Mary G - Tinkerbell has been prescribed Estradot not gel - but the important thing is that they are prepared to prescribe Utrogestan separately from the oestrogen
Stellajane - before utrogestan was available some of us who didn't want to use synthetic progestogens used Cyclogest pessaries (also natural progesterone) for years but unfortunately these were only licensed for fertility treatment and not HRT, even though my GP for example prescribed it to me. That's the main difference and was a leap forward
. I still don't know why these could not also be licensed as an official vaginal/rectal preparation? I presume there are insufficient studies and the manufacturers aren;t prepared to pay for these due to limited demand
Re the cycle vs not a cycle. It isn't doctor's preferences (well not GPs anyway) - as has been said - 200 mg for 12 days is for a cycle - it is usual to maintain a cycle during peri-menopause (ie less than 12 months without period) and some women choose to maintain a cycle even when post-menopausal, as discussed due to progesterone intolerance or aversion.
The converse is not the case. It is not normal (so I understand) to be prescribed continuous combined (no-bleed) HRT unless you are post-menopausal when you start, (or after a certain length of time on sequi HRT, or after age 54). As honeybun says during late peri there may be exceptions and especially if the woman has barely had any periods over the past couple of years. The problem with conti HRT before menopause is reached is that any periods that happen may cause unpredictable breakthrough bleeding. This may be less likely with some of the stronger synthetic progestogens like norethisterone (in Evorel conti) but may be more likely with Utrogestan, although much more is absorbed when used vaginally.
I agree with Stellajane - I would take it with the 3 day break.
Hurdity x
