Question about Utrogestan

[Poppy]

Hi all,

I'm 50, on sequential combined hrt, estrodot 75mg with 12 days per month of 200mg utrogestan, which I've been taking for 8 months.

The utrogestan was prescribed orally but for the last 5 months I've been using it vaginally- not told my dr this.

Really like this combo, previously used norethisterone or dydrogesterone & never felt particularly good during this part of the month.
Also my bleeds are now regular, very light & only last for about 3 days, with no cramping, which had been a bit of a problem with the other types of hrt.

Now I'm feeling better during the progesterone stage.
In fact, I'm beginning to wonder if I'm experiencing a withdrawal of it, as when my period starts, I'm noticeably more ratty/anxious & it carries on into the next week.

Maybe this is just a coincidence, but I've wondered if I'm absorbing more, since it's bypassing my liver (& I imagine some might be retained there?)

Started the utro again last night, so will wait to see what happens this month.
Are any of you taking 200mg like me? Do you have any ideas about this?
Thanks xx

[jacksfullofaces]

I use 100mg daily of Utrogestan - I take it orally. I used to have progesterone sequentially and got very anxious and uptight.
Jacks

[Poppy]

Hi Bellaciao & Jacks,

Thanks for your replies, given me lots to think about.

I’d had about 5 periods the year before starting hrt, becoming very light, vag area was fine although it is plumper now on hrt.

GP was quite keen for me to be on estrodot 50, so I did cut the patches down to roughly 60mg for a couple of months, with the possibility of changing next prescription, but hot flushes returned after a few weeks. Haven’t had another one since resuming full patch.

It’s been very interesting to learn about topical estrogen- that’s never been mentioned as an option at the surgery & although I don’t need it yet, it’s good to know about it.

Several years ago whilst breastfeeding (happened with a couple of my children) I did become incredibly sore, it was before my periods had returned. Wonder if this was lack of estrogen? Could have done with vagifem then!

Started the utrogestan last night, already feel better today, even my husband commented on the difference…

It’s interesting Jacks what you say about feeling anxious & uptight whilst taking progesterone sequentially- describes me exactly.

From what I’ve read, I’ve understood that if you start hrt under 50 & whilst still having periods, then you’d need to wait until 54 before changing to a conti regime- is this correct?
My dr did say I could probably change when I reach 52, but any move before that could cause bleeding all the time.

I’m so appreciative of all your advice, my dr is very nice, but both drs at my surgery had never heard of estrodot/utrogestan & seemed to think it an ‘unusual choice.’ They don’t seem to prescribe hrt v often.

Ah well, perhaps I’m the only woman in wales going through menopause at the moment…

There isn’t one menopause clinic in the whole of wales.
Thanks both.
Poppy x

[jacksfullofaces]

From what I’ve read, I’ve understood that if you start hrt under 50 & whilst still having periods, then you’d need to wait until 54 before changing to a conti regime- is this correct?

Poppy
I have regular periods and I'm 51 using continuous progesterone. It suits me and my lining had remained fine.
Jacks

[Poppy]

Oh that is interesting Jacks.
I'll ask again about that when I go next.
Thanks.
x

[Deleted]

Poppy, I use utrogestan vaginally (100mg) on alternate nights as I want to prevent a bleed. I did ask my GP if I could have a scan when I had been on it a while (only about seven or eight months so far I think) just to check the womb lining was okay and she said it wasn't usual but okay. I also didn't tell her I am using this vaginally as although they are quite approachable in the surgery they really do prefer to not deviate from the norm.
Bellaciao - yes it is strange that all of the utro users seem to have migrated across from MM - wonder if there is a link -or possibly why we were banned!

[Poppy]

Thanks jaycee,

I'm reticent about telling my dr that I'm using it vaginally, as apart from a lecture about how it's not licensed for this use in the uk, I'm worried that he might not prescribe it again.

100 mg every other night is another possibility then.

I really like utrogestan, just not so keen on how I feel when off it.
x

[Poppy]

Thanks Bellaciao,

That really helps & makes a lot of sense.

Somehow I don't feel that my lining is building up too much because my bleed is so short & light, however, it might be a good idea to wait a couple of years & then maybe reduce to estrodot 50.

Thanks also for the French spc, I'll print it off to show dr next time.
poppy x