Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: BlueButterfly on November 07, 2018, 03:56:19 PM
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Yes I've done a search and read that some women on here have tried this but I am looking for more recent/long term experience women have had with this.
Did it help you manage symptoms during peri? Was it helpful or not?
Thoughts?
Thank you. Seeing the doctor later today and I need something to manage the endo that is starting back up after stopping the pill. I cannot be on the pill now because of factor V mutation that I just found out about and should have been checked or treated with extra precaution for years but the doctors listen so well sometimes ::). I stopped to know where my hormones were....and yes, they are a mess. Would be nice if it could manage some of the peri symptoms as well. Progesterone cream I'm using seems to be helping...did have a hot flush this morning though but they have been less.
I am currently oestrogen dominant. My oestrogen levels are 'okay'. They are a bit on the low end but in "range" BUT my progesterone, also low but in range, is significantly low compared to the oestrogen (very out of balance)....hence the reason the endo getting bad. I am still having somewhat "regular" periods but they are getting odd. I am also now bleeding around 10 days long instead of the 6-7 prior. I no longer regularly ovulate either.
Thanks in advance!
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What about having a Mirena fitted - this could possibly be good to prevent and control the endo? If you have the Mirena in place, then, when your oestrogen levels do drop you simply add in oestrogen as gel or patch.
Here are the details about the Mirena:
Mirena is a levonorgestrel (type of progestogen) releasing system which sits inside the womb, gradually releasing the progestogen into the womb. It is licensed in the UK and Ireland as a contraceptive agent, for treatment of heavy periods and, from August 2004, also for the progestogen component of HRT. It can be used in both the perimenopause and postmenopause and it is particularly useful for:
Persistent progestogenic side effects from systemic HRT despite changes in type and route of progestogen.
When contraception is required along with HRT in the perimenopause.
When withdrawal bleeds on sequential HRT are heavy, after investigation if indicated. (see WHEN TO BE REFERRED )
With Mirena in place, systemic estrogen alone can be taken as the Mirena provides adequate protection of the womb lining and the estrogen dose and route can be tailored to meet the individual's needs.
Progestogenic absorption throughout the body is minimal so reducing progestogenic side effects. The effect of Mirena on the womb lining can significantly reduce bleeding and when used as part of an HRT regimen, in time, 30 to 60% of women have no bleeding at all. Although Mirena used for contraception is licensed for 5 years, the license for use for the progestogen part of HRT is currently 4 years.
DG x
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I have, unfortunately, heard too many horror stories from the Mirena (embedding or piercing the uterine wall). I know issues are rare but even with my sister, it embedded into the uterus and had to be removed. So I worry about having that inserted. I like the progestin they use for it though so it is a struggle as the mini pill in the US is not available with that same progestin. :(
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That's a shame BleButterfly as the Mirena could well be your best option. There will be horror stories about all forms of treatments and if you have endometriosis then any hrt might be a problem for you.
Do discuss it with your doctor. The Mirena would not be so widely used if it gave significant problems and to get a solution to your problems it's important to keep an open mind.
DG x
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Hello Bluebutterfly, I've been taking the mini pill (Cerazette) for two years. I had all sorts of investigations because of heavy and irregular bleeding, nothing untoward was found but this was one of the gynae's suggestions for managing things. I've found it very helpful - I've had two bleeds while on it, 10 months apart and nothing since January. I've put on some weight while taking it but have generally felt better and calmer, though this could just be because I stopped worrying about bleeding all over the place! I'll have to stop taking it at the end of my current batch because of my age - 55 next birthday - but my fingers are crossed that I'll be post-meno by then! Hope you can get a solution to your issues
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Thank you Venetia.
Sounds like the mini pill is what I need. Sad you have to stop taking it. I do hope you are past all the mess and the transition goes well for you!
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If you have endometriosis deposits outside the womb then you need a systemic progestogen to control their growth so it sounds like the mini pill is a good idea. If your periods are still regular then you are likely still to be ovulating at some point, and if you are getting flushes then your oestrogen is probably dropping.
I can't remember how old you are but there are also some gentle CCP options which contain the same oestrogen as in HRT so maybe you would be allowed to take these? Is it the strong oestrogen in most CCP type that is contra-indicated with your genetic condition?
The contraceptive pills I am talking about are QLAIRA and ZOELY - and I imagine the progestogen in them would protect your uterus and any other endometrial deposits - but you would need to check on this? They would be available free on NHS but you would need to be under 50 and in good health otherwise ie no risk factors (overweight, high BP, cholesterol, heart/circulatory issues etc).
Hurdity x
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I'm only 36. I'm in the very beginnings of peri...I am positive about that. My body is screaming it at me.
From what I've been told, I need to steer clear of all oestrogen options (I'm in the US) because of the increased risk of blood clots. My regular doc did mention that he might be okay with a very low dose oestrogen as long as I took a daily aspirin. I was told my oestrogen levels are in the normal range for my age, etc.... just not in the ideal range he likes to have menopausal women at (but won't put me in that category). Same with progesterone. Progesterone does make me feel better as it is very low compared to the oestrogen. The endo and fibroid point to high level of oestrogen (in comparison to progesterone) I need to balance out anyways. Luckily I find hot flushes mild and only slightly irritating (they have been worse but are very tolerable now). Periods are sort of regular...definitely changing. I must ovulate sometimes but I haven't for the last couple of months. I think my heavy periods are because I have unchecked oestrogen at the moment.
Because of my age, I'm still struggling for the GYN to take me seriously regarding perimenopause. He's very aware something is going on hormonally but doesn't want to work me regarding HRT...so just stuck with contraceptive options or deal with it myself until I get this round of doctor bills paid off and save up more money and find another doctor. I don't know. Just honestly trying to get through it all on my own at this point. I know what my body is doing at least. Just wish the doctors would listen better...I really believe we know what is going on in our own bodies better than they do.
I know I need progesterone. It makes me feel SO much better. Not to mention all the fun issues I have going on. Oestrogen bounces all over the place and I can feel when it does. I think I'm very sensitive to hormone changes.