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[Bloaty]

I use oestrodiol gel with oral uterogeston.

My oestrogen levels were still lowish when checked but I'm symptom free so happy enough
But my period usually starts after five or six  days of 200mg oral uterogeston and lasts about three days then stops even if I continue to the full 12 days of utetogeston.

So provided a reasonable bleed is triggered, could I just stop the uterogeston at that point?

I'm 41 and went through the menopause about six or so years ago although cause unclear. Possibly due to excessive weight loss but I always had sporadic periods due to PCOS.

If I stop the oestrogen I do get the odd night sweat. Never had any day flushes. Not had a spontaneous period for over eight years before I was pregnant with second child. I'm using HRT mainly for bone protection although to avoid night sweats also.

Had a pelvic scan about six years ago and had very very thin uterine lining altho I was breastfeeding at that point too.

Many thanks

[Bloaty]

I would add- I am keen to have as little progesterone as possible as it makes me bloated and feel huge and irritable.
I'm a typical PCOS metabolic syndrome type although not overweight with it due to be hugely strict about my intake (miserable)

[Limpy]

Hi Bloaty - I agree you do need expert advice, is your GP up to speed on HRT?

Another option could be to email Dr Currie (contact option above green menu at the top)
It is £25 a go but she really knows what she's talking about and would give sensible advice.

[Bloaty]

Thanks both

I didn't know about the email Dr currie advice- can I ask more than one question per email as I have lots!

[Limpy]

I would imagine so, it's what you can fit in an email.
I emailed her 3 or four years ago and don't remember any restriction.

One thing which did surprise me was needing to use my mobile phone in some way (sorry I'me a bit fuzzy on the details) so the charge could be applied that way.

[Bloaty]

Does anyone else use uterogeston for less than the typical 12 days every 28?

I have been extending the 28 day cycle a bit to more like 35 too

[Cassie]

Quite a few ladies use the utrogestan cyclically so less than the recommended dosage, it is imperative if you are not going to use it as prescribed, that you have an annual scan of your uterus to check on the lining build up though....

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Bloaty - I recently saw my gynae because my bleed was starting on day 7-9 of the Utrogestan stage and I was getting some erratic spotting as well.  He said it was very important to use the Utrogestan for the right amount of days - I'm using it for 14 days each cycle.  I didn't fully understand why using it for the correct amount of days was important but I think it is to do with our bodies up take of the progesterone to stimulate a proper bleed.  I had been using a longer cycle - so 4-6 weeks of oestrogen alone and then with 14 days of Utrogestan but the bleeds were rather heavy so I've shortened the oestrogen phase to 3 weeks, so I'm now doing a 5 week cycle.  I am seeing a gynae privately so will have scans when he deems appropriate.  On the NHS you won't be offered regular scans so you need to stick to the licensed dose.
At 41 it is important you have HRT to protect your heart and bones and this HRT combo is a good one to be on so I would just persevere taking it as prescribed and things will hopefully settle as your body gets used to the hormones.
How much oestrogen are you using? What was your oestrogen reading at the last blood test? If you are using oestrogen in pill form then you might want to switch using the oestrogen to patch or gel as this is a better way to absorb oestrogen. I had also reduced my oestrogen to quite a low level and my gynae said it could be too low to balance with the progesterone and this low level could be causing the erratic bleeding.  If your oestrogen levels are still low then maybe you need to up the dose to get the balance right.
 DG x

[Bloaty]

Thanks for replying

I use 2 pumps of oestrogel per night so the transdermal route

I have never had any breakthrough bleeding and my periods are always pretty light

I suspect my lining is quite thin still (precious scan and still on lowish level oestrogen) which is why my bleed is light but I'm interested in why the uterogestan triggers it so early rather than after the full length. If I continue to take the next seven days after the bleed I don't get any extra bleeding and just end up more bloated and uncomfortable. 

I think a repeat scan could be helpful

I had a DEXA scan about four years ago before starting HRT and was just above the osteopenia range so am hoping this is a bit better now and certainly shouldn't be worse altho I can't tolerate any higher oestrogen

Just wish I wasn't doing all this at my age. Felt so miserable in my 30s to be fretting about bones and night sweats and taking medication that makes me feel worse let alone the realisation I could have no more children

Now I'm gaining all the middle aged spread too so another very visible sign of my aged body

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Bloaty
I do understand as I experienced an early meno - I was peri from my mid 30s so I've been on and off HRt since then - I'm 59 now.
Hopefully your cycle will settle down.  I'm baffled as to why your oestrogen level is still low on 2 pumps per day!!!  My oestrogen was 600 on 2 pumps per day which is quite high!!!!  I'm bring to keep my levels lower now as I'm getting older. It's good you aren't getting a heavy bleed though.
I'm afraid the middle age spread comes whatever you do but it would be worse if you weren't on HRT as you tend to loose muscle structure as well and just end up 'all tummy and hips!!! I'm afraid we simply have to eat less and exercise more and at least if you aren't getting horrible flushes and night sweats one has more energy to exercise more. BE grateful that they can now treat early meno - in the past you would have been destined to experience early bones loss, increased risk of heart disease and bowel cancer and that is not to mention early onset of vaginal atrophy and bleeder problems.
If things don't settle then your recurrent regime may not be right for you - you could possibly move to something like Femoston in sequi or conti versions.
Keep us posted.  DG