Started 100 mg progesterone; no uterus need advise

[afierros73]

Last week I went to a doctor and she gave me 2mg estradoil. I never seemed to do well on it years ago and I did better with premarin though I had lots of headaches. I had my hysterectomy uterus and ovaries removed in 2012. I took just premarin until 2015 and then stopped. I quit the estradoil and earlier this week I went back to my old Gyn and told him about the symptoms I am having. Insomnia is the worst, anxiety, depression. He put me back on premarin .625. I have been taking this for three days now. He mentioned about the progesterone for sleep but was wanting to wait and see how I do with just the premarin. I gave it two days still poor sleep. I called him yesterday to see if he would be willing to call in a prescription for progesterone and he did. He gave me 100 mg capsules to be taken at bedtime. It even says on the bottle may cause dizziness and or drowsiness. I took my premarn at 6pm and then the progesterone at 10. It made me sleepy. I slept good but not great. I still found myself waking every couple hours but a lot of that is due to having to pee. I think I may have an overactive bladder. Also, my mattress is super uncomfortable. So it is impossible to get a good nights sleep. But, overall I got more sleep and that is a huge improvement for me. When I woke at 7am it carried a huge hangover effect I was still so very tired. I hated that feeling. I am not sure if this will pass because I need to let my body adjust or should I tell the doctor the dosage is too strong. I just don't like the day after effect. I feel this was just the right amount to get me some sleep. I don't know what do you think? Also I did not get a chance to ask the doctor how long should I take the progesterone? I know it is a good balance with the estrogen but will this be safe considering I don't have a uterus?

[old_before_my_time]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I know all too well the awful effects of hysterectomy and there's nothing like your own ovaries! :(

You've only been taking the Premarin for 3 days, not nearly enough time for it to raise your estrogen levels to make a difference in your symptoms. You need to give it at least 2 to 3 weeks to even see some improvement. And even longer to see the full effects and decide if you need a higher dose, lower dose, another hormone, etc.

Although progesterone can help with sleep, it may not be needed once you get enough estrogen into your system. And some women cannot tolerate progesterone due to that "hangover" or drowsiness effect. And it can dampen the effects of estrogen causing symptoms of estrogen deficiency.

It's best to get your estrogen delivery route and dosage "settled" and then add another hormone(s) if you want to try something else.

I know it's hard to know what to try and when because of all the horrific effects of hysterectomy.