Can I start my estrogel first then add progesterone later?

[Squaddielife]

I've been prescribed Oestrodose (oestrogel) (4 pumps a day) and Utrogestan 100mg (2 tablets on day 14-28 of cycle).

I'm past day 14 in my cycle already so I have to wait a while before I can start the progesterone but does this mean I have to wait to start the estrogel or can I start it immediately?

Also, any hints/tips/warnings from you lovely ladies who have tried this combo before?

What side effects did you get? What symptoms did this combo alleviate? I think 4 pumps seema alot so am going to start with 2 instead 4.

Im a first timer... never used any HRT before 🤔

I have just started on this regime and had similar questions. I was advised to just crack on with the gel and then start the Utrogestan when I reached the right day in my cycle.

I've only been prescribed 1.5 pumps a day to start with though. I'm 47 and only recently realised my symptoms might be peri-menopausal, but have probably been like this for 2 years plus. Now I've realised what's happening it's really dawned on me why I've been feeling like I have (crap)

If you're on Facebook or Instagram there are a couple of brilliant pages I'd really recommend for information and other women's experiences - this is where I've asked my initial questions

Sorry can't help exactly other than to say pop onto Instagram and look up the menopause dr.

She is fantastic and posts so much information, and it's a really active page so maybe someone can help you, hope it all goes well.

You can start with estrogen straight away.

If you are still having regular periods it's worth waiting till mid cycle of your next one before adding in Utrogestan. The dose is actually 12 days not 14 (see leaflet in pack.)

You will have a withdrawal bleed after the last tablet- usually 3 days after.

I'm always baffled why GPs who prescribe this don't talk all of this through.

Have you been told to use 4 pumps? Are you either very young for menopause or had your ovaries removed? The starting dose of gel is 2 pumps, not 4.

Yes, gynae has started me on 4 pumps. I've no idea why though. Am 46 & perimenopausal. Have had symptoms for about 6/12 months. Mainly anxiety, acne, low mood, no libido, joint pains, headaches, jaw tension, some hot flushes. Still have my ovaries (although I've had my fallopian tubes removed).

I will start the Utrogestan on days 14 of next period.

Thanks for your replies 🙂

If you read the leaflet with the gel, it says the normal starting dose is 2 pumps. It's usual to start on that for a few weeks and see if you feel better, but if not, you can increase to 3 and then 4 pumps.

A lot of women feel a bit 'weird' adding so much estrogen straight away - and 4 pumps is 3mgs a day compared to the usual 1mgs- so my gynae suggested starting low and working up if needed. (Been on it 12 years.)

@JinglingHellsBells

You can start with estrogen straight away.

If you are still having regular periods it's worth waiting till mid cycle of your next one before adding in Utrogestan. The dose is actually 12 days not 14 (see leaflet in pack.)

You will have a withdrawal bleed after the last tablet- usually 3 days after.

I'm always baffled why GPs who prescribe this don't talk all of this through.

Have you been told to use 4 pumps? Are you either very young for menopause or had your ovaries removed? The starting dose of gel is 2 pumps, not 4.

Can I just check... I start the progesterone on day 14 with day 1 being 1st day of period .... not 1st day of taking oestrogel??

Yes. It will lead to a "period" in about 15 days which should roughly tally up with your usual cycle if you are still having periods.