Mini pill for peri

[threelions]

I've been prescribed the mini pill (Cerelle) by my GP. I'm definitely in peril and have plenty of symptoms.
My period has arrived over two weeks late again today so I was planning on taking it this evening.

I'm now feeling a little anxious about starting it. I used to be on the mini pill a few years ago but stopped taking it because of anxiety. I'm now worrying that if I take it anxiety will return again and I won't be able to manage. I have anxiety without being on it so the thought of maybe it being worse again freaks me.
I've gained weight the last few years and I'm really worried about piling more on.

Has anyone else started this in their 40's and been ok with it?

Surely if you're in peri you need estrogen too?
I've been on mini pill for 14 years now (I'm 50) and when I started really suffering with peri symptoms a couple of years ago I started HRT. I didn't want a mirena coil so stayed on the mini pill and take Utrogestan as well (you need 2 types of progesterone until you're certain your periods have ceased for 1+ years) I felt immensely better within a couple of weeks and still on it now (and intend to be on it for the rest of my life!)

If you're suffering with peri symptoms I'm not sure that the mini pill alone will be enough to help you?

it seems from your post that you’ve been prescribed Cerelle for peri-menopausal symptoms, is that right? Or was it prescribed for contraception but you also happen to be peri-menopausal?

If the former, Cerelle is not HRT and will do nothing for your peri-menopausal symptoms.

if the latter, have you thought about an IUS? It would provide contraception, as it’s delivered locally so to speak it might limit the systemic effects of the progesterone, and when the time comes for HRT it can be used for your progesterone.

Thanks for replying. My GP has said to start on this first and see how I get on with it, then if needed HRT can be taken alongside.

I find it all so confusing. I stopped contraception a couple of years ago to give my body a break. Now peri has started I'm terrified of falling pregnant. I'm also worried about side effects and my anxiety worsening. I've pretty much got it under control. I'm scared taking this pill will make it kick off again.

My GP has prescribed it for peri symptoms namely my cycle being out of sorts and my periods becoming more heavy and painful.

I do want some form of contraception though as I am worried about being one of those women who gets pregnant in their late 40's.

Can you see a different GP? It sounds like the one you’ve seen is a bit muddled.

If you went in asking for contraception then Cerelle may be reasonable. But if you went in asking for HRT for peri-menopausal symptoms then cerelle alone is not enough and will not help. (As PP said, you may need Cerelle + HRT).

I think I need to see a different GP. It was a male GP I saw who is usually very good. I wonder if I saw a female GP I may get understood more?

I think I'm going to take the pill anyway as I do need to have some form on contraception. I don't fancy an IUD

I think that’s a good idea. I suspect he’s fudged it a bit, probably couldn’t remember the rules around combining contraception with HRT. Good luck!

Right, I'll start the pill tonight and try to get an appointment with a female GP to
Discuss HRT.
I did ask about HRT at the time but he seemed to think I needed to start mini pill first.

I went to him with a list of symptoms hair loss, feeling warm all the time, cycle becoming irregular, heavy and painful periods, disturbed sleep.

It definitely sounds like you need HRT as well as contraception OP. Do go back and see a different doctor, maybe do your own research beforehand so you have a better understanding of it all and can't be fobbed off.

The Menopause Website is a good starting point.

Best of luck

I took Cerelle in my 40s because my periods were getting closer together and it was annoying. I was having 23/24 day cycles with the usual level (for me) of pain and heavy bleeding which was too much. It stopped them completely and I really liked it.

I’m now 51 and have a Mirena coil and oestrogen gel - at 49 the peri symptoms became too much for the mini pill!