Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Harebell on August 01, 2024, 02:35:52 PM
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Hi ladies
I’m 59 yrs old and using evorel 50 patches with Utrogestan 200mg every 6 weeks ie on a longer cycle with a bleed.
I’ve just been told by my doctor that I should be bleed free at my age and should start to take the utrogestan continuously.
However, I’m not very good with continuous progesterone as I’ve tried conti patches previously.
Any advice would be welcome. Is there an age limit?
Harebell xx
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When you say you're not very good with continuous P, what have you tried and what happens?
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I believe Hurdity is well versed in this regime - hopefully she'll be around to advise
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There are no absolute rules just clinical guidelines, which should never trump individualised care.
If you are progesterone intolerant and this works for you with no irregular bleeding and no concerns about endometrial hyperplasia, you should not be forced to change to a regimen that is not compatible with your needs.
However in reality this can be difficult to negotiate, especially if your prescriber is not a menopause specialist.
A suitable compromise would be to self fund a pelvic scan every year or so to demonstrate that your endometrial lining remains thin.
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Thank you for your input.
I think it was the norethisterone in the evorel Conti patches that didn’t agree witr me.
Perhaps I would be ok on continuous utrogestan. But I have been reluctant to try it this way as I’m ok on the longer cycle.
Yes I knew Hurdity used this method. Hopefully she will add her views. I just feel a bit like why would I rock the boat when I’ve messed about with tablets etc and just seem to be ok as it is.
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U could send Hurdity a PM to read your thread, she isn't here as often these days.
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Thank you clkd. How do I do that
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Harebell, the reason that continuous is recommended is that there is a slightly increased risk of endometrial cancer for women remaining on sequential HRT after 5 years on HRT. Obviously that is only a slightly increased risk and there will always be other individual factors to consider, but it is perhaps something you should at least try before deciding to stay with sequential. (Your doctor might want you to.)
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Thanks joziel
I know I should try.
I should perhaps pay for a private appt somewhere as I have only ever used the GP surgery and they seem to just want me off hrt. They said I was too old for a mirena coil. I just find them not very helpful.
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I'm on a 6 week cycle because I turn into a zombie on utro. They told me there's an increased risk of endometrial cancer this way. If you have no side effects from the 200kg utro you're on now it's very likely you'll be fine on 100mg for conti. I know Hurdity has shortened her cycle because the lining thickened. I have no idea how thick mine is but I've been on sequi for 7 years now and have an appointment with a view to getting a mirena (I'm 63) because I feel I'm pushing my luck. IIWM I'd try conti because why take a risk you don't need to? If it doesn't work out you can always change back. Perhaps remind them the NICE guidelines no longer have an age limit, it's possible they don't know it changed.
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I couldn’t get on with the Noristerone in Evorel sequi it gave me headaches which is why I’ve changed to Evorel 25mg and utrogestan 100mg continuously
Hi ladies
I’m 59 yrs old and using evorel 50 patches with Utrogestan 200mg every 6 weeks ie on a longer cycle with a bleed.
I’ve just been told by my doctor that I should be bleed free at my age and should start to take the utrogestan continuously.
However, I’m not very good with continuous progesterone as I’ve tried conti patches previously.
Any advice would be welcome. Is there an age limit?
Harebell xx
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Harebell, that sounds terrible from your GP. You need better support than that.
You don't need to ever come off HRT. And you are not too old for a Mirena coil, women of any age can have one fitted. It would be a good idea to do 3-4 weeks of vaginal estrogen (Vagifem) first so the fitting can be as comfortable as possible.
If you check out the Newson Health website, as well as offering online video calls for HRT, they also offer coil fitting and in-person appointments at their centres around the UK. They have many different locations now. It would be a private appointment and coil fitting, but the coil lasts 5 years so would be a good investment....
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Just an update after my appointment. I'm 63 and the gp is fitting a mirena on Tuesday (aaargghh!). She's been specially trained though, it isn't all gps who can do it. I don't know where your gp is getting their information from but the age thing can't be national guidelines.