aaagh! Sorry I'm getting senile!
I read "Lenzetto" for Lutigest!!!! Probably because Lutigest is not widely used for HRT progesterone as it's not licensed I don't think, so not on my radar especially....
OK it's tricky if you are peri-meno, to know what's going on as it depends what your natural cycle is doing.
It is completely normal to get temporary withdrawal symptoms after stopping any form of progestogen - which is like pms, because the progestogens cause changes in our system (to get ready for pregnancy) which are reversed when the progestogen is stopped. Usually after the progestogen clears the system you get back to normal. Unfortunately if there is a slight delay in the effects of progesterone withdrawal this can leak into that wonderful two week period when one is on oestrogen alone and supposed to feel at one's best. That's why I am on a longer cycle - but this is more tricky when you are peri-menopausal.
Can you say what your natural periods were doing in the months leading up to your starting HRT ie what your cycle length was, how much it varied each month, how long periods have been irregular etc? This will give a clue to how strong your natural cycle is. If it is still very strong then your natural hormones can partly override the HRT and the symptoms may be due to this?
Feeling sleepy and exhausted is generally associated with the progesterone phase of HRT as prog is a sedative and makes women very sleepy. Also drop in oestrogen can lead to feeling lethargic and low.
What are your bleeds like? Also what dose of Lutigest? Generally the number of days for taking the licensed prog (Utrogestan) is 12 days x 200 mg per 28 days which means the withdrawal should be over quicker - but your doc may have a reason for extending this to 14. Perhaps the dose is low?
Apologies for senior moment!!!
Hurdity x
Haha now worries, I've had terrible brain fog lately and keep getting all my words mixed up!
My cycle has always been spot on, every 28 days and bleeding for 5 days (always heavy bleeds)
Then 2 years ago they started getting heavier, more painful, coming earlier and lasting much longer- up to 12 days
I was suffering so much more PMS and the cramps were spreading down into my thighs.
I had internal scans etc but all looked normal so they checked my hormone levels and said they had definitely dropped below normal.
When I first started HRT (7 months ago) the bleeding got way worse, bleeding for 19 or so days, having 10 day break and then bleeding again.
But last bleed was over 20 days so I'm hoping it settles down.
I'm taking 100mg Lutigest pesserie every evening and I'm on 2 sprays of Lenzetto ( names are very similar haha) but can up it to 3 sprays if needed.
Thing is I feel great while taking progesterone it's only on the 14 day break off it I feel rotten. I have reduced it down to 12 days off myself, but it's by day 7 that I feel awful.
Do you think it's worth asking my Dr if I can take progesterone alternate days instead.
And thank you for you your helpful reply, I'm still a bit in shock I'm already facing perimenopause!
You been great help thank you x
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Topic: Feeling awful while on Lutigest 14 day break (Read 1334 times)