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[brownstag]

Hallo all. Here is my sorry saga, in the hope that someone can give me some positivity.

I'm 44 and have recently started on bioidentical HRT. Until now, I had been trying to have a second child, but always knew my ovarian reserve was very low. I had several miscarriages in the last 18 months. My periods had changed over this period, becoming even more irregular than they always were, and becoming extremely heavy. I was investigated for extreme tiredness at the beginnng of the year, where I was often sleeping 12 hours a night.

Then my periods seem to have stopped for the last few months and I suddenly developed insomnia and extreme anxiety and depression. I had suffered something very similar after the birth of my son, and was hospitalised for a few momths, diagnosed as bipolar and put on an atypical antipsychotic, which I have continued to take at a low dose until recently, despite being unconvinced of my diagnosis. I'm not sure if my current issues are hormone-related or due to stopping my medication, or psychological because of the grief of the loss of my fertility. My sister also seems to be going through an early menopause although our mum was 55.

I've just completed one cycle of oestrogel and Utrogestan. I preferred the 12 days when I took Utrogestan as my sleep was much better - in fact I thought that I was really getting somewhere. But now I'm back on just the oestrogel, things have deteriorated again. I'm not sure if I'm just obsessed with the whole thing and making it much worse than it really is!
Does anyone else find such a difference between the oestrogen and progesterone phases?

Also, my bleed actually began while still taking the progesterone (day 11 of it). Is this normal? Does it matter?

I have an appointment with Dr Studd in June. Has anyone had success with him?

[Dorothy]

So sorry you are having to deal with this, especially given your hope for a second child.  I'm not knowledgeable enough to answer your questions, but just wanted to let you know there are loads of helpful, knowledgeable ladies on here and it is a great place for support for anything meno-related.  It can be really hard accepting early menopause, but there is lots of help out there.  Sure someone will be along soon to answer your questions.

[dazned]

Hi brownstag just wanted to say   

you really have a lot on your plate at the moment physically and mentally 

someone with more experience in these matters will be along soon but at least now you are not alone you will get plenty of support and empathy here.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi brownstag - you poor thing - you have a lot to come to terms with so be patient and kind to yourself.
Are you using 100mg of Utrogestan for 12 days? The licensed dose is actually 200mg for 12 days but private gyanes like Studd will often prescribe 100mg half dose.  On the advice of my gynae I am using 100mg for 14 days and my bleed starts before I finish the Utrogestan so I assume it's because of taking the lesser dose.  It seems to be fine though so I wouldn't worry - the most important thing is to have a proper bleed to keep the womb lining thin.
I think you may need to wait 3 months to see if this regime helps as it can take time to settle.  If you are post meno by now then you could have the option of taking Utrogestan continuously i.e.  every day - which Studd may prescribe. Keep us posted.  DG x

[lancashirelass]

Ive heard mixed.things if.his regime doesnt work for.you he does not like being challenged or you to question.him.  his.manner is also a.little abrupt.  Personally i would see.nick panay or.joan pitkin met both very good, excellent manner.

[brownstag]

Thank you for your very kind replies, Dorothy, Dazned and Dancinggirl.
I'm actually already on 200mg Utrogestan - I know Dr Studd thinks many women are intolerant of progesterone but I don't think that applies to me. I think I've always been a bit deficient in it.
Yes, I think I've repressed all the grief - on the calendar for April we had an appointment with an IVF clinic in Athens for donor egg IVF - then we changed our minds and cancelled it and since then I've gone straight from thinking of pregnancy to HRT and a hellish existence.

[brownstag]

Thanks Lancashirelass. That sounds like the private miscarriage specialist I was under for many years - he was a bit of a one-trick pony.

[dazned]

Some ladies have said that Prof.Stud is quite abrupt,which isnt to say he doesn't know his stuff but that maybe you could do with a more understanding,compassionate approach ,just a thought.
What part of the country are you in maybe someone knows a kinder person for you to see.

[Taz2]

Hi brownstag 

Taz x 

[Dorothy]

If this Doctor is abrupt and doesn't like questioning, it sounds like you really need someone else.  If you are also dealing with the thought of no children or fewer children than you had hoped for, it is really important that people acknowledge this instead of just focussing on the physical aspects.