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[June39]

Hi,

I am relatively new to the site, and even more confused than ever having read many threads around the different types of HRT. So much to take in!

I am 45 and now believe I have had peri-menopause symptoms for a couple of years. Unusual mood swings, low energy and low sex drive led me to change contraceptive pill numerous times and finally stop taking them all together as I thought this was the cause.

I was doing ok until Covid in March of this year. I’ve never been the same person since. Fatigue was bad but the anxiety, low mood and stomach/chest pains were scary. I finally understood what people, unfortunate enough to suffer with anxiety, describe as a feeling of impending doom. Brain fog too - doing stupid things like putting the wrong ingredients in something I’ve cooked a million times before then crying uncontrollably about it! Thought I was going mad 

My GP suggested covid may have compounded peri-men symptoms so I started Oestrogel and Utrogestan.

I felt benefits in my energy levels the first month but the Utrogestan phase just leads to low energy, anxiety and bouts of crying for no reason. In addition, the permanent bleeding for weeks does not help. Work and life are exhausting and I’ve had to cancel many plans. It’s infuriating!

I recently got to meet with a gynae specialist who advocated strongly for the coil. I do not want this and I’ve never met anyone who has had a positive experience with it. My choice here, despite the benefits I am assured it will give. So she has prescribed Tridestra, to limit the progestogen intake.

Now I’m even more confused as the threads here suggest I should not take this when I was having regular periods.

Should I just stop taking any HRT for a bit to see how I feel now the Covid symptoms are better?

Help!

[CLKD]

It's a Mine Field out there!

Many have good results with a Mirena.  MayB put 'mirena coil' into the search box on the Forum to see what pops up?

Covid saps the immune system of energy which may take a while to recover from.  Add 2 that hormonally upheavals!  Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use.

   hopefully someone on HRT will be along.

Anxiety is well known to be problematic at this time of Life, associated with the rise and fall of hormones!

[Nas]

The coil gets bad press and I don’t know why. All medications come with potential side effects. I’ve got one and it’s been fine, just my oestrogen which is wrong.

Utrogestan isn’t always great at controlling bleeding; the coil however has a much better reputation.

[June39]

Thanks CLKD and Nas for replying. I didn’t have a problem with bleeding until I started the HRT so the coil was only recommended as low level progesterone. If there’s another way I’d rather try that. When friends with several kids say they’ve had worse pain with a coil than with childbirth I’m not too keen  But I’ll have a looks on the threads. Thanks again

[Jayjem]

I am so sorry that this is happening to you.  I cant comment on the coil but I do know how covid can affect you. I could hardly stand up and my energy levels were extremely low. It took me 5 weeks to get even a little it of my strength back and I do know people who have took much longer. You sound perimenopausal therefore your immune system will be low and your body will be trying to deal with this as well, It is not surprising you feel the way you do.

For what its worth I do silly things and also can cry at the drop of a hat. I also feel that my confidence is low as a result.

Could you go back to the doctor and ask for a second opinion? At the end of the day it is your body and you have the right to make a decision that is suitable for you.

Darling you are not alone and there will be something out there to help you, even though at present it does not feel like it. Have a look for Davina Mccalls book Menopausing. It gives you lots of hints and tips and it explains about the different types of hrt. It might help in some way. We are here if you need us.

[June39]

Thank you Jayjem for your genuine care and kindness.

After an afternoon of tears, 4 days into this Utrogestan phase, I think it’s best to just stop taking it and wait for the natural end to this cycle. This also means I’ll have to give up the oestrogel too, but at least I’ll know how I feel without it.

I’ll try to find out more about Tridestra before starting something new.

[Jayjem]

Could you go back to the specialist to discuss your options?

[Nas]

Insertion of the coil shouldn’t hurt, if done by a skilled clinician. The progesterone goes to where it is needed and avoids circulating round the body, minimises side effects. It’s excellent as maintaining the health of the endometrium.

Obviously there are other progesterone types, but naturally they come with potential side effects.

If you are having regular periods, a cyclical progesterone regime is required. If no period for 12 months +, then a continuous  regime is required.

Many women find the progesterone phase horrid, other love utrogestan for it’s calming effects.

It’s all trial and error unfortunately. I’m still trying to work it out, 4 years down the line! 🥺

[June39]

Thanks Nas. Sounds like there are a lot of unskilled clinicians out there 

[Jayjem]

I am thinking of you and hoping that you find someone who can help you. You will get there I am certain of it.