HRT Intolerance or Side Effects?

Posted by orion7962 @orion7962, Dec 7, 2025

Very hopeful that others may share reassuring feedback. Im 63, 7 years post meno, started HRT about 7 months ago (Estradiol patch 0.5 and Progesterone oral 100mg). First 3-4 months were great, and then it changed - tons of weird side effects including brain fog, lightheadedness, anxiety/panic, visual changes, and more. I read about Progesterone Intolerance and my doc lowered it to 35mg through compounding pharmacy. Note, Im extremely petite (93 pounds) and may have high sensitivities to things. I wake up from HEAVY sleep, feel like Im in a fog for hours. Don't know what my next step is... lower Estradiol? Lower Progesterone? Stop HRT? This is very scary. Im otherwise VERY HEALTHY and active and youthful and productive, but this is interfering with my life almost continually. Are there women who cant do HRT? Anyone struggle with this and what did you do? Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Menopause Support Group.

lunachunk | @lunachunk | Apr 9 7:46pm

I’m hoping to connect with others who struggle with progesterone intolerance.
I’m early fifties and perimenopausal, and was recently diagnosed with simple endometrial hyperplasia. When I was first prescribed progesterone, the standard dose caused very intense side effects (it felt like I was having a heart attack, like I was running for my life 24/7 while laying still, my heart was going so hard and fast the bed was literally vibrating.) that felt alarming and difficult to manage. Because I tend to be extremely sensitive to medications, I switched to a compounded version and tried starting at a much lower dose.

Even with a gradual increase, I began experiencing symptoms like a racing heartbeat, palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness, and visual disturbances (including ocular migraines with temporary vision loss nearly every other day). It’s been quite frightening, and I’ve needed medical follow-up because of these reactions.

At this point, I feel stuck, I know I need to treat the hyperplasia, but my body doesn’t seem to tolerate progesterone well at all. I’m also anxious about more invasive options and really hoping to find alternatives or ways to manage this safely. If anyone has had similar experiences or has found approaches that worked for them, I would really appreciate hearing your insights. Thank you for listening.

colleenh | @colleenh | Apr 12 9:14am

In reply to @gravity3 "@colleenh So, no hysterectomy??" + (show)

@gravity3 my doctor has definitely mentioned this procedure & will consider doing a hysterectomy if it doesn’t improve. I’m definitely up for it! Hopefully that will be the final answer!