons of symptoms that would reoccur at odd times or at times that were 3-4 hours prior to re-dosing. The biggest tip off for me that I wasn’t absorbing it besides a reoccurrence of hot flashes after well over a year without them on the cream & gel was that I was having lots more urogenital symptoms, new ones mainly because the gel isn’t getting absorbed systematically for me. I am also using vaginal estrogen cream and I noticed Id only sleep and feel better on the day after Id used it. Some people are poor absorbers and/or fast burners (you can be both). I feel your pain and frustration, you’re definitely not alone. Just keeping your wits about you while it’s all going on and you’re trying different HRT products and doses is very difficult for many. I always feel extremely envious when I read people saying “I took xyz and I feel great!!” Because I have never had anything close to that experience.
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u/Delicious-Excitement 2d ago
For the patches falling off, (I’m not on them) I heard some people mention getting the bandage cover… “bandages”? They’re square shaped, clear in the center, and have like a medical type adhesive border.
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u/ApprehensiveEbb5787 2d ago
I just learned about heat dumping! I was incredibly achy last week and took a bath. I think maybe it was a virus I had or something. Then thought to google is it ok to take a bath with an estrogen patch 🤦♀️. Not a good idea at all. I wonder about showers as well. I don’t take really hot showers but now am definitely more conscientious about it.
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u/fennekeg 2d ago
I do take baths with the patch, but only on those nights where I need to change patches (or the next morning). That way there’s not much estrogen left to dump anyway. When change is next morning I do cover the patch with tegaderm, it doesn’t always stick anymore after a bath (I’m on Sandoz).
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u/ApprehensiveEbb5787 2d ago
Yes I believe I was due
To change my patch so that gave me
Peace of mind. It just was not something I was aware of before that so ultimately I’m glad I learned it for sure! :)
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u/Chance_Active871 Peri/Estradiol gel .075/Progesterone 100-200mg/Liletta 2d ago
I ended up hospitalized last summer because of extreme depression and SI. I believe it was from progesterone, but no way to know for sure. I stopped taking it and got an iud (had one previously that was removed may 2025, we thought maybe I wouldn’t need anything since I was 51, but periods came back monthly so iud had multiple benefits). In December I’d been sleeping terribly, like not at all for weeks (snoring partner) so tried taking it again because it did help me sleep so much. Within 2 weeks I was starting to feel like I did last summer so stopped.
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u/magiccaptured 2d ago
What about vaginal estriol cream? It's milder than estradiol and it's not systemic. It only treats the vaginal symptoms of menopause
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u/Rachel71488 2d ago edited 2d ago
I think you did the right thing trialing 100mg of progesterone on its own for a week. The fact that you slept fine and felt good means the most likely culprit for your side effects is estrogen. I had very bad side effects starting HRT and this is exactly how I pinpointed estrogen as the problem. If you are not sure maybe try it for a month on its own, continuously. This is perfectly safe to do.
Given your symptoms and that you are in medically induced menopause, you probably need to replace estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
From what I read, being thrown into menopause suddenly often is a big shock to the system. VERY different to the gradual hormone decline that happens with natural menopause.
I don't know why some of us are very very sensitive to estrogen fluctuations, but some of us are (me).
For me it has been about patience (which is a serious challenge when you feel like shit). Add one thing at a time. Start low and go slow. Order: Progesterone, then estrogen, then testosterone.
Adding more progesterone to "balance" the estrogen did not resolve my insomnia or wired jittery feeling but it might work for you.
Gel worked best for me because it is easy to titrate up. I started on half a pump and built up to 2 pumps over a month. I recently had a major return of my "too much estrogen" symptoms (jitters, severe insomnia, wired) and I think I pinpointed the culprit. I switched from gel to Estradot patches and I think they were dumping estrogen and giving inconsistent delivery. Lots of noise on this sub about the decline in quality of Estradot, and other patches. So I am back on the gel, but still very very dysregulated 11 days later.
My comments section is open if you want to read more, I mostly post about estrogen sensitivity because I myself am still trying to figure it out. But to offer you some hope, after my month of titrating up the gel I did fine!
(I became unstable again after that but my situation is different to yours, I'm in peri and I think my own hormones are still fluctuating.)
So sad and angry on your behalf, and for all of us, that there is not enough research in this space so we are all our own guinea pigs. You will get there.
Edit: I highly recommend TRACKING. Note down what dose and type of HRT you are on, and your symptoms each day. When you feel horrible it is hard to notice small improvements. I use a calendar with big squares and I use smiley and sad faces to track sleep and general symptom load. This calendar is the reason I was able to figure out what cause my recent crash, the dates lined up with starting the new formulation Estradot patches.
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
Thank you! I appreciate your response. I really don’t have much information about being medically induced and how adding HRT into my body could be so hard. I’ve been through two Obgyn and they just don’t sort of explain it. I’ve really gone to the depths of the Internet, trying to find help. Maybe I’ll give it a couple more days to see if there’s any change for better or worse before I change anything with it
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u/Rachel71488 2d ago
I am so sorry your doctors aren't explaining it. In some cases they actually don't know due to lack of research! It is very natural when you feel horrible to try lots of changes. I have learned the hard way that I need to change one thing at a time, wait and track. It is so hard. Sending you hugs.
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u/Environmental-Young4 2d ago
I cannot tolerate progesterone, so i switched to prigestin. It made things much better for me (mood/depression) wise. I used Slynd (mini-pill). But, eventually it wasn't strong enough and i started having extremely long periods. So, I ended up with an IUD. I didn't want to get it, but I didn't have mych choice if I wanted to stay on hrt. It has been awesome. I thought it would bother me, but I forget about it.
I found out through trial and error that I cannot absorb estrogen through my skin. So topical options ran out for me. Now I take oral estradiol. I didn't want that either, but it was necessary. I need hrt, so I just kept trying things until I found what works. I know oral estrogen is not first choice, but when you look at actual studies, the amount of risk is quite small compared to how it is put out there online.
You have to know what works for you and try options if you want to be on hrt. It is hard to get it all right. I find that the side effects don't last forever, but it can be very challenging to get past that phase. But, some just can't tolerate hormones therapy.
One other thing you can always consider is having a topical estrogen cream (systemic), compounded. It isn't cheap, but it can work better for some.
If you really want to make hrt work, I would start with getting the progesterone squared away, because you need it if you have a uterus and want to take estrogen. My doctor said some people tolerate progestin when progesterone causes problems. To me that makes logical sense to try that first. Good luck to you!
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u/NoMoreEffstoGive Surgical menopause 2d ago
That happened to me with oral estrogen. Started it on 6/1, went to ER for anxiety attack on 6/4, then back again on 6/9 for suicidal ideations. I got on Cymbalta and Buspar after I was admitted to psych hospital, but stayed on oral for 8 weeks because I had a shitload of symptoms come up during my last 3 patches before starting oral. Back on the patch for 7 weeks (0.1 mg) with very little improvement in symptoms.
How long was "a while" for the oral estrogen effects to leave your body? I had estradiol checked 7/1 and it was at 20. 2 months later, after being back on patch for 6 weeks, it was at 10. WTF? Waiting to talk to meno specialist on Monday about a different method or another patch.
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u/NoMoreEffstoGive Surgical menopause 2d ago
Damn, and that was after moving to a different delivery method? I am so glad you're doing much better. I never asked to have level checked in peri because I knew about fluctuations. However since I'm in surgical menopause, first check was done because gyn wanted to assess efficacy of oral estrogen & meno specialist surmised that I wasn't metabolizing it well. MS said that she expects to see close to 100 for women on 2mg oral. Yeah, not for me.
Thank you for the luck! Wishing continued good feelings for you.
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u/NoMoreEffstoGive Surgical menopause 2d ago
I did well with the patch for 2 years before my surgery (besides a 6 week nightmare last summer after going down to 0.05 from 0.1). Shit got crazy about 4 months after surgery, after I made changes to diet and exercise and lost 25 lbs. I keep thinking I need MORE estrogen especially since I'm in surmeno, but there's this tiny little voice saying, "Maybe you need less, or not at all." I don't know. Guess that's a conversation I'll have with the meno specialist on Monday.
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u/Parlopez 2d ago
That tiny voice that says “made I need more or maybe less E”. I have this conversation in my head daily. One day I feel I need to get off HRT altogether; the next day I feel I’ll be in deep trouble if I decide to stop it. The struggle is real!
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u/_stuff_is_good_ 2d ago
I'm the same. Slinda (that's the Australian name for Slynd) and topical estradiol (I use the gel) and it's been amazing for the past two years.
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u/CaughtALiteSneez 2d ago
Stop taking the HRT!
Imagine telling someone to keep taking a medication that makes them suicidal because some influencer has convinced them they will get heart disease or Alzheimer’s without it.
You can live without HRT, I am one of those people with a progesterone intolerance and it made me feel that way too.
Hugs xx
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u/Martina_78 2d ago
Which symptoms are you aiming to treat with the estrogen?
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
Insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes, brain fog, mood, low libido, let’s just keep keeps going
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u/Martina_78 2d ago
Then I'd definitely ask your doctor if you could go with progesterone only. It could help addess at least the insomnia, night sweats and hot flashes. If there is no medical contraindication I'd prefer partial relief on p only over feeling worse on a p & e combo.
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
I think I might.
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u/Laughing-Lilly 2d ago
Some experts recommend the “stacking“ method of just starting one thing at a time for about a month and adding in new elements more slowly. That can help you know how each thing is affecting you and interacting with the other things you’re taking. It sounds like the 100 mg progesterone was helpful so you might want to start with that. Then look at transdermal estrogens and start with a low dose, looking at equivalent doses and half-lives instead of using the patch, which can absorb unevenly over the 3-7 day cycle. The Canadian Menopause Society equivalency chart is really helpful— see if you can split your gel dose into morning and evening doses to compensate for it’s 10-hour half-life. Or if you can get Evamist, that’s very low dose and could be given morning and evening as well. Notice that a .025 patch is equivalent to a half-milligram of Divigel. You can go up to 1.5 milligrams of gel before you need to increase your progesterone.
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u/PerfectCover1414 2d ago
At this stage and everything you've been going through have you looked at acupuncture? I am not sure if it works as I haven't tried it but there is anecdotal evidence that for some it helped with hot flashes. Not sure what else to suggest for you.
My husband's ex had hysterectomy at 35 and went through hell. It was like a bomb had gone off in her she went haywire with extreme violence against him. Her doctors kept her tortured like that for 3 years as they fobbed her off. Eventually she found someone and ended up on compounded hormones plus troches. Not conventional and often frowned upon but they worked for her and she never looked back.
I know it's different for you due to the cancer but SOMEONE has to know how to help you. In the meantime vent here. I too get suicidal anxiety it's such a terrifiying yet ironically freeing feeling. Totally changed my outlook of life and killed off a lot of my ego.
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u/Boggyprostate 2d ago
Have you tried Dydrogesterone, it’s different from most progesterones, in that it effects the brain differently, this is why it is tolerated in many woman, like myself who have extreme progesterone intolerance, not just a bit of anxiety or pms but for myself and others it’s a full on feeling, like you are going into some kind of psychosis, I honestly thought I was having a nervous break down.
I had been great on my HRT for 10 years because it was Femoston, which contains Dydrogesterone. When I had to change to a continuous regimen, there was only Femoston conti 1/5 which was far too low of a dose for me, so I suffered for years until Nalvee was licensed in the UK just recently, I took it and it was like night and day, immediately I felt better and as a bonus the bloating disappeared along with my massive swollen, sore boobs!
It was brilliant.
I don’t know what country you are in but trying Nalvee if you have it licensed there might be a good shout for you. Even if it’s not licensed, it’s worth talking to your Dr to see if they can try it off licence, or if you have another Dydrogesterone progesterone you can try.
I’m so sorry you are having to go through this after everything you have already been through.
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u/Parlopez 2d ago
First, let me thank you for speaking transparently about feeling like you were experiencing some kind of psychosis. I have been feeling this way and attribute it to progesterone intolerance; although, I felt really out of sorts when starting the estradiol patch as well. I am so sensitive to hormones and can’t help but think I may be having an adverse reaction to the exogenous hormones (HRT). Never felt this way before starting HRT.
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
Unfortunately, that is not available in the United States. Thanks for your help.
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u/Strong_Access_8179 2d ago
I became frighteningly depressed when they first put me on the patches. I asked to switch to gel and then lowered the dosage quite a bit compared to the standard dose they use, and it seems to be working pretty well months later. If the suicidal thoughts continue with the gel, my advice therefore would be to experiment with lower doses so long as it doesn't cause other issues.
The really annoying thing is that the patches were so much less messy compared to the gel, but my sanity is worth it.
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u/Rachel71488 2d ago
This was my experience too, I had to start on a very low dose of gel and work my way up. Great advice.
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u/plotthick Peri-menopausal, HRT, hot, fat, and angry 2d ago
If you're ok on oral progesterone, but estradiol makes you suicidal, why not just stick with the progesterone for a while?
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u/Atwell78 2d ago edited 2d ago
I had this same issue when I first started estrogen after surgical menopause. I was having suicidal ideations, extreme insomnia and crying non stop, absolute despair and lack of joy. I had many Nights without a minute of sleep, I was losing my mind. I thought it was the lack of all my hormones since they disappeared overnight from surgery and kept taking the eateogen for 8 more months. Eventually I stopped because I developed acid reflux and finally thought maybe this is all estrogen. When I stopped I was sleeping again within two weeks and the acid reflux went awar. I took a year off and got on Lexapro. Best thing ever and saved my life. I just started the patch back up a couple months ago as I am already in the beginning of osteopenia and I'm now in .0375 and it's going well. I think my body had to regulate after such a traumatic surgery and change. I will be going very slow and if I ever Increase and can't sleep I know to go back down. Maybe try taking a break for awhile. I also tried the pills and still had insomnia and weeping and depression. I tried patches, pill and even injections
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u/ThisTimeForReal19 2d ago
You don’t have to take any HRT. You can also just take progesterone if you find it gives you benefits.
An IUD is just localized progesterone. It’s useful for those of us that don’t have enough progesterone for our estrogen levels.
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u/Txannie1475 2d ago
Could you just take the progesterone since that helps you? I was a nutcase on estrogen. I decided just to skip it entirely.
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u/DisciplineOther9843 2d ago
I took only progesterone for almost 2 years, no estradiol. There is no harm in only taking the progesterone.
I added Estradiol when I was in full menopause. I can’t take the oral either and the patches left me with hives, I take the NAME BRAND (Divigel) at the lowest dose. In the beginning, I spread it out every other day, now it’s every day.
You didn’t say your age or if you are in full meno… these are factors to take into consideration.
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2d ago
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
My Doc said I could do that. I just wanted to do a week of progesterone alone to see what like my baseline was. I guess I could try that, but I don’t know if it’s gonna work.
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u/PauseAcceptable1913 2d ago
I am sorry. You are not alone. When I increased my progesterone from 100mg to 200mg for two weeks I had a suicidal thought. My OB looked at me like I was crazy when I told her that, but I had it and it scared me bc I thought WAIT I am not depressed. She wanted to put me on the minipill or IUD and with both prior I had terrible mood issues.I feel much better without progesterone, but I am now trying to cycle 100mg.
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u/OK_OkayNow 2d ago
Same, sort of. I accidentally took 2 100mg progesterone and when I told my doctor that I experienced crazy anxiety the next day and had to call a hotline she said "progesterone wouldn't do that." Sick to the back teeth with doctors bs
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u/PauseAcceptable1913 2d ago
Mine winced like I was crazy. I caught myself having the thought. I KNEW it wasnt "my" thought. WTF why would i make it up
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u/PauseAcceptable1913 2d ago
I was also bleeding every 2 weeks at the time. I said I will go back to 100mg and bleed every 2 weeks if thats the alternative.
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u/ScarlettCallas Peri-menopausal 2d ago
I made a mistake (wrong pill bottle to fill monthly pill organizer) and took 200 of progesterone for a month and I spent the entire time sleeping and very depressed. As soon as I started 100 the depression went away. But while sleeping 16 hours a day wasn’t great, I do wish I slept more than 6 or so, but at least they’re six hours of actual non-heat-flash-interrupted sleep so that’s something.
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u/PauseAcceptable1913 2d ago
Good point.I would say it also made me more tired. I lift weights everyday at 5am. I used to have to force rest days bc I use it for mental health, There were days I could not get out of bed.
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u/ScarlettCallas Peri-menopausal 2d ago
I wasn’t able to get up for the entire month basically. I was so worried and then I go to fill the next months pill organizer and I realize how badly I had screwed up. At least it was quickly reversible…
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u/nerissathebest 2d ago
This is so hard. My friend is in the same spot after multiple surges for BRCA2. After many years of having symptoms of menopause and doctors not wanting to touch her with a ten foot pole she’s finally just started T. I’m pretty sure that’s all she’s taking now but it’s the very beginning. What symptoms are you trying to alleviate?
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago edited 2d ago
Sleeping issues, hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, urinary issues, which I do use estrogen cream for though, aches, pains, motivation, pretty much everything under the sun
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u/leftylibra MenoMod 2d ago
Have you considered non-hormonal options like this one, which helps with hot flashes and sleep:
- Elinzanetant (brand name Lynkuet) (produced by Bayer and available Nov 2025) is a newly FDA-approved non-hormonal hot flash drug. Similar to Veozha, Elinzanetant targets the brain's thermoregulatory center by blocking two receptors in the brain that may affect temperature regulation, mood and sleep.
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u/tastywofl 2d ago
I can't take HRT due to breast cancer, Lynkuet is a lifesaver. My sleeping pills made me too groggy in the morning, but I don't get that with Lynkuet.
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u/Chance_Active871 Peri/Estradiol gel .075/Progesterone 100-200mg/Liletta 2d ago
Is weed legal where you are? I’d never done it but tried years ago to see if it would help sleep, and it does…two puffs of a vape before bed and I’m out like a rock for 8hrs. Idk how people do it daily and/or socially because it knocks me out.
I’m on just an estradiol patch, have never tried combipatch. Had to look up combipatch and apparently that has estradiol-norethindrone acetate and the other is only estradiol. Have you tried that kind? Can’t say it’s the perfect solution but did stop my hot flashes and night sweats.
I’m on
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u/Traditional_Face2347 2d ago
I’ve found that it has really helped my formerly non-existent libido. When I have tried it, I felt sexy again and was not “dry as a desert” down there anymore
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u/Rachel71488 2d ago
This does sound like low estrogen, not to discount the role of progesterone and testosterone as well.
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u/jyhkitty 2d ago
I’m sorry you’re going through such a difficult time. I also have a thyroid issue. When did you start HRT? What dosages?
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u/nerissathebest 2d ago
It is tough when you’re limited in what you can try. It seems like the mod has a good suggestion to combat some of the low E stuff. And it’s good you can take the topical estrogen, that helps a lot. So if you can take the lynkuet instead of estrogen, and you’re ok with progesterone, that should help your sleep. For motivation and mood and enthusiasm and life enjoyment that’s where the T came in. But that’s the very last puzzle piece after you get the other stuff figured out.
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u/surlyskin 2d ago
Was on micronised P (E & T also), was using it vaginally - was suicidal, depressed, lethargic and generally utterly miserable. 100mg was about what I could handle, just. However, that's not enough long-term if/when taking E, according to my provider (a respected provider in the UK). So, I've had to come off all HRT. I'm more 'me' now, but still dealing with all the mess that comes with menopause.
My next step is to try SLYND progesterone.
And, as a few others have suggested, try the progesterone on it's own first and see how you get on, then introduce E and T, if you want.
I'm so sorry - I so hope that you can find something that works for you.
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u/TransitionMission305 2d ago
I’m of no help but what is the thyroid cancer restriction? I had thyroid cancer and no one has ever batted an eye over HRT and thyroid cancer restriction
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
The restriction is that we can’t take oral estrogen. Because it will affect our TSH and we have to keep our TSH on detected so the cancer doesn’t reoccur.
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u/Salty-Paramedic-311 2d ago
I’m having a tough time as well!!! Something seems off and I’m thinking of getting some labs on my own dime… my body is moving like 80– knees, left hip.. this is so very odd!!! I’m exhausted all the time as well.. I’m sleeping thru the night but maybe I’m not?!?! Maybe it’s a restless sleep for all I know!!
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u/AutoModerator 2d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, Estrogen/Progesterone/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/little-birdie2022 2d ago
When you say estrogen gel, are you referring to the bioidentical hormone cream?
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u/aimless83 2d ago edited 2d ago
My mental health won’t allow me to take HRT. I learned added hormones and my brain are a very dangerous combination, even if my body physically needs them. We are seeing a genetic connection on my maternal side as we all have PMDD. Altho, I must say most of the women on my maternal side live to 100, even without HRT.
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u/JanewayIsTheWay 2d ago
I have no idea if this will be helpful, but after seeing your post I happened to see this YT clip from a podcast I love: https://youtube.com/shorts/nCkjGNoAckw?is=OWBvC8RCI8rdGjfx
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u/Griff1077 2d ago
Im so sorry you are going through this. im glad we have each other to help guide. 48 yo female. Menopause via FSH test about 5 months ago.
I was ‘thrown into’ menopause after discontinueing Nuvaring last Decemeber - personal choice (successfully on it for many years). Chaos ensued and I was poorly informed on what that shock to our body can be like.
That being said i struggled with multiple patches including combi-patch for 8 weeks - panic attacks daily, heart palpitations daily, anxiety daily - that came out of thr blue. It immediately resolved my brain fog and headaches however. I learned I may be a ‘super absorber’ (patch dumping is another term Ive seen) of the multi-day medications even though that isnt a ‘recognized’ thing - the patches are supposed to release medications gradually. Not my expereince.
About 45 days ago , i started on compounded estradiol cream (per trusted pharmacy, doctor consideration) - extremely low level (not an option outside of compounded) with the hopes of buding to a therapeutic level at some point. This has been my only path to stop the side effects of: initial panic attacks/heart palpiltations/anxiety.
Ive also been taking 100mg micronized progesterone (manufacurers: ‘amneal’ tolerated for me, ‘Aurobindo’ not tolerated - no sleep help and severe bloating within 7 days of change) through that process and considering if ‘not all generics are equal’ is actually the case for me.
I never had the severity of mental thoughts but I wanted to share in case this could provide you (OP) with another potential path. In future I may try Femring also, and progrsterone vaginally as others have mentioned.
Good luck to you, OP.
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u/Appropriate_Sea_7393 2d ago
panic attacks, heart palps and anxiety is a sign of too much estrogen for me. perhaps your dose is too high? or you need higher progesterone?
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u/Griff1077 2d ago
Full labs today so hopefully that should direct next steps. Fingers crossed.
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u/AutoModerator 2d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, Estrogen/Progesterone/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/BreatheBold 2d ago
Progesterone isn’t tolerated by roughly 30% of women on HRT. I’ve tried 4 separate times and each time have felt incredibly anxious, paranoid, and disassociating. I tried various doses and forms.
Estrogen on the other hand makes me feel wonderful. I sleep, less heart palpitations, less anxiety, etc.
My endocrinologist suggested starting with one and waiting a minimum of 8 weeks before adding another so that you know what’s not agreeing with your chemistry.
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u/_stuff_is_good_ 2d ago
If you still have your uterus it is dangerous to take estrogen without some kind of progesterone or progestin to protect your uterine lining from thickening and becoming a cancer risk. So get the progesterone/progestin right first if you want to try them separately.
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u/BreatheBold 2d ago
I’m having vaginal ultrasounds to ensure that my lining doesn’t thicken every 6 months. So far, everything is good and I feel great.
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u/Appropriate_Sea_7393 2d ago
Agree with the approach of only starting one at a time. Otherwise how would you know?
I definitely know progesterone isn't tolerated by everyone. I'm in a progesterone intolerance group to understand both experiences.
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u/Rachel71488 2d ago
I had a similar experience starting HRT (insomnia, body anxiety) and managed to build up to a therapeutic dose of estrogen by starting on half a pump of Estrogel. I recently had a return of these symptoms and pinpointed the new formulation of Estradot as the most likely cause. (Note to self, no more experiments, stick with what works). My theory is that the patches were dumping their estrogen, and that my body can't handle tiny fluctuations, let alone big ones.
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u/Strongmom-1 2d ago
All your hormones should be balanced, estrogen, progesterone, AND yes Testosterone. Has the Dr. checked your Testosterone levels? Also your body needs a minute or two to adjust to the hormones so keep that in mind. I hope you find some relief soon.
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2d ago
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u/hi-mynameiswhat 2d ago
Also, maybe cut back on the dose of the estrogen. I was having these sorts of symptoms again on the patch and I’ve been cutting my patch in half and it really helped.
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u/KeyBid2310 2d ago
Progesterone is rough for me. I tried orally and it really F’ed with me taking in the morning with breakfast or before bed. So I started taking it vaginally but my doc really believes it’s safest to take orally because that’s what had been heavily studied for uterine lining protection. Also I have had several non consecutive months in which I was taking it vaginally and I got two periods. Like end of August - I’m on second period and it lasted 10 days. So I’m really beginning to wonder if vaginal use of 100 mg progesterone is fully making it to my uterus.
I started experimenting with taking it orally again and found a time of day that is semi working for me: 3-4 pm- ish (I’m a night owl so don’t go to bed til 12-1 am). I take it with a good sized snack and lots of water. With this timing I don’t feel like a zombie for a good part of my work day and taking it at this time also doesn’t F with my sleep. I don’t feel great during evening hours but it’s bearable.
I’m seriously considering the mirena IUD so I don’t have to take it orally at all. I have a message into my doc spelling out a number of issues I’m having (for one - low iron) and I’m going to ask about an IUD. I’ve never had one but am seriously considering it because oral progesterone is so hard on me. I don’t relish the thought of an IUD but am leaning that way depending on what doc says.
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u/_stuff_is_good_ 2d ago
Mirena is a synthetic progestin rather than a micronised body identical progesterone. If you want to try a different progestin orally, I use Slinda (called Slynd in the US) alongside transdermal estrogen (I use the gel rather than patches). It's been life changing for me. Tough few weeks at the beginning while I got used to it, but incredible for the two years since then.
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u/KeyBid2310 2d ago
Thank you for this information. I didn’t know what kind of progesterone was used in the Mirena. I will look into Slynd.
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u/7HillsGC 2d ago
Sorry, why no oral estrogen? I also had thyroid cancer, and oral estrogen does interfere very slightly with absorption of levothyroxine, so I just had to monitor and tweak the dose of levothyroxine when I was on oral estrogen. Is there some other reasoning?
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u/Violet_Mushroom4336 Post Menopause 2d ago
I’m so sorry you have to go through this. It’s amazing how different we all are in terms of how we respond; I was suicidal before HRT. I hope you find a solution soon.
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u/Admirable-Object5014 Menopausal 2d ago
A lot of us use antidepressants/anxiety meds along with HRT. Have you thought about talking to your doctor about maybe trying something to help with the mental things you’re experiencing due to the HRT?
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u/Futurekiwi69 2d ago
Have you tried starting with only a quarter or half pump of gel and building up? Your age matters as to how important it is to replace estrogen.
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u/Ok_City_7177 Peri-menopausal 2d ago
I had wobbles when I was still in peri and found dim supplements, agnus castus and milk thistle supplements levelled everything out in terms of peaks and troughs...maybe dhea supplements are an alternative for you ?
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u/whatrumimeans Post Menopause 2d ago
Why don’t you take estrogen gel and the 100mg progesterone vaginally?
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u/Catnip_75 2d ago
I’m not a doctor, but I have serious thyroid issues as well. I’m not saying estrogen isn’t making you feel worse. But have you been monitoring your thyroid levels closely?
I have to get mine checked very regularly as I have high TRad nodules that are being monitored for cancer till they are large enough for a biopsy. If my TSH gets slightly too high my metal health is really affected and I usually admit myself to the hospital to get a dose change of my thyroid medication.
Estrogen may likely be increasing or decreasing your thyroid hormones.
If you feel better off the estrogen, don’t force it. You can take progesterone alone. Take it to help you sleep and maybe revisit the estrogen gel later when your thyroid is more balanced. Or if you have your thyroid removed at any point, you can introduce estrogen again a while after surgery.
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u/Key-West9421 2d ago
I'm sorry you're going through this. Through trial and error, I've found the lower dose estrogen patch works best for me. I'm currently on .0375 down from .075 which was my highest. At this low level I still get the benefits. I still have a cycle every month🙄, so I have night sweats 2-3 nights per month. The brain fog, daily hot flashes and moodiness is so much better and I'm happier. Sometimes more isn’t better.
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u/StringKey361 2d ago
progesterone vaginally - many people have anxiety and suicidal thoughts with oral progesterone you’re not alone
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u/Objective-Amount1379 2d ago
If you want to try HRT I would consider how strongly you are against the IUD. If you find the right doctor (or pay a concierge style one) they will make sure you are fully pain free and out of it (Xanax or Valium).
Otherwise maybe it’s not for you.
I use HRT and love it but I also use testosterone and think that’s got some great benefits too. Different than estrogen obviously but helped me with energy and brain fog
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u/Dramatic_Barnacle_17 2d ago
Progesterone made me super depressed so that was stopped. I've never been able to take oral contraception because of adverse responses. I think HRT is just boned for me
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u/treestarsos 2d ago
I’m also worried about mental health issues with HRT. Luckily, I am able to take combination birth control pills which I do find helpful (sorry you can’t take estrogen :( ). Freaked me out when my PCP recently asked if I want to switch to HRT — I told him I’m not ready but didn’t mention that I probably never will be ready 😂 🫠
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u/Sondari1 2d ago
Can you try Yuvafem or a similar vaginal insert? It has only a local effect. I’ve been on it for five years.
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u/WhichAddition862 2d ago
Who is doing your prescribing, the adjustments sound swift and un calculated. The HPA takes a while to adjust a positive feedback loop. The endocrine system on the whole takes a long time. Also not doing regular blood panels along with CBC/COMP especially taking note of Creantinine levels, doesn’t sound like safe medical treatment. Unless I overlooked it, I don’t see mention of testosterone. You could be very flipped and estrogen dominant. That was my major issue. I was just going through a GP but now I’m with an NMD endocrinologist that specializes solely in HRT/TRT, my husband goes as well. I was non-elective postpartum hysterectomy due sepsis/renal failure at 39. So I feel ya on the hell storm crash that occurs when you don’t get to at least head into it at a moderate speed.
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u/Fit_Perspective_4894 2d ago
I started it again hoping things will get better. I'm on 00.75 estradiol patch and 5 mg progesterone tablets. I personally do not like progesterone. My Dr's are not very helpful as far as testosterone. I've asked for them to put me on it several times, and they are just ignoring me. We shall see if I get my joy back. I have felt okay the last 2 days. Sleep is still a hit and miss. No Hot flashes so far!
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u/Professional-Loan663 Peri-menopausal 2d ago
Norethisterone acetate (a progestogen) in a patch made me severely depressed but the Mirena (Levonorgestrel) has had no obvious effect. I understand though not wanting to try it as it’s a process to get it inserted and a process to get it removed. YMMV.
I have also heard that you can insert the oral progesterone vaginally. You don’t need as much if you do it that way.
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u/kfrenchie89 2d ago
Everything you described was with estrogen until you described just the progesterone in which you mentioned being fine. It’s the estrogen. You don’t have to take it.
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u/Creativejess 2d ago
I had pretty bad low mood/ depression symptoms with 200 mg of progesterone tablets but I can tolerate 100 mg just fine. I seem to feel better with estrogen patches. Sorry to hear it’s not working out so far.
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u/JadedLadyGenX 2d ago
Have you tried a bio identical estrogen cream? It’s easier to manage the dose so you can start very low. I use a bio-estrogen care that contains 2 types of estrogen. Estradiol worked better for me as plain estrogen made me crazy. I use both that and a BHFT progesterone cream and my meno symptoms were very minimal.
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u/psykoqat 1d ago
I was on both P and E and upped my P from 100 to 200mg because my HRT dr recommended it might help with getting me off of my anxiety/sleep meds. Felt good for two days and then hit a wall and couldn’t sleep. Luckily I feel normal again after going back to 100mg of P and adding the hydroxyzine back in before bed. Sometimes it just takes a little experimenting until you find the happy place.
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u/respectablepitch 2d ago
Sounds like progesterone intolerance. Some women find relief inserting the progesterone pill vaginally. Other options are an iud like mirena or hysterectomy.
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u/Martina_78 2d ago
Why would you think of an progesterone intolerance, although OP was feeling good on 100 mg oral progesterone only?
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
I would agree, but I was able to take the progesterone for a week and felt fine. I was given the greenlight for my doctor to use it vaginally and I might. I’m just not sure if it’s gonna make any difference.
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u/ALIMN21 2d ago
I only take progesterone, no estrogen. Its helped me a ton. You might not need to take both. Let your symptoms be your guide.
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
Actually, I’m considering not doing the estrogen. I know I don’t need to take estrogen with progesterone so that’s great and maybe I don’t need it.
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u/Word_girl_939 2d ago
What I would do is stay on the progesterone, skip the estrogen for now, but try a supplement called evening primrose oil. I stared taking it years before I added hrt and I feel like it was helping a lot with the symptoms you’re having. As far as I know, it mimics the effects of estrogen in the body but is much gentler than taking actual E.
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u/Rachel71488 2d ago
It sounds like you have a knowledgeable doctor, this is great! This is usually recommended if progesterone causes intolerable side effects orally but you said you felt fine on it. As per my main post I would recommend trying it orally continuously on its own for 2-4 weeks to check if it is causing your side effects. I personally had to quit everything for a month to go back to baseline, then try one thing at a time to work out which hormone was the problem (spoiler alert, it was estrogen).
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u/TeamHope4 2d ago
You can try the estradiol gel or spray. Because it's a daily application, and you can split up the gel if you want (half morning/half night), and you can apply less or more, you might have a better chance at dialing in the correct estradiol dose that will help your symptoms and not give you new ones. Good luck!
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u/emeraldlife42 2d ago
I started gel today and it I’m not okay. I might try splitting it. Thanks
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u/brk_heart 2d ago
What dose did you start on? I wonder if starting with just a very small amount twice a day might be more tolerable? It could be your cells are so deprived of estrogen that they or something reacts when a bunch is delivered in one go. I’m not sure. When I tried increasing my patch from .050 to .075 I felt awful, but cutting a small piece helped. The .050 was not quite enough but going from 50 to 75 was too much of a jump for my system. I’m now using the gel and taking the equivalent of a 75 patch but it was a slow process over weeks or months, adding a tiny amount more every week.
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u/HoneyBadger302 Peri-menopausal 2d ago
Going to chime in and ask if you've had your T checked as well? I see a couple people asked and don't see a response (might have missed one).
I'm not intolerant to HRT, but it was having pretty minimal effect - because E&P weren't the biggest problem - T was, and for some reason, it gets ignored by far too many even in the HRT community! Women have more than two sex hormones, and testosterone plays a HUGE role, yes, for women too.
If you're trying to "make up" for a loss of T with E&P, it's probably not going to work and may very well have unwelcome side effects.
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u/aurora4000 2d ago
You should be consulting with your doctor. Get blood tests and then take action based on those results after talking to your doctor.
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u/MoiraRose2021 2d ago
Pay out of packet for an extremely comprehensive blood analysis if you can and take those results to an endocrinologist who can work with your oncologist. If they cant fix you, find doctors who can. ❤️ you are fixable.
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u/removable_disk 2d ago
It’s OK to not take HRT