I have been taking HRT for 12 years after I was diagnosed as being Peri-menopausal at 36. I spoke to the doctor about coming off and he told me to take half strength for 2 months, and then take 1 tablet every other day. That was a month ago and my mood is at rock bottom. I feel angry and I cry for no reason. I do not know what to do but I am struggling and I don't want to feel like this.

Unfortunately, coming off HRT can trigger withdrawal symptoms that can mimic menopausal ones and it can be a miserable time until the body re-balances itself.

I would suggest a female multi-vitamin with high levels of B vits and a separate magnesium supplement to help with supporting your system generally.

Acupuncture can be really effective for balancing whilst coming off HRT so it is worth looking into.

Avoid foods that can stress the nervous system such as caffeine, high salt and sugar foods, processed foods, and try to drink plenty of plain water every day.

Daily relaxation is really important for this as it helps to strengthen the nervous system and the stronger this is, the less likely you are to get symptoms.

In the meantime, you may find Menopause Support helpful as it is known to gently raise and balance oestrogen reducing symptoms.

However, if you feel that you really can't cope I would suggest asking the doctor if you can go back to full strength HRT until symptoms cease then very, very slowly come off, over at least 6 months.

Doing it this slow can help the body to rebalance more naturally.

Eileen Durward