Mirena vs Utrogestan? Possible migraine?

[OnTheHillNotOverIt]

Anybody care to share their experiences of different types of progesterone in HRT?

In the past I had mirena plus estrogen gel as had mirena anyway. Then I had a gap.

I’m 55 now and restarting hrt and took Utrogestan plus Sandrena estrogen gel for a week before getting a weird headache on the outside of my head with some double vision. I felt truly awful and saw a GP (face to face!) who was very supportive. We agreed that I’d stop the Utrogestan (and estrogen) in case it triggered the stabby headache.

I have an appointment next week with the very good Gp who prescribed the hrt. I’m just trying to weigh up mirena vs Utrogestan.

In the past I can remember feeling a bit off with the mirena for some months when I first had it, bit miserable and flat. I feel like that much of the time anyway now.

Main reason for restarting hrt is vulval soreness/chaffing that isn’t really being held by cream and pessary although I’ve increased frequency of both since stopping hrt.

Shameless bump

It's so individual that it's hard for anyone to advise :)

some will say they love their Mirena, others hate it and the same with utrogestan.

I was offered the Mirena some years ago as part of hrt but refused it- this was privately and my consultant said I could try it for 3 months and then remove if I didn't like it. So- is that an option for you?

If you want to stay on HRT long term ( 10 years or more) then Utrogestan appears to be safer than the synthetic progestins with breast cancer risks.

Also, one week on any drug is very short term- it often takes a while for side effects to reduce.

You can also use Utrogestan vaginally (off label) which might help but if you are using it daily, that might be a bit of a bind re sex.

Thank you Jingling.
I may try the Utrogestan again first.

I may ask for a Mirena prescription in case the strange headache does happen again.
It’s probably nearly 15 years since I had my last one fitted which wasn’t problematic and also removal was straightforward after 7.5 years but I’m very aware my body has changed loads since then.