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Author Topic: Progesterone Intolerance  (Read 1997 times)

bubble tea

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Progesterone Intolerance
« on: October 04, 2023, 03:18:35 PM »

Hi, I am 58 and still having horrendous menopause symptoms. I can't take the HRT at the moment as I cannot tolerate the progesterone part of it. It makes me anxious and severely depressed.
Can anyone recommend where I might be able to find a HRT health professional who is knowledgeable about progesterone intolerance? My GP was unhelpful so I am happy to see someone privately. Many thanks x
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CLKD

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2023, 03:44:31 PM »

Hi.  U shouldn't need to pay for advice though many do so as GPs don't always have a handle on peri-menopause etc..   :welcomemm:

There are dedicated NHS and private menopause Clinics.  Many cannot tolerate progesterone and the extreme route out is hysterectomy.  However, if 1 can get proper advice about a longer HRT regime you may feel a lot better.  Several ladies here should be able to give advice.

Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary useful to chart progress.  Is there a GP or Nurse Practitioner within your Surgery with an interest in womens health?

Which symptom would you like to ease first? 
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Mary G

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2023, 11:38:00 AM »

Sorry to hear you are progesterone intolerant.  If you are severely intolerant to the extent that you literally can't touch it, your only option is a hysterectomy.  Perinowpost on here was extremely progesterone intolerant and her life has been transformed by having a hysterectomy and taking oestrogen only HRT.

If you are progesterone intolerant but can just about stand a few days of it then you need to take 100mg Utrogestan vaginally for 7 days each month but you need to have regular scans to check the womb lining.  Most women are fine on that dose (I was fine on even less than that) but there will always be some women who don't get adequate womb lining clearance on a low dose of progesterone.  You would have a monthly bleed on this regime.

If you are post menopause and/or don't want a monthly bleed, you can take 50mg progesterone every day or 100mg every other day but again, you will need scans to make sure your lining is thin.

You need a doctor who specialises in progesterone intolerance and I would try Professor Studd's old practice in London which I believe is now run by Mr Michael Savvas, Mr Neale Watson and Ms Beverly Benster.  They specialise in progesterone intolerant and reproductive depression.  I'm pretty sure the Newson clinic have specific doctors who specialise in progesterone intolerance too.

NHS menopause clinics are over subscribed with massive waiting lists so I would definitely seek help privately.  Private clinics are more flexible on doses too.
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Penguin

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2023, 11:41:30 AM »

Sorry to hear you are progesterone intolerant.  If you are severely intolerant to the extent that you literally can't touch it, your only option is a hysterectomy.  Perinowpost on here was extremely progesterone intolerant and her life has been transformed by having a hysterectomy and taking oestrogen only HRT.

If you are progesterone intolerant but can just about stand a few days of it then you need to take 100mg Utrogestan vaginally for 7 days each month but you need to have regular scans to check the womb lining.  Most women are fine on that dose (I was fine on even less than that) but there will always be some women who don't get adequate womb lining clearance on a low dose of progesterone.  You would have a monthly bleed on this regime.

If you are post menopause and/or don't want a monthly bleed, you can take 50mg progesterone every day or 100mg every other day but again, you will need scans to make sure your lining is thin.

You need a doctor who specialises in progesterone intolerance and I would try Professor Studd's old practice in London which I believe is now run by Mr Michael Savvas, Mr Neale Watson and Ms Beverly Benster.  They specialise in progesterone intolerant and reproductive depression.  I'm pretty sure the Newson clinic have specific doctors who specialise in progesterone intolerance too.

NHS menopause clinics are over subscribed with massive waiting lists so I would definitely seek help privately.  Private clinics are more flexible on doses too.

Hi just wondering how often you would need scans if doing the 7 days of utrogestan route? Thanks
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Mary G

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2023, 11:51:25 AM »

Penguin, a scan once a year would be enough unless you had a problem like suddenly bleeding very heavily. 

Personally, I think it's pointless to overload with progesterone and suffer the side effects when you can so easily find out how much you need by having annual scans.
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Tribbins

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2023, 12:10:39 PM »

Mary G, do you know where scans can be done? Is it private clinics?
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Mary G

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2023, 12:36:06 PM »

Tribbins, I've never had a TVS in the UK but all the private clinics like Bupa and Spires offer them and there are various other places I believe - Mothercare used to do them.  If do a Google search in your area, they will come up and I think they cost about £100.

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bubble tea

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2023, 01:15:55 PM »

Many thanks for all your advice I really appreciate it. I have been trying to handle the menopause symptoms without hrt because of the progesterone. But the hot flushes, mood swings and sleepless nights are ruining my quality of life!
Has anyone been to a clinic called "Menopause Care"? Their website mentions "progesterone intolerance". I have seen a few doctors though and nobody has offered a solution up to now sadly.
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Penguin

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2023, 01:21:13 PM »

Mary G, do you know where scans can be done? Is it private clinics?

I've heard ultrasound direct mentioned on here. They do a wellwoman pelvic scan which is transvaginal and it is £145. Seems you can get an appointment really quickly too. Their TrustPilot reviews are very good.
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Nas

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #9 on: October 05, 2023, 01:25:18 PM »

Why don’t you get in touch with Newson clinic? As Mary has suggested, they will probably be able to help you find ways round the progesterone intolerance.

I’m guessing a coil would be out of the question? It releases a tiny amount of hormone directly into the womb; far less than utrogestan.

There are ways and means round this. You just need to find the right support to guide you. If you would only need a couple of scans a year to check on your womb lining, then that could be money well spent, to reclaim your life?

Keep researching; it can be done

Are you intolerant to all progesterone?
« Last Edit: October 05, 2023, 01:27:13 PM by Nas »
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Penguin

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #10 on: October 06, 2023, 12:35:11 PM »

Sorry to hear you are progesterone intolerant.  If you are severely intolerant to the extent that you literally can't touch it, your only option is a hysterectomy.  Perinowpost on here was extremely progesterone intolerant and her life has been transformed by having a hysterectomy and taking oestrogen only HRT.

If you are progesterone intolerant but can just about stand a few days of it then you need to take 100mg Utrogestan vaginally for 7 days each month but you need to have regular scans to check the womb lining.  Most women are fine on that dose (I was fine on even less than that) but there will always be some women who don't get adequate womb lining clearance on a low dose of progesterone.  You would have a monthly bleed on this regime.

If you are post menopause and/or don't want a monthly bleed, you can take 50mg progesterone every day or 100mg every other day but again, you will need scans to make sure your lining is thin.

You need a doctor who specialises in progesterone intolerance and I would try Professor Studd's old practice in London which I believe is now run by Mr Michael Savvas, Mr Neale Watson and Ms Beverly Benster.  They specialise in progesterone intolerant and reproductive depression.  I'm pretty sure the Newson clinic have specific doctors who specialise in progesterone intolerance too.

NHS menopause clinics are over subscribed with massive waiting lists so I would definitely seek help privately.  Private clinics are more flexible on doses too.

Just called the clinic Mr Neale Watson and Mr Savvas are at and had a chat with a lovely lady there. She said that they no longer prescribe lower dose/ shorter duration of progesterone and now stick to BMS guidelines of 200mg x 12 days. Even patients who were previously prescribed on that basis are no longer apparently. Her suggested alternative would be the mirena coil. Wondering if you have any thoughts about that as an option, or if you know of any other clinics that may be more flexible please?
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bubble tea

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #11 on: October 06, 2023, 01:19:16 PM »

I also called this clinic (Watson/savvas) and was given the same information.
I also called the Newsom clinic and was told any of their doctors could advise on progesterone intolerance.
I am a bit sceptical of booking an appointment because I have already seen other consultants who have had not really helped. I obviously understand the importance of progesterone but I felt very ill on the doses I have had previously.
I have done a lot of research but keep coming up against dead ends.
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Penguin

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #12 on: October 06, 2023, 01:35:46 PM »

I also called this clinic (Watson/savvas) and was given the same information.
I also called the Newsom clinic and was told any of their doctors could advise on progesterone intolerance.
I am a bit sceptical of booking an appointment because I have already seen other consultants who have had not really helped. I obviously understand the importance of progesterone but I felt very ill on the doses I have had previously.
I have done a lot of research but keep coming up against dead ends.

Did the person you spoke to at Newson give any idea of what sort of options were available? I found the lady at the Watson / Savvas clinic amazing and she spent about 15 minutes talking to me about it all and explaining things. I didn't end up booking an appointment yet as I am hoping to find out more on here re mirena etc. I can see what you mean about booking another expensive appointment only to find out they can't help you again!
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bubble tea

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #13 on: October 06, 2023, 01:50:25 PM »

That is the issue exactly! Most people I know just start on the hrt and cannot understand why I can't so it's very hard to get advice from friends etc.
Newson were very nice but quite vague about my specific issue. I only spoke with the receptionist though.
I have been recommended the mirena coil also but because my reaction to Utrogestan was quite severe I am scared to try it.

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Penguin

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Re: Progesterone Intolerance
« Reply #14 on: October 06, 2023, 02:08:38 PM »

That is the issue exactly! Most people I know just start on the hrt and cannot understand why I can't so it's very hard to get advice from friends etc.
Newson were very nice but quite vague about my specific issue. I only spoke with the receptionist though.
I have been recommended the mirena coil also but because my reaction to Utrogestan was quite severe I am scared to try it.

I'm scared too. I can just about handle the physical symptoms, but the mental health ones are debilitating. Please update if you find something or get any good advice. Am hoping Mary G will come back on as she knows her stuff re progrsterone intolerance.
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