Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: elsie001 on September 14, 2015, 08:12:46 PM
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I saw my GP today and made a Coil Clinic appt to have the Mirina Coil fitted on 29th Sept. However, I will very probably have to cancel & re-arrange it as my period is due at the same time.
I'm really keen to get started with progesterone and am wondering if it's worth asking for it in tablet form until I get my coil fitted?
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I'm taking Utrogestan which is natural rather than synthetic progesterone and I love it. I know a few people have problems with this, I've had only good side effects and feel sharper with it, sleep better and my breast cysts finally disappeared.
Why are you going on the coil rather than taking a tablet Elsie? Or is this purely personal choice?
GG x
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I agree with GG. The Mirena suits some ladies but for others, it can be a nightmare. I think it was Prof Studd who said ten per cent of women will have permanent PMS symptoms with it. That's what convinced me to take the bio identical route instead. I actually felt better on the Utrogestan phase than when I just took estrogen.
B x
Ps GG - good to hear from you again. Glad all is well and it was only being busy that kept you away!
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Briony I just don't understand why some ladies have a problem and would love to know.
It is only supposed to be a tiny, tiny amount that gets in to the bloodstream compared to other types of oral or patch levonorgestrel Hrt and therefore a safer less risky way of taking progesterone
Is it that they are intolerant of all levonorgestrel rather than just that in the mirena ?
Do you know ??
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GG, my GP said I'd have less side-effects on the coil than I would by taking it in tablet form.
Must admit, the PMT does worry me slightly as I find that the few days of the month that I do sleep well are the same few days that my mood is low. Soon as my mood lifts, insomnia starts!
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I had the Mirena in for nearly 9 months, and I was one of the unlucky 10% who suffered constant PMS. Some of my rages were dreadful, and I cringe now when I look back.
Yet I was fine taking Utrogestan. And now I'm on the combined Pill, with daily progesterone and it's not bothering me at all. Though I did have a permanent headache for the first 2 weeks.
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Hi elsie001 and welcome to MM
I know various ladies have responded but I don't think any have actually answered your question.
You don't tell us much about yourself e.g. your age, why you need progesterone etc? Are you in early peri menopause? You are describing some typical early peri symptoms in regards to sleeping? I think it is unreasonable to expect to feel good all the time and all treatments will have some side effects or problems - it's usually a matter of finding a balance of more positives to negatives with HRT treatment. You don't mention whether you will be using some oestrogen alongside yet?
If you have been advised to have the Mirena due to heavy periods or erratic bleeding then this can be a good option. The advantage of the Mirena can be that, when and if you need some relief from menopausal flushes and night sweats, you only need to add some oestrogen in gel or patch form without using other progesterones - this can make life easier when trying to find the right amount of oestrogen you need. You also don't need to worry about contraceptive protection during the peri stage when there is still a chance you can get pregnant.
You are concerned that your period is due when the Mirena fitting is scheduled - clearly you are still getting regular periods? I would simply phone the clinic and find out whether they are happy to fit this while you have your period or reschedule this appointment. Alternatively you could probably be given some progesterone in pill form to delay your period - you could speak with your GP about this - probably with a phone appointment. You would only need to take these pills for a few days so I wouldn't worry about side effects at this stage.
Others have flagged up the the issue around progesterone intolerance but many women get on very well with the Mirena because less progesterone goes round the body systemically so get fewer side effects as a result. Some women are so progesterone sensitive no progesterones suits them and this can be a real problem.
Utrogestan has been mentioned and this is the most natural progesterone, however using this alone will not offer conceptive protection and is not always strong enough to control erratic and heavy bleeding. Utrogestan has a sedative effect which can be a problem for some women - so being natural doesn't mean it is better tolerated by all. I am 59 so Utrogestan pills alongside oestrogen in gel form has been advised for me (especially due to my age) but I am finding I get some breakthrough and erratic bleeding on this, so I am doubtful this will be appropriate for you at this stage.
I hope that helps DG x
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Hi Dancinggirl, I'm 49 and have been having various peri-symptoms for around 7 years. The most troublesome at the moment are insomnia, heavy periods and aching from lower back to knees in the week before my period starts.
I don't need the coil for contraceptive reasons as OH had the snip many moons ago. I'm not actually suffering from flushes yet (only the odd night-sweat) but it's nice to know that if and when they kick in, I should only need to add some oestrogen rather than re-evaluate things completely. I did have a coil in my teens/early twenties (for contraception) and can't remember having any major problems on it.
I hadn't thought of taking the progesterone pill to delay my period - I'll suggest that to my GP next time I see her - I work as a Receptionist at my local Surgery (I'm a nice one, I promise!) so will corner one of the GP's on their coffee break!
Many thanks,
Elsie xx
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Hi elsie001
I don't think the Mirena will help with insomnia, nor the aching, although if it thins the lining there will not be a build-up and maybe the aching is partly due to the hormonal changes and the changes in your lining? Your own cycle (of hormones) and ovulation will still be carrying on in the background even with the Mirena so any symptoms due to this will likely be unaffected ie may not improve, but hopefully anything that's part of your period will!
As the others have said if you start to get menopausal symptoms eg flushes and sweats it will be easy to add some separate oestrogen.
Hurdity x
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GRL - out of curiosity - and for the benefit of others reading this thread in weeks/years to come - is the progesterone in your combined pill Levonorgestrel or some other form of progesterone ?
Pollie
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