Hi Dee46
Initially the Femoston worked for me within a few weeks re emotional symptoms but I was *just* peri menopausal so think my own hormones helped, for the first six months- but not for the past 2-3 years. I have really suffered.
I looked and felt like an anxious walking zombie (if that's not a contradictory phrase) with two dead oysters as eyes.
As for "normal" levels of hormones- I know "He Who Shall Not Be Named" and many other experts in the field advise it's down to a woman's history, symptoms, etc., as to what is "normal". Don't be misled by "normal" results. I tend to regard them as "guidelines" when it comes to hormones!
Personably I don't like AD's- the emotional flattening effect and they can have a paradoxical effect in making some people more anxious or depressed. I do accept they can be helpful for some folks, but just not for me.
I did masses of research before going to see "He Who Shall Not Be Named" (who happens to have the best surname for a gynaecologist ever, but then I have a warped sense of humour!).
Certainly women with a history of what he call "reproductive depression" (includes anxiety) such as a history of PMS, PND, feel great when pregnant but worse as their periods return, etc., he reckons especially as they approach the menopause get worse mood symptoms and are often misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, bi-polar etc., even if they still have "normal" hormone levels.
When it's hormonal in origin, AD's won't help.
My recent problems were certainly due to low oestrogen being post menopausal and being on ineffective and inappropriate HRT.
Just to add, they ("He ...") say it takes 2 to 3 months to notice a significant difference on HRT and that includes emotional symptoms. I'm on Oestrogel 3 pumps daily, a tiny bead of Testim (testosterone) gel daily and 7 days of 100mg Utrogestan each month. I noticed a shift in my mood happening in the first week, and within about four weeks felt so much better. At 2 - 3 months I really noticed a huge difference, hence my enthusiasm for the regime (although it unfortunately seems to upset some posters on here).
Also noticed additional benefits re my skin, hair, nails, VA, but it was the emotional symptoms that I was so relieved to get sorted.
Certainly transdermal oestrogen (whether patches or gels) are clinically shown to be safe and more effective than tablets.
I'd certainly do a bit of reading up (on here and the NICE guidelines) and go back to your GP armed with information to request Oestrogel/Utrogestan treatment.
Life is far too short and uncertain to be miserable when it can (hopefully) be sorted.
Big girl's knickers on, pulled up and go see your GP (or consider other options)!
PM me if you want any information. xx