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[Seahorse]

 I live in the Lothian health board and there have been various conversations about the difficulty of accessing Utrogestan. I have just had a telephone consultation with my GP asking if I could swap to that and gel after negative side effects on Everol Conti. He told me that they are not allowed to prescribe Utrogestan because the Specialist Menopause clinic says there is research to show that it does not provide adequate uterine protection and therefore is not safe. I explained that there are many Menopause Specialists who recommend it and that this is the first time I have heard any one question it's effectiveness. He was very good at listening to me, and said he wasn't a specialist but had to follow the advice from the menopause clinic. Has anyone else been given this explanation or heard of any research suggesting it does not protect the womb lining adequately? It is such a minefield! I am now waiting to hear back from my GP as to what alternative HRT options are available.

[sheila99]

Is that the best fob off he can think of? Funny how it's dangerous in Scotland but not in the rest of Europe. Ask to see the research and the name of the 'specialist' who told him this. Bet he won't come up with either.

[CrispyChick]

You'll have seen the other thread started by RA and my responses. I did the FOI request and almost 500 woman have been prescribed it over the last 5 years in Lothians for HRT purposes.

[Seahorse]

Hi Crispychick. Yes thanks I saw that and mentioned it to him. His response made no sense. He said that they must have been on it already and were continuing!! Why would they continue on something that wasn't safe? Why would the numbers keep going up each year? Wahhhhh it's infuriating. Not sure where to go from here. I can't remember did you manage to get it prescribed in the end? Also do you know if anyone has posted a response from Dr Currie on the issue?

[CrispyChick]

Hi. I haven't had a prescription for it, as I decided I hadn't tried anything else first. Then, after 10 days realised I'm not ready for HRT and trying the contraceptive pill instead.

However, my GP did say she would prescribe it, if it is what I wanted (I have been on a 3 year roller coaster with peri, do she does understand my situation).

So clearly doctors can prescribe if they see fit. I've not been told it's unsafe, but I don't remember getting a reason at all.

I'm not sure on Dr currie. Worth a search. I was going to say it would he worth an email to her, as I believe she is Borders based. The Edinburgh meno clinic say no, so that avenue is shut down. I think your GP is a better option.

Maybe ask for Dr Currie's view then write to your practice manager with your questions. I'm happy to share my FOI document as I did with RA.

Hopefully RA will respond with her outcome...

[CrispyChick]

https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/medicines-advice/micronised-progesterone-utrogestan-fullsubmission-54209/

Look at this. There is a full document there. The sumnary states that utrogestan is equal to other progesterone in protecting the uterus, but the ECONOMIC case was not strong enough so it is not recommended by NHS Scotland!!!

I suspect your GP has either misunderstood or is trying to deflect. Could u ask another GP at your surgery???

Either way, there's info in that link that will help you make a case, as clearly all those other woman do that hsve shown up on my FOI.

Good luck. It's awful to have to fight for something we feel might help 😔

[lancashirelass]

A lot of Scotland  and large parts of.the north are either refusing  or limiting utrogestan now saying it is too expensive.   Its pathetic.  They  basically prefer  to pass off  the synthetic  progesterones which have  more side  effects and are less safe!

[Robin]

There are doctors on Twitter right now denying that there are any issues around getting Utrogestan prescribed in Scotland. They don’t believe the doctors who are saying women are unable to access it. It’s so frustrating

[Seahorse]

Robin it is crazy, I am still battling with my health board! I'm not on Twitter and don't really want to be so I can't put them straight. My GP continues to refuse to prescribe Utrogestan for me. He has apparently consulted the Menopause clinic who recommended he prescribe Sandrena gel and Provera. I have now sent an e-mail to the consultant Dr Gebbie who I believe is in charge of the NHS Lothian clinic and is named as one of the contributors to this site. I have asked her why it cannot be prescribed when it is the safest form and has the least side affects, and they prescribe other HRT which are not recommended by the SMC such Provera. In fact I don't think Provera is even licensed for HRT use!! Argghhh it's so frustrating !!

[Robin]

I’m not on Twitter either but I do read some of medical Twitter accounts from time to time. Even one of Dr Newsons colleagues was unable to get a prescription of Utrogestan from her own GP and yet still these doctors try to discredit what women are saying about accessing these treatments.

[Iris67]

I live in the Lothian health board and there have been various conversations about the difficulty of accessing Utrogestan. I have just had a telephone consultation with my GP asking if I could swap to that and gel after negative side effects on Everol Conti. He told me that they are not allowed to prescribe Utrogestan because the Specialist Menopause clinic says there is research to show that it does not provide adequate uterine protection and therefore is not safe. I explained that there are many Menopause Specialists who recommend it and that this is the first time I have heard any one question it's effectiveness. He was very good at listening to me, and said he wasn't a specialist but had to follow the advice from the menopause clinic. Has anyone else been given this explanation or heard of any research suggesting it does not protect the womb lining adequately? It is such a minefield! I am now waiting to hear back from my GP as to what alternative HRT options are available.

I was prescribed it by the Louise Newson Clinic during my second try at HRT. She's the country's leading specialist so it should be fine.

[Robin]

Me too. Unfortunately I couldn’t tolerate it but I believe it’s safer being progesterone rather than a synthetic progestogen.

[Momopause]

Jumping into this thread about utrigestan availability. I was prescribed evorel sequi by GP who had consulted specialist clinic due to my BMI being 39. That night I found withalva app , filled in a questionnaire and was prescribed sandrena gel 1mg and utrogestan 200mg for last 22 days if cycle. It cost me about £90 fir three months supply. I wasnt willing to take the risk of the synthetics progesterone in the patch or even to take the 200ng urtogestan orally ( not great at managing my mood as I have ADHD) so  I'm taking 100mg vaginally . I'm  on day 5 of the utrogestan a d moods fine, bloated but I think that will pass. I has more if a mood change with the oestrogen