Utrogestan Misery

[Middicat]

I started HRT Utrogestan 100mgs/ Oestrogel 2 pumps - for 25 days then 3 days off cycle. I am now on day 18 of the 25 day cycle.
I have bloating big time, irritability, mood swings and lower cramping (mild) which sounds very much like PMT to me. Having had PMT very badly throughout my fertile years I know I must be very sensitive to Progesterone generally so this may be the case with the Utrogestan.
I went onto the Louise Newton site online and saw about taking it vaginally 100mg alternate nights to help with symptoms.
I am working abroad at the moment and it is almost impossible to get any response from my GP. I understand Utrogestan is not licenced to be use vaginally in the UK so I wondered if I give this a go now how will my GP respond on my return. In your experience how did you GP respond to you using this vaginally and not as prescribed orally please?

It's not licensed to take 100mgs on alternate nights.

This is something that Dr Newson is putting on her site but it's causing a lot of confusion.

There have been a few small studies which show it may be safe to use lower doses BUT it's not advocated by many meno specialists (yet.)

I am using it vaginally under supervision from a consultant but they have not said I can reduce the dose (and they are a consultant with meno expertise.) Vaginal use of it is the norm in other countries.

I think it's a little irresponsible for other drs to advise on reducing doses when the women are not their patients.

What you can do it use it vaginally, safely, as it's used this way all over Europe and had been for many years. In fact it's safer as more is absorbed by the uterus. You don't even need discuss this with your GP.

Thank you JinglingHellsBells for your response. It has made me think about reducing the dose and using it on alternative nights. Until I see my GP I think I will use it every night.

It is logical that you would need less if of the drug if it goes directly to the uterus and not through the body! As you say it is a bit irresponsible of Dr Newson and Co advocating and confusing women, but on the other hand she is educating women and getting us asking our GPs questions which can only be for the good.

You need a certain amount of progesterone to protect the endometrium. GPs are not able to prescribe it where I am but I would never go against the licensed dose (reducing dose may increase your risk of endometrial cancer)or route of administration. Have you tried Mirena IUD? (I need new HRT and think I may need to go this way as I started bleeding on Kliovance after 3 years and no cause found! Currently just stopped it and feel awful. )

@JinglingHellsBells

It's not licensed to take 100mgs on alternate nights.

This is something that Dr Newson is putting on her site but it's causing a lot of confusion.

There have been a few small studies which show it may be safe to use lower doses BUT it's not advocated by many meno specialists (yet.)

I am using it vaginally under supervision from a consultant but they have not said I can reduce the dose (and they are a consultant with meno expertise.) Vaginal use of it is the norm in other countries.

I think it's a little irresponsible for other drs to advise on reducing doses when the women are not their patients.

What you can do it use it vaginally, safely, as it's used this way all over Europe and had been for many years. In fact it's safer as more is absorbed by the uterus. You don't even need discuss this with your GP.

That's interesting it's used this way in other countries. But agree shouldn't reduce dose as per my reasons above.