Elleste Duet 2mg: How long can I continue?

[florriepeck]

Been taking Elleste Duet 2mg for 8 months, with an improvement in my menopause symptoms.
I am 55, and was having regular periods until starting on this; I now have regular, predictable bleeds at the start of new packs.
My GP has said that he will change me to a no -bleed HRT when my next prescription is due; however, I am happy to continue as I am with my current treatment.
How long can I continue, and are there any links to best practice, eg specific NICE guidelines, that I could show to my GP if needed?

Many drs prefer to put women on conti because it completely eradicates the risk of endometrial over growth which can lead to cancer (rarely). The down side is using progestogens daily can cause low mood and it also appears to increase the risks of breast cancer, used long term.

The figures on HRT/ BC show a difference between types of progestogens. Continuous, combined HRT has the highest risk.

For this reason, my consultant (menopause expert) has suggested I keep the progestogen to the absolute minimum and use Utrogestan (not a synthetic type.)

Using a sequential type means you are taking progestogens only half the month not every day.

You'd need to dig around online to find this data- it would be under 'risks with different types of progestogens/ HRT/ breast cancer.'

I used sequi for 11 years (and am in my 60s now.)

Hope this helps.

Thanks for your advice.
I do tend to feel low in mood when taking the progestogen- containing tablets during second half of cycle, so that could be worse if taken every day ( feeling very uptight and anxious).