Please help me- HRT question. Posting for fast answers

Catsfrontbum · 2023-09-20T20:26:29+00:00

I started utrogestan day one of my usual period. Then 2 weeks on 16 days off. This is what I recall the meno nurse telling me on the phone. In the 2 weeks off I have a period. But reading the insert says I should have started it on day 15 of my cycle so one week after the the end of my period I am on the second month of HRT. So I auger done 2 weeks on, then I am starting my 2 week break and I have started a period. Which doesn’t fit with the cycles described in the insert. I have brain fog and a real difficulty with numbers, Sequences and processes like this. I am really confused and quite worried. Can anyone help me? I will of course ring the doctor tomorrow.

Original poster

Catsfrontbum · 20/09/2023 21:28

The start of the hrt pushed me into a new cycle as I wasn’t expecting a period when I got it.

OP posts:

Biscuitsandpizza · 20/09/2023 21:31

As far as I know, it doesn't really matter. I do two weeks of utrogestan, starting on 1st of each month, as much easier than trying to remember any other pattern (was suggested on the Menopause chat - worth a look, and possibly post there as you'll get lots of good advice)

Firkinhavinalaugh · 20/09/2023 21:32

It should be day 15 -26 if your cycle and then your get a period.

but please discuss with Dr/Meno nurse to see where you go from here. I’m sure it will be sorted out with some medical guidance.

Firkinhavinalaugh · 20/09/2023 21:33

Biscuitsandpizza · 20/09/2023 21:31

As far as I know, it doesn't really matter. I do two weeks of utrogestan, starting on 1st of each month, as much easier than trying to remember any other pattern (was suggested on the Menopause chat - worth a look, and possibly post there as you'll get lots of good advice)

Ooh that’s really interesting - learn something every day!

key thing is that you have a breakthrough bleed vs no bleed

Original poster

Catsfrontbum · 20/09/2023 21:35

Biscuitsandpizza · 20/09/2023 21:31

As far as I know, it doesn't really matter. I do two weeks of utrogestan, starting on 1st of each month, as much easier than trying to remember any other pattern (was suggested on the Menopause chat - worth a look, and possibly post there as you'll get lots of good advice)

That’s quite reassuring. Thank you!

I have posted on AIBU as it’s close to bedtime and I am feeling quite jittery so wanted some insight.

Thank you

OP posts:

Dropthedonkey · 20/09/2023 21:35

I do 12 days of utrogestan not two weeks - is that wrong?

Blueuggboots · 20/09/2023 21:36

The progesterone is designed to stop your womb lining thickening so much (because of the oestrogen) so you need to take it BEFORE your period is due. 14 days on, 14 days off, starting half way through your cycle.

Original poster

Catsfrontbum · 20/09/2023 21:40

Blueuggboots · 20/09/2023 21:36

The progesterone is designed to stop your womb lining thickening so much (because of the oestrogen) so you need to take it BEFORE your period is due. 14 days on, 14 days off, starting half way through your cycle.

Ok….I know I am dumb but can you explain that to me a little but please?

Are you saying that I am doing it right?

Sorry-

@Dropthedonkey My insert says 12 days on 16 days off. Bu t for shorthand I say 2wk on/off.

OP posts:

LostMySocks · 20/09/2023 21:44

I keep reading about everyone having w weeks on and off and I did this with everol conti.
I'm now on utrogestan but was told to miss the last 3 days of the cycle. Drives me a bit crazy remembering when it is and I have to put lines on the tablet packs so I know when to start skipping

Smidge001 · 20/09/2023 21:47

My instructions also say day 15-26 (so 12 days total). Like a pp, I take them on calendar days... (15th-26th in my case), as my cycle was always around 30-31 days ish anyway so it is so much easier to remember when to take them if I match calendar days.

I've also heard it doesn't matter when you start taking them. You'll end up shifting out your cycle I think, and as long as you get some sort of bleed each month that's the important thing. (My bleed is probably only 1 days worth now instead of 3 but my doctor wasn't concerned as long as there's something).

Original poster

Catsfrontbum · 20/09/2023 21:48

I’m on utrogestan and take 2 tablets a day in the on/off cycle.

im finding it so bloody confusing.

OP posts:

Original poster

Catsfrontbum · 20/09/2023 21:52

Smidge001 · 20/09/2023 21:47

My instructions also say day 15-26 (so 12 days total). Like a pp, I take them on calendar days... (15th-26th in my case), as my cycle was always around 30-31 days ish anyway so it is so much easier to remember when to take them if I match calendar days.

I've also heard it doesn't matter when you start taking them. You'll end up shifting out your cycle I think, and as long as you get some sort of bleed each month that's the important thing. (My bleed is probably only 1 days worth now instead of 3 but my doctor wasn't concerned as long as there's something).

Oh that’s great to hear. Thank you!

OP posts:

BreatheAndFocus · 20/09/2023 21:56

You take it for the second half of your cycle. So, count the first day of your period as Day 1, then start the Utrogestan on Day 15.

BreatheAndFocus · 20/09/2023 21:59

Oops - meant to say don’t get worried, but do speak to the nurse about how best to get back on track. I remember Utrogestan (progesterone) as being a 2nd half of your cycle thing. If you keep that in your head, you should remember. Think O then P - P comes after O (O= oestrogen, P=progesterone).

Original poster

Catsfrontbum · 20/09/2023 22:01

BreatheAndFocus · 20/09/2023 21:56

You take it for the second half of your cycle. So, count the first day of your period as Day 1, then start the Utrogestan on Day 15.

So yeah that’s how I started it, but on day 15 I have started (another) my period. So 2 periods in one cycle? That was month one and now in month 2 that’s my cycle now. 2 weeks on, break for 2 weeks and then back in.

so instead of being on this day 15 start I am stopping then.

OP posts:

poshme · 20/09/2023 22:09

OP my periods went a bit haywire when I started on HRT. I take utrogestan (2) 14 days on, 14 days off.
I was told it creates a new cycle.

For the first 4 months I got periods for a day or two, and then again a couple of weeks later.

It then all settled down completely.

Original poster

Catsfrontbum · 20/09/2023 22:12

poshme · 20/09/2023 22:09

OP my periods went a bit haywire when I started on HRT. I take utrogestan (2) 14 days on, 14 days off.
I was told it creates a new cycle.

For the first 4 months I got periods for a day or two, and then again a couple of weeks later.

It then all settled down completely.

I could kiss you!

very reassuring.

OP posts:

letmesailletmesail · 20/09/2023 22:28

I think I did what you have done as I got very confused! The first month was horrendous as I think I was about to start a period but essentially pushed it back a fortnight and just got more & more bloated. Then I had that bleed and since then, it's been straightforward & normal.
I take the gel constantly, take the pills from day 14 and then, as soon as I come off them, I have a bleed for a couple of days.

Blueuggboots · 20/09/2023 22:33

I found that my periods got closer together and the oestrogen can cause this. The GP increased my progesterone to 300mg daily and now that doesn't happen.

Yetanothernamechangeagain · 20/09/2023 22:44

You only need to take 12 days but it can be hard to remember so that is why it is often prescribed for 14 days.

You are taking it to prevent the lining of your womb thickening and as long as you take it for at least the 12 days per month it doesn’t matter when. Taking it in the second part of your cycle is to try to time the withdrawal bleed with your period but is not in any way essential.