Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: kittydaydream on August 19, 2024, 08:37:45 AM

Title: Progesterone causing imbalance?
Post by: kittydaydream on August 19, 2024, 08:37:45 AM
Hi all, I’ve posted a few times about my current woes…….it seems I’m Utrogestan intolerant causing early waking, chronic fatigue and anxiety/ palpitations! These kicked in 3 months into continuous use, I tried Provera and that was just as bad, I’ve been waiting for an appointment to get mirena which i tolerated before but keep getting mixed messages as to when that will be! Dr said I can stop utro for 2-3 weeks while I wait which I did and I felt no better in that time! So is that because I’ve then got an imbalance? The appointment got cancelled so I had to take utro again!
Title: Re: Progesterone causing imbalance?
Post by: bombsh3ll on August 19, 2024, 08:51:27 AM
A short washout period from the progestogens of up to 3 months whilst waiting for the mirena is safe to see how you do with just the estrogen.

This would clarify whether or not any symptoms are progestogen related.

I would also review your estrogen dose and consider if you need androgen replacement as well.
Title: Re: Progesterone causing imbalance?
Post by: kittydaydream on August 19, 2024, 08:55:39 AM
Hiya! Thank you! I’m on 100 estraderm patch which dr won’t increase, sorry what is androgen replacement? So three months without Utrogestan wouldn’t be harmful? Thanks
Title: Re: Progesterone causing imbalance?
Post by: kittydaydream on August 19, 2024, 10:27:43 AM
A short washout period from the progestogens of up to 3 months whilst waiting for the mirena is safe to see how you do with just the estrogen.

This would clarify whether or not any symptoms are progestogen related.

I would also review your estrogen dose and consider if you need androgen replacement as well.

I’ve just seen the testosterone blood result and it’s 1.3 but I’m on testogel- it’s only just above deficient even with it?!
Title: Re: Progesterone causing imbalance?
Post by: sheila99 on August 19, 2024, 12:01:08 PM
Are you sure it's progesterone and not low oestrogen? All those symptoms can be low oestrogen. I get all your symptoms except palpitations with oestrogen deficiency. A few women seem to be better with progesterone but for most it's the evil we have to put up with to get oestrogen. Personally I think 3 months without it is a little risky though you could consider sequi instead of continuous (200mg x 12 days). If you're meno it might be worth testing your oestrogen levels and if they're low going to a private specialist or an NHS meno clinic who can prescribe a higher dose.
Title: Re: Progesterone causing imbalance?
Post by: kittydaydream on August 19, 2024, 12:09:52 PM
Thanks Sheila, my oestrogen was 388 last month I’m on 100 patch
Title: Re: Progesterone causing imbalance?
Post by: Kathleen on August 19, 2024, 12:39:14 PM
Hello kittydaydream

When I first joined Newson Health I was given oestrogen only for three months to see if I did better without progesterone. I had  some bleeding but I was told not to worry about that. As I recall I didn't feel much better without progesterone (Utrogestan) so it was decided that my symptoms were entirely due to low oestrogen.

I take your point about an imbalance because I later achieved 600 pmol/L of Oestrogen on six pumps of gel but only one Utrogestan capsule used vaginally every other night. At this time I  felt okay sometimes but at other times I felt anxious etc so I was far from balanced.

At the moment I am trying to balance my symptoms by using a lower dose oestrogen and a higher dose progesterone. Time will tell but fingers crossed!

I am sorry that I can't be more helpful but you are not alone on this bumpy ride.

Wishing you well and take care.

K.