HRT has saved my life.

[u/Ordinary-Night-9273]

Hey frensss,

First of all I want to send so much love out to all of you, we really are killing it everyday just by staying alive (no pun)

I’m in my late 20’s and have had PMDD ever since I started my period, however only realised what is was about a year ago. I was referred to a PMDD clinic in December and started HRT at the beginning of the year (4 pumps estradiol daily and 2x 100 mg progesterone every night day 16 to 28. I am a new woman!! I’ve had 0 PMDD symptoms, mood has been stable and I’m able to self regulate better. Also, I suffered from trich for 14 years and I’ve had no hair pulling urges?!?!I never thought I would see the day 🥹

I do have some side effects like spotting, tiredness and all of my bodily hair has gotten thicker except my scalp where it’s falling out lol. But you know what, I’ll take it! GP said it should resolve itself in 6 months anyway. I’m also anxious but I can tell that’s from ADHD- I actually have motivation to complete tasks now but that means more executive dysfunction.

I am also supplementing cyclically , e.g for the parts of the month I take progesterone, I take maca root and cranberry supplements and drink spearmint tea.

It took a while for me to be taken seriously by my GP to be referred to a PMS clinic. It can be so frustrating, but I found that making it very clear to them that I was unable to keep myself safe if nothing was done was the catalyst to get things rolling. I’m praying that things continue well and I’m hopeful that they will!

[u/ratruby]

Are you in the UK? That’s the only place I’ve heard of using non BC HRT for PMDD without chemical or surgical menopause. I have to admit I kind of don’t understand it—how does adding more hormones on top of the ones we’re already producing help for PMDD?

I don’t expect you to have the answer for this, but if someone else does I’d be curious!

Regardless, very very happy for you, and thank you for sharing what worked!!

[u/Designer-Two1787 → u/ratruby]

I don't fully understand either! My gyn had me trying estradiol as one of my estradiol levels read as low, but she said it does fluctuate during the month and did not consider me pre or peri menopause (I'm 35 and had hysterectomy, kept ovaries). I did try for a few days which is not enough to know if it helped, but my BP elevated. I started a water pill for BP and it helps, but the patch could (maybe) elevate it more and then I might have to try an additional BP med. I've hesitated trying again for that reason, but haven't totally ruled out giving it one more go. The GYN told me even if this one did not work, they could also try other variations of HRT.

[u/needcaffeinern → u/ratruby]

I also don't understand. Our problem is pretty much a sensitivity to hormones. How is more hormones supposed to help?

[u/Mooninpisces27 → u/needcaffeinern]

For some women it’s not. It could be low or fluctuating hormones. This can happen, like when women have premature ovarian insufficiency they go into an early “peri menopause” and hormones are all over the shop. Trust me, I use to believe it was only how the mind perceived hormones but it’s not. I got tested day 3 of my cycle and estrogen was very low.

[u/Ordinary-Night-9273 → u/ratruby]

Yes I’m in the UK and also don’t really understand it! I used to be able to tolerate birth control but I took it early last year and I couldn’t deal, made me feel very unwell mentally and physically. The lady on the phone at the clinic (West London Menopause and PMS services) said that in women with PMDD who can’t tolerate birth control, lots of them find success with HRT because it’s the most bio identical. Kind of wish I asked more questions on the call but I do remember being so desperate to relieve my symptoms that I just wanted that prescription ASAP aha

[u/porcupine9]

congratulations! well done for getting through the system. can i ask if you're in the UK, or somewhere else?

[u/Ordinary-Night-9273 → u/porcupine9]

Thank you ❤️ I am in the UK, London specifically.

[u/solongthxforthefish]

So good to hear a positive HRT story right now. Where is this clinic located? I’d love to find something like that. 

Also how did they decide on your specific hormone regimen? Was there any trial and error involved?

[u/Ordinary-Night-9273 → u/solongthxforthefish]

The clinic is in London, it’s called West London menopause and PMS service. I got referred on the NHS via my GP. It’s worth looking up menopause clinics I think, to see if they offer PMS/PMDD services.

Because I’m still menstruating and only in my 20’s, they set the dosage of eostrogen and progesterone quite high, as it’s supposed to mimic the levels that my body would already have. Tbh, it is all very trial and error, they gave me eostrogen patches at first and that was a NIGHTMARE because they kept falling off, making my symptoms worse because of the unsteady dosing. They’ve set up a patient initiated follow up scheme where I would just contact them if I was having issues. Lmk if you want to know anything else :)

[u/JamesGardner1991]

I've posted many times about this, my partners PMDD has been cured because of this. If in the UK you can get this sorted privately!! https://www.blueskysportsphysio.co.uk/about-us/our-team/peter-greenhouse/

[u/JamesGardner1991 → u/JamesGardner1991]

I shouldn't say cured I guess, because technically she does still have PMDD, just with no symptoms

[u/yabadabadoo88]

Just came here to say to please be careful with maca root. It can cause anxiety but also heart palpitations.

[u/Ordinary-Night-9273 → u/yabadabadoo88]

Thanks sm for the heads up 🫶🏼

[u/Ordinary-Night-9273 → u/yabadabadoo88]

Thanks sm for the heads up 🫶🏼

[u/yabadabadoo88 → u/Ordinary-Night-9273]

You are very welcome! I ended up in ER because I had nonstop palpitations for like a week!

[u/Ordinary-Night-9273 → u/yabadabadoo88]

No way!! What dose were you taking?

[u/yabadabadoo88 → u/Ordinary-Night-9273]

I don't recall, but it was in a powder form and I was adding it to my protein shakes.

[u/Mermegzz]

Great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[u/Designer-Two1787]

Congratulations to finding something that helps!! May I ask where you are located? I'm in US and haven't heard of a PMDD clinic..I think I'd be first in line if I could find one!!

[u/Ordinary-Night-9273 → u/Designer-Two1787]

Im in London, the clinic was the west London menopause and PMS service based in Chelsea and Westminster hospital. I was saying to another user that it might be worthwhile to research menopause clinics because they might offer PMDD services, you never know! Wish you the best of luck in finding the thing that works for you

[u/girls_gone_wireless → u/Ordinary-Night-9273]

Ohh that’s my neck of the woods! Did you get a GP referral? Im seeing hrt specialist next week, but at a GP clinic, not sure what to expect and if they’ll be good. Happy that this worked out for you btw!

[u/Both_Candy3048]

Okay I want to travel now 😭😆 Could you update us on the hair falling part? 

[u/Ordinary-Night-9273 → u/Both_Candy3048]

I’m pretty sure the progesterone made it shed. It was actually crazy because I had just got my hair done at a new hairdresser and I thought it was them that caused it, luckily the shedding stopped a few days after I finished my cycle of progesterone, which stopped me from writing an angry review 😂 although it was only shedding from the central middle, so that was confusing until I made the link, and confirmed with my GP that it’s a common thing that usually goes away.

[u/Both_Candy3048 → u/Ordinary-Night-9273]

Thank you for the update!

[u/Fit-Layer1522]

I’m so jealous! How long have you been on the HRT for? I’ve been on mine since December. X3 pumps estradol daily and x1 100mg of progesterone daily for 7 days of my cycle. Whilst yes some symptoms have improved it’s still impacting my quality of life :( but I don’t know if I just have high expectations and I basically just want to be cured. Waiting to be able to say HRT has also saved my life. I’m 31

[u/Ordinary-Night-9273 → u/Fit-Layer1522]

I’ve been on it for three months (two months properly), completely hear you! For me, it took it from debilitating to manageable but I still feel down on my progesterone cycle tbh. I feel like that’s life circumstances and also other health challenges (ADHD just to name one). You may also be able to ask your doctor to change the ratios of hormones you’re prescribed, as one or both might be too high/low.