Hello Jasmine5, I feel for you, having also found Utrogestan impossible & having so wanted it to be the one given its gold standard status. But there are quite a few of us who can't tolerate Utrogestan & there are other possibilities for progestogens to combine with the various oestradiol preparations: MPA/Provera & Norethisterone, both tablets, or a progestogen releasing IUD, e.g. Mirena (containing Levonorgestrel the same as in FemSeven) if that's an option for you.
MPA has the advantage of coming in a range of strengths. Some women feel OK on it, some don't. Should perhaps just say MPA is possibly not the best choice for anyone with osteopenia/osteoporosis, as there are suggestions in the medical literature that it's less helpful for bone health than some other progestogens, though also that any deleterious effects may be offset by taking enough oestradiol. It's also considered by some menopause authorities to have a slightly less favourable risk profile than some forms of progesterone. Gosh - not really selling it here am I? Sorry - just feels responsible to state potential pros & cons. I have taken MPA myself as I need oestrogen & testosterone, struggle with progesterone intolerance & there are pros & cons in many areas of daily life we face as adults & simply have to weigh up for ourselves.
Norethisterone may not suit you if you had side effects from Evorel Conti as it's the same progestogen in that, but in combination with a form of oestradiol you absorb better you may find you tolerate it well.
There is also the Femoston range with oestradiol combined with dydrogesterone, a progestogen with a reputation for being kinder to the body than most, which some women find considerably easier to tolerate. But again this is an oral HRT preparation if you need/prefer to avoid tablet HRT.
In addition to Oestrogel/Sandrena there are the various oestradiol-only patch brands & doses, plus Lenzetto spray. Many of us seem to get good absorption from Estradot patches which I find also stick well.
There are studies that link some types of dryness (especially in the eyes) with androgen deficiency, so you may find taking a little testosterone helpful if you opt for a regimen without an overly androgenic progestogen. I certainly find T helpful for systemic dryness.
I hope you manage to find a combination to suit that gives you the full benefits of HRT.
Wx
