Taking Utrogestan with food

[edmel]

I'm new to HRT and on oestrogen patches plus Utrogestan. The instructions for the Utrogestan say it should be taken on an empty stomach, and at night. I'm really struggling with this - I often eat late into the evening so my stomach is never empty at night. Does anyone know if there's any harm in taking it with food?
For me, it would be better to take it in the morning as I don't usually eat until almost lunch time, but then I understand this is not recommended as it can make you sleepy.
How do others cope with this?

This comes up quite a lot. (I wish on this part of MN there was some way of 'pinning' regular questions :) )

The reason for 'with food' is not quite as it seems.
With food, more is absorbed= more effective. However it can also mean more side effects for some women.

The important thing is to take it at bedtime with or without food.
One main side effect is dizziness and also sleepiness. Taken during the day you might find it's a problem for driving or doing anything like that.

You can also use of (off label) vaginally, where the same tablets are inserted into the vagina as far as you can reach.

Thanks so much for your helpful answer :)

I once took my Utrogestan too soon after a meal and all I can say is never again! I felt rather ill and very groggy the next day. I tend to graze a lot so hate the 14 days I take them as need to make a special effort not to eat for two hours before bed. Often I forget so have to stay up late.

I take Utrogestan every day: well, it's broken my habit of snacking in the evenings, because I know I can't!

I was worried about this too, but my prescription says to ‘take at night on an empty stomach and this means 1 hour before food or 2 hours after food. I eat around 7:30-8 and take pills 9:30-10 and so far no side effects

Hi,
I tried taking it at night 1hr after food and l got side effects such as tummy ache sometimes wake up with a hangover feeling, slightly sleepy in the morning. l was told by an expert
and they explained to me that only take utrogestan at night 2hrs after a meal.Also keep around about the same time.
It worked perfectly when l did that. I did struggle for a couple of months because l eat late. Had to find a way to force myself to eat dinner earlier wether l was at work or home.
It was tricky l must say. I no longer get those side effects and also my body feels good. I hope this helps you.