Can you remember if you started your HRT mid cycle?

[TheGingerTree]

Went to see my GP a few days ago and he prescribed me HRT. Started wearing my Estradot patch same day, which happened to be Day 13 of my cycle. My GP didn't tell me to wait until Day One of my next period before wearing the patch or anything.

I wore the patch for 3 days. Then took my first Utrogestan last night (day 15) as instructed on the packet.

But I have now decided to stop and wait until Day 1 of next period, so I can at least enjoy 2 weeks straight of oestrogen before having to take progesterone.

Just wondered if anyone else was advised to wait until Day One of their cycle to take HRT?

Have you had a look at the leaflet that comes with the patch? Or online under the product name?
I am pretty sure that all instructions are similar which is start on Day 1 of a cycle if in peri or anytime if post meno.

I did quickly read through the leaflet pinkfrocks but not too closely as I didn't really want to know what side effects there were as I'd be should to imagine I had them all.

My GP knew I was on day 13 of my cycle, but still told me to go ahead and get a patch on straight away and start with the Utro on Day 15.

When I explained that my cycle had become a bit erratic recently 24/26/28 or even 32 days, and so wasn't sure if I was 'genuinely' on day 13 or not, he said it would have to be a case of trial and error. And that over the next few months the HRT should regulate me more so I would know more accurately when to start the Utro.

But that wasn't going to help me this first month.

Hmm. Have just read on the leaflet that if you are peri and still having periods then you can start Estradot on any convenient day regardless of where you are in your cycle.

I suppose if you're taking it for hot flushes etc then it won't really matter. But if you're taking it to alleviate cyclical hormonal anxiety/low mood then it's probably not best to start it mid cycle so you have to start taking the Utro at the same time too?

I'd try not to overthink it
Your GP is right.
Eventually it will all settle down.

For some women, getting some oestrogen as soon as possible is what they need (ie for flushes- it worked for me in 4 days) but with moods etc I think you might find it takes a bit longer.

I do think you ought to try to not think so negatively because anticipating side effects etc tends to be a self-fulfilling prophecy! Anxiety breeds anxiety and all that!

At the end of the day, you would be taking the Utrogestan for 12 days only ( you could stop at 10 if it is really making you feel bad) so that's not a lot of time to put up with the downside (if there is any.)

If you find that any progesterone affects you badly then some consultants are happy for women to use it for 7 days only per cycle (eg Prof John Studd) but then you should have a scan now and then to ensure your lining is not getting too thick.