Hi again - re the oestrogen and progesterone (Utrogestan): depending on whether you want a continuous combined (no-bleed) HRT or a cyclical one - you either take the progesterone all the time (conti) or intermittently on a cycle - which will give you a withdrawal bleed. The advantage of this is that you don't get the sedative effect of the progesterone all the time. Many of us find it too sedating and depressing so opt to take it cyclically. Whichever option you choose you take the oestrogen all the time.
The doc is unlikely to tell you about vaginal application because it is only licensed for vaginal use for fertility in UK although in continental Europe vaginal use is given as an alternative to oral intake. Used orally can have more side effects than used vaginally. None of the creams can be used to protect the womb and there is no licensed product for this purpose so if you want to use "natural" progesterone - then Utrogestan is the only licensed one for HRT.
The oestrogen should definitely help with flushes and sweats - at the right dose - what dose are you taking?
If you have been taking the gel on its own for several weeks then you may get a bleed or spotting when you start the progesterone but if you continue to take it continuously then the bleeding should eventually stop - and depending on your oestrogen dose (higher oestrogen does need higher amounts of progesterone to protect the womb).
It is worth persisting and trying your HRT regime for at least 3 months to see if it helps with symptoms - and hopefully the benefits will outweigh any side effects. In my case I put up with a withdrawal bleed every 6-8 weeks after 12 days of progesterone - which sometimes makes me feel foggy-headed and tired - but then I reap the benefits of oestrogen only the rest of the time
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Hope it works for you.
Hurdity x
