Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: alibeau on October 30, 2025, 11:41:11 AM
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Hi Everyone :)
So I'm 53, been on HRT for about 7 years. Currently on 4 pumps of Oestrogel (increased from 3 about 6 weeks ago) and Utrogestan orally 12 nights out of 28. Also using Estriol vaginal cream 3 times a week alternated with vaginal moisturiser.
So over the past year or so, not every month but at least every other, I have started to suffer with dreadful cramping along with a migraine when my bleed is due to start and this seems to be worsening. This month the cramping and migraine have dragged on for a number of days which is a first. I'm taking regular paracetemol, warm wheat bag, and sumatriptan if required.
Is there anything I could/should be trying/adjusting to help any of this? Or is it just another lovely part of my meno journey? ::)
Thanks in advance.
Ali x
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Hope it's ok to bump this just in case anyone has any feedback, thanks :)
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Have you considered taking the progesterone continuously, at half the dose?
Cyclical progesterone is a pharmacological model of PMT.
Nobody has to put up with either a natural menstrual cycle, or a simulated one, unless they want to, and doing so often doesn't serve those with migraines, painful bleeding and other cyclical issues.
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Premenstrual Tension happens in the 10-14 days B4 a period starts and symtoms are relieved immediately the bleed begins.
My symptoms were bloating, increased thirst and irritability: issues that would be OK month round would suddenly blow up ! and it was best to avoid me :D. I was known to throw things but nowt that was of value.
In the mid-1990s I was advised by The National Association of Pre-menstrual Syndrome [NAPS] to eat every 3 hours, 24/7 to stop those awful energy surges when the body is suddenly hungry. It has worked thus far and was at the time a Life saver.
Hormonal migraines can be eased by a relatively new medication, sorry don't know the product name. Even after my periods had stopped I would get pains and think "Oh no! Not after all these years!" Feminax - a medication to begin taking 2-3 days B4 a period is due - was also a Life saver.
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Thank you both.
It's odd as it's not something I have suffered with that badly up until recently.
I have tried Utrogestan at half dose continuously but can't remember why I was unhappy with it and switched back?! ;D
I'll go back and read my old messages to see if that sheds any light and whether it might be preferable to try again.
Thanks again. :)
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So I've just found my old posts about switchin to continous P.
Seems I suffered with frequent spotting and fatigue. Doesn't sound too bad considering how rough I've felt this month with cramps etc ;D
I've got a night out at the end of Nov that I really don't want to miss and then we are on holiday in Dec so I just don't know whether to stick or twist ;D
What good fun the menopause is!!!! ;D
Thanks xx