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[PMB63]

Hi there
I've been taking 2 pumps of Oestrogel for 15 days and are due to commence Utrogestan tonight. My GP prescribed 200mg and I have to take this vaginally. I'm 52 next month and still have a uterus, hence need to add progesterone. I've been reading up a lot these past few days on the side effects and getting quite anxious 
My GP wasn't very clear in explaining the whole regime to me she advised me to read the patient leaflet thoroughly, but I'm still a little confused to be hones about two things -
a) do I still take the Oestrogel whilst using Utrogestan and
b) for how long do I need to take the Utrogestan for?
I'm really getting myself in a bit of a state over it all as I'm quite emotional lately at the best of times.
I hope somebody is able to give me some reassurance. I've tried Elleste Duet and Femseven previously, so this is my 3rd "go" at HRT and I want to get it right.
Thank you all so much for your support. This site is brilliant.
Much love P. X

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome to MMPMB63
Many of us are now using this regime as it is bio identical and is often the best option for those women who suffer with side effects from other progesterones.
You are clearly taking Utrogestan in a sequential regime which means you take it for 12 days each month.  The latest packets of these pills have had the wrong instructions on the leaflet and I actually emailed the drug company for them to clarify the situation.

If you look under HRT Preparations to the left of this screen, under Progesterones there are the instructions about how to take Utrogestan.  Have you got a packet of 100mg pills? You will use 2x100mg pills each night for 12 days after which you should get a withdrawal bleed - it may be a very light bleed if you are post menopausal. It is quite normal to feel a bit sleepy in the morning but this should wear off quite quickly.  You may find you sleep really well while using the Utrogestan - I found it bliss.

I am very surprised your GP has recommended you use this vaginally as it is technically only licensed to use orally fro HRt purposes but, again, many women use it vaginally because it may cause fewer side effects and you don't need to worry about taking it on an empty stomach if used orally.

Do get back to us with questions - we're here to support you.
I do hope this works well for you - I suspect it will as so many of us are really happy with this regime.  DG x

[PMB63]

THANK YOU DG for your quick reply. That's really helpful and reassuring.
Better sleep would be a bonus as I have Fibromyalgia and quality sleep is very rare these days. The vaginal capsules I have are actually of 200mg strength, so at least I only need to take the one.
I just hope that I won't get too many unwanted side effects, but guess only one way to find out.
Thank you so much again, I really appreciate it
P X

[Dancinggirl]

BTW - you do continue to use the Oestrogel every day alongside the Utrogestan. You may find you get 100mg capsules next time as they seem to have stopped the 200mg versions!!!!!.  The 100mg are small so it's not a problem shoving two little pills up inside the vagina.
I have to say I feel really good on the Utrogestan and may start using is continuously.
Good luck   DG x

[Hurdity]

Hi PMB63

I assume that the 200 mg capsules you have been given are either old stock from the dispensary/pharmacy or maybe the ones used for fertility (in which case you have a very diligent doctor!). The 200 mg capsules are still made for fertility (or were last time I looked) but the leaflet is different because the instructions are not for menopause - it will be obvious which ones you have.

I use Utrogestan vaginally and have done so for  3 1/2 years. Although the French spc (leaflet instructions) recommend vaginal use (at the same dose) if there are side effects from oral use, research has shown that the amount needed for vaginal use is lower than for oral use, so you might be able to get away with using 100 mg only if you are on a 28 day cycle.

I would see how you feel on this dose and hopefully you will feel fine and sleep better! You might also find that even if you have initial side efefcts your body will get used to the progesterone after a few days.

By the way re fibromyalgia - I'm sure you've read about this and will know that fibromyalgia syndrome, like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can result from hormone deficiencies - and especially thyroid, but also teststerone and oestrogen. I really hope that your symptoms reduce or disappear through taking this bio-identical HRT so that you don't have it any more  .

Don't worry about what you read on here because women only come here initially because of problems so there will be lots of women out there taking utrogestan orally and vaginally without a care in the world!

Do you also use vaginal oestrogen? I like to make sure this area is well plumped up with Vagifem or Gynest before I start my Utrogestan - but you may well be fine in that dept anyway!

Hope it goes well and do keep us posted as to how you are doing!

Hurdity x

[PMB63]

Hi Hurdity
Thank you very much for your advice and comments. The Utrogestan capsules I've been given are the ones used for fertility.
I've just inserted my first one so fingers crossed......
I'm using Oestrogel and apply it onto my arms every day, it's day 15 today.
I find it very reassuring to read that you've been taking it successfully for 3.5 years.
I will give you an update in a few days time.
Thanks again
P X

[jedigirl]

Hi PMB63, how are you doing today?
I'll be interested to hear how you get on with this regime as its one I'm looking into myself.
Hope all is well with you today and good luck! x

[Hurdity]

Hope the first insertion went well PMB63 and you feel OK 

Also to add that some of the other transdermal oestrogen types (Sandrena gel, Evorel patches) recommend only to use on the lower abdomen - although they all say don't apply near or on the breasts. Personally I would choose a site on the lower half of the body - although I am not a gel user, so as to be as far away from the breasts as possible.

Hurdity x

[PMB63]

Hi Hurdity
All seems ok so far thank you. I have been wondering whether I should try and apply the gel to my thighs as that's another possibility, according to the patient information leaflet.
I will keep you and jedigirl posted.
At the moment my mood and brainfog are still my main concern but it's still very early days I guess.
I hope that all is well with you and thank you for your support :-)
P x

[Dancinggirl]

I always put the gel on my thighs as it's easier to apply and there is a bigger area to spread it. I also like to moisturise my arms as they are more on show in summer than my thighs. Dg x

[PMB63]

Hi DG
That's a good point and I have actually missed moisturizing my arms.
So will definitely start applying it to my thighs as of tonight.
Makes much more sense anyhow, don't know why I haven't done it yet DOH!!!
Thanks
Px

[Dancinggirl]

It's the inner thighs you need to apply it too - the skin is thinner I think (gets less exposure to everything) so it probably absorbs better. DG x