Endocrine Withdrawal Syndrome after stopping HRT

My Experience With Progesterone Intolerance and Withdrawal

I wanted to share my experience in case it helps anyone else searching for answers. I was prescribed oral micronized progesterone (100 mg) along with an estrogen patch. Over nine months, I developed crushing fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression, and eventually nausea/dry heaves and chest tightness. I didn’t realize at first that the oral progesterone was the cause.

Oral progesterone is converted in the body to a neurosteroid (allopregnanolone) that acts on the GABA-A receptors in the brain. For most women this is calming, but for about 10–20% it causes the opposite: sedation, mood changes, anxiety, and eventually nervous system destabilization. That’s what happened to me.

When I stopped the oral progesterone, I experienced what I can only describe as an “endocrine withdrawal syndrome.” For weeks I woke at 4–5 am with chest tightness, nausea, and shakes. My digestion collapsed and I lost weight. It felt like my nervous system had no brakes.

The good news is that recovery is possible, but it takes time. I’m now about 10 weeks off and while mornings are still rough, the dry heaves are gone, my sleep is lengthening, and I am slowly regaining appetite and stamina. I’ve learned that symptoms differ from woman to woman — some develop POTS-like heart symptoms, others more gut and fatigue symptoms, like me.

I share this because I never knew progesterone intolerance was even a thing until I experienced it. If anyone else is struggling after stopping HRT, know you are not alone, and that what you’re going through may be part of a recognized pattern of withdrawal and recovery

According to my medical provider endocrine withdrawal syndrome can occur if hormones are stopped suddenly. She stressed that if I decide to stop it should be a slow and deliberate process with the help of a physician. Sorry you have suffered.

@kap17
Hi, I've been having the same exact symptoms. Insomnia is horrible. What makes this even worse is my doctors no nothing about progesterone sensitivity or withdrawal. PCP prescribed antidepressant and told me to find a psychotherapist. Gyno told me progesterone does not cause these symptoms. I'm at my wits end. Did you use any kind of meds to get you over this hump?

Yes, yes and yes. I've been to emergency room many times shaking, hot and vomiting. I started weaning in May 2025. Been totally off since September. I am very distressed, my sleep is bad I scream all night. I am hot cold hot cold and this cold thing is new. The hot flashes last all day depending on my stress level that day. I have no get up and go. This is not me. I am an achiever. I amscheduled to see my gyno soon.

I found out the hard way that stopping cold turkey is a bad idea while on HRT. I was on Climera for about three months when I was removed abruptly because I still had my uterus. Soon after I was getting these bad migraines that lasted three days at a time I had to stay in bed during these episodes. I couldn't see any lights. I was totally incapacitated. And any pain killers didn't help. Being on Climera did help with the hot flashes but now I refuse to go on any HRT'S. I am now 73 and my menopause symptoms are more manageable. I found exercises, meditation have help me to greatly.

@nicscud22 Help! I am going through the same thing! Used a small low dose of cream for 6 years without issues then changed to oral and all hell broke loose.

@achase311 I'm so sorry you're going through this...it's been torture. Check out FB Progesterone Withdrawal/Negative Effects Support Group. Many women like us are suffering. Most say it takes time and recovery does happen. Stay positive and hang tight and rely on your faith to get you through.

@nicscud22 Hi, Nicole, I am already on that group :)! I am Alisia on there. I am just terrified 24-7. How long have you been on hormones and how did it go awry?

@achase311 Hi,
I started back in December for about 2 weeks. Originally on .075 estradiol patch and 200mg progesterone. Stopped because one night I woke up out of a deep sleep with a full blown panic attack. Dr. said maybe progesterone sensitivity but that its rare. Started again in mid January. Stopped patch mid March and progesterone mid April. I then tried 25mg bridge dose and it was horrible. Went over 24hrs without sleep. Just need to know this will pass. It day 20 and I'm still not feeling better.