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[Aggie]

Hi all,

Relative newbie to HRT - I'm peri but been on for 3 months and got an appointment at the menopause clinic tomorrow.  I'm on 0.5 Estradiol (sandrena gel) and 200mg Utrogestan for 12 days per month (which I went straight to taking vaginally).

My symptoms are better but it's not been totally life changing - my dose of sandrena seems low but I suspect this is because I've had DCIS (non invasive breast cancer) in the past.

So my question is - I was still having quite regular periods that were quite heavy before I started on HRT, but I don't feel that they are 'proper' periods now.  Not as heavy and not wanting to give you too much info - just 'different'.  Not missed any sachets of sandrena up until this week, where for many and varied reasons I've missed 3 out of the last 4 days.  Finished my Utrogestan on 13th so am due a bleed, but I'm now having what seems much more like my periods of old (although not as heavy) so is it missing the Sandrena  - in other words having 3 days with no HRT at all - allowing my body to do what it would be doing naturally again?  I know from reading lots on here I'm supposed to be shedding my lining to prevent the thickening of the lining of the womb, and my instinct is it doesn't feel like I've been doing that successfully.

I know what I mean but not sure I'm making sense!  As I'm at my appointment tomorrow obviously I can discuss this then, but wondered what you think?  Thanks in advance of any replies. 

[Hurdity]

Hi Aggie

Sorry your post got missed and I expect you've had your appointment by now.

It's impossible for any of us to say why a bleed happens at any particular time - especially if you are very early peri-menopause and also taking HRT. Normal bleeding is brought on by reduction in progesterone and anything else counts as abnormal - though not necessarily problematic. For example some women get oestrogen withdrawal bleeding  (naturally just after ovulation when oestrogen drops or when oestrogen levels fluctuate markedly during peri-menopause, or on reduction in oestrogen dose from HRT). Oestrogen breakthrough bleeding occurs when the lining has thickened and in the absence of ovulation and progesterone starts to shed spontaneously - but usually erratically.

As you are peri-menopausal I am sure it is nothing to worry about but anything you are concerned about needs discussion with your doctor.  Do let us know how you got on with your appointment and apologies once again for your post getting missed.

Hurdity x

[Aggie]

Hi Hurdity,

Thanks for your reply - no problem this is such a busy forum it's a real job keeping up with all the posts isn't it... if I stopped and read every post I could spend all day on here, so I guess people read what's interesting to them and ones they think they might be able to help with and skip others! 😄

I have no idea what's happening down there really (period or 'bleed' or whatever it is has got quite heavy) probably a bit of a mistake missing a few sachets of gel but now I've got my next batch I can rectify that 👍. 

Had my appointment and apparently my prescription is as per the guidelines  for anyone who's had DCIS and not negotiable.  Although my symptoms have improved I'm still not back where I'd like to be, but hey ho, at least I'm mostly back to my amicable self and very much less likely to stab someone 😬😬😜

Thanks again for your reply xx

[Hurdity]

Yes - it's very busy - I do try to read most of the posts on this board though if I am not away! I'm so sorry Aggie I missed about the DCIS - as I read your post in a bit of a hurry - (and without the right glasses!) - and sorry also to hear that you had this although good news that is was not invasive. I don't know anything about this - is it oestrogen receptive? I presume your specialist has OKed the HRT so that even a low dose will help you through some of the worst of your symptoms.

Some of us never quite get back to where we'd like to be - once post-menopausal anyway - because even on HRT, the hormones keep you on an even keel and many of us don't have a high enough dose to feel supremely on top of the world and raring to go as we did when fertile - although I would hope to feel like this for as long as possible and certainly if going through menopause at a young age.

There has to be some degree of acceptance that things are different but can still be fine - I direct a lot of my energy into keeping as fit and healthy as I can, growing veg in the garden, enjoying wildlife and the countryside, going to festivals and other such things - before I really get too old ( hopefully not soon) - currently in mid 60's.

Glad you are feeling more amicable anyway

Hurdity x