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[rebelyell]

I have been taking 1/2 tablet of progynova since December last year.  The previous year I took whole tablet for 6 months but came off altogether as I felt it made me a bit anxious.  Since then I have had a problem with anxiety [panic attacks] and took ADs for three months but didn't like the flat feeling.   GP said I could go back up to full tablet and I did this starting Thursday - my anxiety is now off the scale/uncontrollable.  I have had bad news from dentist, which may be the reason, and am taking anti-biotics this weekend for gum infection, but feel absolutely dreadful.  Sad, anxious, tearful...

Does oestrogen cause anxiety??  Or am just letting my health anxiety get a vice-like grip?

[dazned]

It shouldn't do ,maybe try a different AD alongside your hrt ,it does sound like your anxiety is taking hold. AD are used to control anxiety not just depression,which one were you on before ? I tried many before I found the right one for me,and now no more anxiety,palps,etc. Hope you feel better soon.

[GypsyRoseLee]

It really shouldn't?

Everything I have read says that oestrogen is largely responsible for your feelings of 'well being' and it has strong links to controlling the levels of serotonin in your brain.

This is why sudden, inexplicable anxiety is so often a symptom of the peri menopause. Because our oestrogen levels are getting lower, and what we do have is fluctuating, it can cause random anxiety.

[honeybun]

I was on full HRT patches and had been for two years when my anxiety struck. I tried changing...including Utrogestan, upping the patch and coming off altogether. Nothing worked and I'm still struggling with anxiety.
I'm now on a half patch which controls flushes .....but nothing even vaguely helps my anxiety.

I really wish I had a solution but after trying almost every supplement out there I am proof that for me at least there's no answer.
And just to put the icing on the cake I can't tolerate ADs ....they make me sick.

Honeybun
X

[dazned]

Grl  I understand what you are saying but Rebelyell is worse the higher the estrogen ! When she was on whole tablet she had anxiety,so I think would benefit from something else as well just to help get stabilized whilst she is settling in to hrt.Only my opinion ofcourse ,I would take whatever it takes once that all consuming anxiety takes hold its a buggar to shift. 

[GypsyRoseLee]

Oh honeybun, that's so unfair.

I know my anxiety was caused by hormones, because it felt identical to the anxiety I suffered when I had PND. I am keeping everything crossed that HRT can knock it on the head.

I do know there are anit anxiety drugs (I think it is Mirtrazapine?) which aren't ADs. Have you tried that?

I also know  (and I'm not recommending it but just putting it out there) that if I pop a couple of Stugeron (the travel sickness tablets) they effectively take the edge of my anxiety too. My American friend sometimes takes Benadryl (the cough stuff) too. Probably placebo, bit if it works, it works.

You are always so kind and supportive on here. I wish I could help more xxx

[dazned]

HB I tried loads of different ADs couldnt tolerate any of them,prozac,sertaline,paroxatine,citlopram,endless ones but now just started a new one and it works well for me hurrah ! How long ago did you try HB cos there are lots of new ones compered to a few years ago.

[dazned]

Thats what I take mirtazapine alongside my hrt.

[Hurdity]

Also rebelyell - it could be that the synthetic progestogen (norethisterone) in the HRT is causing these symptoms - or even the metabolic side effects of the oestrogen. Our own natural oestrogen itself as GypsyRoseLee does not cause anxiety - most definitely well being - but replacing it as HRT, especially when you are peri-menopausal with your own hormones fluctuating - can be tricky.

How far into menopause are you? Personally I would not take progynova as I think I said in the past because it has 7 tablet free days so will exacerbate any mood dip if it is in sync with your cycle. You will experience your own drop in oestrogen (whatever you are still producing as part of your cycle) together with the drop caused by the sudden stopping of the tablets. The whole point about the oestrogen part of HRT is that it prevents the extreme mood dips as a result of oestrogen crashing, because you take the same dose all the time.

Have you thought of trying a gentler form of HRT ie transdermal patch or gel?

Hurdity x

[rebelyell]

You lot are wonderful - I am bombarded with advice!   Hurdity - I have a hysterectomy 15 years ago so only have oestrogen.  I think I might ask for gel instead of tablet, and may have to accept that I need ADs again in the short term.  I had citalopram 10mg and was so excited when withdrawal symptoms [which were a bit grim] wore off as I felt back to my normal self.  But have crashed down again, really badly.   

I think I am alright if I don't get any other health set backs, but if I do then I just can't cope.  I stop eating, become a bit hyper, get irritable and constantly worry. 

But I accept it is not the oestrogen causing the anxiety - god knows how bad it would be without!!!

Thanks. 

[Taz2]

HB I tried loads of different ADs couldnt tolerate any of them,prozac,sertaline,paroxatine,citlopram,endless ones but now just started a new one and it works well for me hurrah ! How long ago did you try HB cos there are lots of new ones compered to a few years ago.

Hi dazned. It's a shame you were given so many anti depressants of the same type before finally being given one which works in a different way - an NaSSA instead of an SSRI. So glad that it is working for you now.

Taz x

[Rebelyell]

Still wondering if oestrogen only HRT is making me anxious.  I am on progynova.   When I first took it two years ago for six months I found I was getting more anxious so stopped.  I have now been back on it for nearly a year and anxiety is really building.  I get the odd few days free, then it builds up again. 

Thinking of cutting tablets in half for a while.  What do people think of this idea?  What are issues of giving it up altogether?   When I first took it all I had were hot flushes, now I'm a wreck!

BTW - I had a hysterectomy at 40 due to endometriosis and am 55 now.

[Joyce]

Think we all react differently Rebelyell. I've just gone back on my Estradot patches after a 3 month break. I'd say I'm better on it than not. My anxiety seemed to crank up when I wasn't taking HRT. I'm on Citalopram 10mg & have been for about 9/10 months now. I'll see how I go in the coming months & might try coming off the ADs as family stress is no longer a problem.

Maybe a different HRT or maybe another AD.

Hope you find a solution as anxiety, at its peak, is not nice.

[donnacrichton]

I know it's not the same for everyone but my anxiety was worse the higher the estrogen. X

[Rebelyell]

Thanks.  I am fairly certain it is oestrogen causing it.  Am going to try a private specialist as am getting nowhere with GP.