Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: NaomiD on November 25, 2024, 01:35:11 PM
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I've been on body identical HRT for almost 4 months. I'm on 2 pumps of estrogel and 200mg progesterone - used as a suppository - on days 12-26. I feel marvellous! My libido is back. I've lost weight. My mood is stable and no hot flushes, joint pains etc. Nada. Huzzah!
However the last two periods have been late. the first one 5 days after the last dose of progesterone and the current one, I'm still waiting on day 6.
Has anyone else had this? I'm coming to you before I speak to the GP, because my GP has very little help to offer. I had to tell him that it was possible to use progesterone as a suppository after he had offered me a hysterectomy, saying; 'It's all chaos in there my dear and there is very little we can do.'
I wonder whether it is the relatively high dose of progesterone? I have fibroids, but my womb lining is thin, so it must be working. My periods are still very heavy, so I don't think they are about to stop.
Thanks in advance for your wisdom. x
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It mayB your own hormones over riding the HRT = waxing and waning. Is there any info in the leaflet with the product?
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I've been on pretty much the same regime for 9 months and have found it changed my cycle a fair bit. Apparently this is quite normal and nothing to worry about. It's been anything from 7 days before the last utrogestan to 10 days after. Eventually it's settled now and I usually start about 1-2 days after the last tablets.
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Hormone therapy is brilliant in so many ways but unfortunately it doesn't get rid of or regulate bleeding, as it is not strong enough to switch off your own cycle.
There are other options if you don't want to bleed.
Mirena IUS is a popular choice if you are ok with this.
Or you could take a stronger synthetic progestin,
either in a combined oral contraceptive pill (gets rid of bleeding completely if taken continuously) or a stand alone progestin eg desogestrel 150mcg or slynd alongside your estrogen gel.
However any agent that suppresses ovarian function is also likely to destroy your libido if you don't have any androgen replacement.
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By 'suppository' are you using it rectally or vaginally?
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I was just wondering the same joziel. Also my period always started a few days after finishing the progesterone. I think this is why it's called a "withdrawal bleed" as the withdrawal of the progesterone instigates the bleed. Not very technical I know but that's how I always saw it.
Taz x