Tridestra - Boots can't provide?

[Superjaggy]

In discussion with my GP I thought I'd try this HRT, as I only got periods every 2-3 cycles with Femoston 2/10 and I was hating the Progestogen part of the cycle (low mood etc).

However Boots tell me it's "unavailable" and I've been offered Femoston 2/10 as the only alternative. Quite apart from being advised this by a dispensing assistant who may or may not know a thing about HRT, I'm gutted that I can't make a start on it.

Does anyone know if it's been withdrawn, or should I take my prescription elsewhere?

Try other pharmacies, ring around, phone the manufacturer ( google it and their details will come up) and do an online search to see if it's still available.

If not, you can do your own 3 monthly cycle by simply using progesterone every 12 weeks.

I am on Femoston 2/10 with no side effects but I don’t have a bleed every month. I miss some periods.
I don’t know if it is normal and maybe I will have to change my hrt too.

I take Femoston 2/10mg + 1/10mg which is a lot of oestrogen and a lot of progesterone and i don't get any side effects, like Emerald13 i don't get regular periods with it, i think my natural cycle breaks through every month or so as i am still peri (i think), i hear Tridestra is well tolerated and apparently only prescribed to ladies who cannot tolerate other hrt, i know it is not dispensed around where i live (Buckinghamshire).

Thanks everyone. Queen it hadn't occurred to me to just use Femoston in the same pattern as Tridestra, I might just do that as I felt great on the oestrogen only phase. That has cheered me immeasurably (I've just had a wee foray into using the combined pill instead of HRT and it's been the longest 10 weeks of my perimenopausal life)

Emerald I don't think you'd need to change your HRT if it's working for you in all other regards, it's quite common for women to miss periods as far as I understand.

Thank you Super! 💐

superjaggy There are lots of women on long cycle HRT not using Tridestra.

Most of us use either oestrogen gel or an oestrogen patch with a separate progestogen.

This could be Utrogestan or Norethisterone, or even the mini pill (but these last 2 options tend to be offered via consultants not your 'average GP'.

I did long cycle for years with gel and Norethisterone 12 days every 3 months, have now changed to Utrogestan as it's considered safer.

That's really good to know Queen, thanks. I asked my GP about changing to gel but she wasn't overly keen and I didn't have enough info to hand to argue the case, but I might have another go at my next review. She is generally hugely supportive about HRT though.

why is she not keen on gel? can't understand that. it's safer than tablets re blood clotting !

She mentioned that it's a bit faffy... we know each other personally so she may be basing that on how busy I am. I will definitely think on about it!

I guess that's your choice. I use 1 pump 2 x a day so half a pump to each arm morning and bedtime.

I use it as part of my morning/ evening routine- shower, deodorant, teeth clean, gel! Dries in 20 seconds.

Tridestra really suits me but I'm running out. Having experienced problems with the same product via pharmacies other than Boots, I wonder if anyone has had any news? Is there any sight of supply restarting?

I was told by my consultant some time ago that it had been discontinued. I don't use it but it was a comment they made in passing.

Maybe the stock you have had was old stock? Call the manufacturer - info online- and ask?

@Queen there’s a medical web forum where people have phoned supplier (Orion) and been told it’s a supply problem, not stopped. Boots has been told same.
I’ve had problems with packs from 2 other chemists, hence I’m sticking with Boots which have been fine. I’m really hoping to hear something soon - I want to avoid finding an alternative if possible

Phoned Orion today. Helpful Medical Team adviser told me Tridestra production is halted and to be reviewed in the new year. There will be no further production until mid-March (if ten)

Thanks for sharing that @1Need. I've stuck with Femoston 2/10, missing out every 2nd pack of oestrogen + progesterone and it's suiting me well, so I probably won't seek out Tridestra (or its successor) again, but at least I know Boots weren't fibbing!