Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Lorraine270 on May 08, 2018, 09:05:47 AM

Title: Periods returning
Post by: Lorraine270 on May 08, 2018, 09:05:47 AM

Hi all

I wonder if anyone can share experiences about bleeding when starting with oestrogen gel?
I started using the Sandrena gel about 2 months ago. I had some light bleeding start after 2 weeks which went on for a week or so and then almost exactly a month later again, the same, although this time heavier and with a classic 'period' feeling in the run up to it.

I haven't had any periods for about 3 years ( I had the Mirena Coil fitted in 2014) and am worried that using the gel could mean a return of my periods.
Having read up on it, if I have oestrogen via the sandrena gel and the progesterone via the Mirena I shouldnt get periods.

Has anyone else experienced this? is it perhaps a settling down?

Grateful for any thoughts,  :)

Title: Re: Periods returning
Post by: Dotty on May 08, 2018, 10:37:19 AM

Breakthrough bleeding can happen in the first 6 months of taking hrt.

Title: Re: Periods returning
Post by: elsie001 on May 08, 2018, 10:54:14 AM

I had the mirena coil fitted in 2015 and my periods came back December last year for a few months (very light) but now seem to have stopped again.  GP did a womb biopsy and results were fine.

Unfortunately, when you have the coil fitted during peri-meno (mine was to treat heavy periods), it's hard to know where you are in the meno journey.

I don't need extra oestrogen at the moment but I have had to use Vagifem on occasion and that brought back a bit of light bleeding.

Title: Re: Periods returning
Post by: Lorraine270 on May 08, 2018, 01:04:07 PM

Thanks both - I took a while for things to settle when I had the Mirena fitted so hopefully this will be the same  :)
Was reassuring to hear your experience, thanks

Title: Re: Periods returning
Post by: Dancinggirl on May 08, 2018, 02:51:32 PM

Not all women Are bleed free with the Mirena  - I think it is around 60% who don't have any bleeding or spotting. Mirena with Oestrogel is a very good HRT combo but some bleeding and spotting at first is quite normal. If you are peri menopause ( which I suspect you are) then you may still be producing some oestrogen yourself so this would result in some erratic bleeding when you first start adding in some extra oestegn. If after 6 months you are still getting bleeding then this needs investigating.
You may need to replace the Mirena soon as for HRT purposes it has to be changed every 4 years to ensure it protects the womb lining - the progesterone could already be starting to run out with your current Mirena. DG x