HRT - am I doing something wrong?

[Iheartmysmart]

I’ve been on HRT for a few months using two pumps of gel and one Utrogestan capsule each day as I’d been period free for over a year when I started it. Had a bit of spotting since the beginning which I’d been warned about by my GP but for the last 10 days I’ve been bleeding constantly with no sign of it stopping.

I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong but if anyone has any ideas they’d be gratefully received. Have been trying to make an appointment at the surgery all week but can’t get through.

The bleeding is doubly annoying as I’d been anaemic for ages and my ferritin is still only 13 after all this time!

It's possible it's your own cycle reappearing- the 12 months is a guide but not all women never ever have another period.

The other reason is that maybe 100mgs is not enough and you just aren't absorbing it enough to control the lining.

You need to see your GP and no doubt they will suggest an ultrasound scan to check if the lining is thick.

The other option meanwhile is to increase the Utrogestan to 200mgs and see if that helps.

Thanks Jingling. I had an ultrasound in March last year due to ridiculously heavy periods which was clear apart from a small fibroid. Then lockdown happened and I realised in May this year when requesting HRT that I’d had nothing in over a year. Had hoped at nearly 54 all this was over!

I’ll try my GP again next week but will try increasing my tablets to 200mgs while I wait.

They do say that bleeding can carry on for 6 months with any new continuous type of HRT but it's not usually heavy.

You might be better off with something like the Mirena if utrogestan isn't working for you

Note- although the leaflet says take on an empty stomach, if you take it with food, it's doubles the strength - so maybe try that?

(The reason they say on an empty stomach is to avoid some of the possible side effects - usually just sedation- that can happen if taken with food. )

The bleeding isn’t particularly heavy, well not in comparison to what I was used to, more annoying. GP did suggest a mirena but I’m not keen on the idea and I didn’t get on at all well with the mini pill so am concerned it would have the same side effects.

I’ll try taking it with food as you suggest. I take it at night anyway so the sedative effect isn’t an issue.

Thank you for all your help.