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[Chi chi]

Following on from my previous post about wanting to try testosterone only I've decided to come off HRT for a while to see how things go and what my periods are like.
I have a question though, I stopped my HRT on Sunday ( Saturday was the last day I used the gels ) I've started a really heavy bleed today which I assume is probably just a breakthrough bleed? Or because I've stopped the HRT? When will I know if I'm having a "normal" period? When this bleed stops and it's been a few weeks and I start again??
Thanks as always 

[Dancinggirl]

Chi Chi - whenever I have stopped HRT in recent years I have had a good bleed, like a proper period, for about a week - this is just a withdrawal bleed and the womb lining shedding.  I have been post meno for about 18 years now.
I would assume that the bleed you are having now will be as a result of stopping the HRT and once this has stopped the next bleed would be a natural bleed.
I personally think taking a break from HRT is a sensible thing to do at various stages in the meno journey as it gives you a chance to really experience whether HRT is right for you or not or perhaps you need to change the HRT regime you are using.  The benefits of HRT must outweigh any side effects. Good luck and let us know how you get on.  DG x

[Chi chi]

Thanks dancinggirl, just feel like I need to take stock at the moment and see what happens?

[Chi chi]

I can't believe how heavy this bleed is! I woke up this morning and have totally saturated the tampon and had leaked through  this has never happened to me before

[Stillsearching]

I gave up on the 1st September and had a heavy bleed for a few days which gradually tapered off over a couple of weeks.

[Mary G]

Chi chi, that is actually very positive news because it sounds like you are having a good clearout!  Re our discussion on the other thread, why don't you book a scan for the next week or so (it might cost £100 but it will be money well spent) and find out how well your womb lining has cleared/thinned and then you could discuss the stop/start idea with a menopause specialist or Professor Studd?  At least a scan will give you an idea as to how viable this option is for you. 

[Hurdity]

Whereabouts in your cycle are you?

The bleeding could be your normal cycle - but also some women do get oestrogen withdrawal bleeding - but this would not be a proper period as it wouldn't completely thin the lining.  How much of your lining comes away will depend on the progesterone - either your own, or what you have taken. if the lining overthickens you can also get oestrogen breakthrough bleeding (also not a proper period) and then need a course of progestogen to make sure it thins properly.

Yes I agree with Mary G to have a scan when your bleeding stops and perhaps your doc could arrange one without having to pay, in the circumstances?

Hurdity x

[Chi chi]

That's the thing Hurdity, I have no idea? This is partly why I've decided to have a break to see exactly what my periods are like naturally.
Still bleeding heavily and this morning the most horrendous lower back ache 

[dazned]

I think sometimes its good to take a break for a few months,take stock of where your body is at,regroup,and start with a clean slate. It doesn't achieve much when we keep changing from this to that in desperation,I know been there done that
Wishing you well .

[Hurdity]

It is hard to know what's going on when you are in early peri-menopause and perhaps have only skipped one or two periods now and again, and mostly they are still regular. If you start HRT as I did - in late peri-menopause - it isn't necessary to stop to find out where you are because I knew I would be heading for menopause very very soon and taking HRT has always kept me stable (!!) - in terms of bleeds, moods, lack of flushes etc.

Hopefully if you do stop for a while you won't suffer too much but can then start HRT again from a point of awareness.

Hurdity x