How often do you take utrogestan?

[Findingneeemo]

So I revisited the gp and explained my symptoms. Was advised HRT is not given to women until 1 year after their periods stop due to risk of blood clots and cancer.

I explained I’m not sure that’s up to date information.

After a few minutes discussion on body identical HRT (I’m not sure the gp knew about this) I was asked what research I had done and what medication I wanted. I used the computer to find relevant medications but wasn’t sure exactly what was best as my brain fog means I can’t remember anything! So I have left with utrogestan 100mg and evorels 25. Enough for a month as I was advised I may not need it for very long!

I don’t have any instructions on how or when to take any of it. Except a print out that discusses a 28 day cycle - mine is 21 days but a little erratic. Pharmacist had no idea either.

Im a little nervous at the lack of knowledge by the HCP (I visited 3 pharmacies too). I dare not go back to the GP as the last one I saw was awful. Plus I like my GP and my gp is the best one I’ve had in years.

Is anyone taking this combination who can tell me what they do?

I think I will have to make an appointment at a proper HRT clinic in the long run.

Bloody hell OP - That is disgraceful.

Advice from my GP (also a private Menopause Specialist), Eostrogel every day, one or two pumps, Utrogestran 2 for 14 days from day 15 of my cycle. I have very regular and normal periods every 28 days. On Menopause sites, this seems to be the standard starting regimen, I have only started this year, and am on my third month now.

As for no HRT until one year after your periods stop..... what a load of nonsense. I am 55 almost 56, and still have regular periods, I would be 60 at that rate.

Thank you for replying.

My cycle is currently 21 days ish. Was your 28 days prior to taking it? Also do you take 200mg in the evening? I have a pack of 30 tablets 100 mg.

Tbh. Feel very lucky to have been prescribed it!

words fail me! How can a GP be so ignorant?

There are two main types of hrt

1. for women with periods still

1. for women without periods for 12 months.

The guidance for the dose is on the leaflet in the pack. Have you got your HRT yet?

The dose for women with periods is 12 days ( the leaflet says from day 15-26 of your cycle.) Obviously some women do not have regular cycles. In this case, my consultant (meno gynae, trains other drs) suggests starting a the 1st month and sticking to that day each month.

As the PP says, some women are taking 14 days - 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off.

You only need 12 days. The 14 days came about because some dr thought it was 'easier' for women to remember that.

The gp advised there are two types of HRT

1. for women who have had a hysterectomy
2. for women without a period for 12 months.

I drove around 3 pharmacies and obtained the HRT. No pharmacist knew how it should be taken. The third one printed off the guidance from the internet. I will read it later.

I’m a bit annoyed now really. I am so fucking foggy! If I was normal I wouldn’t care, i would research it effectively myself and know exactly what to do. But I’m tired and flat and really fed up tbh!

Its hilarious we are told ‘don’t google or go on social media for health matters’ but the health care professionals -well all 4 I have spoken to today - know nothing about a matter that affects 50% of the population!

I do believe many women would have left that appointment I had today with nothing. I was also told I look too young - I replied I certainly don’t feel it 🤣.

Can I ask here - I have a a mirena coil so haven't had periods for a few years. How do you know your cycle in this case?

My periods hadn't completely stopped, but were erratic. Once I got the Mirena, it stopped 99% of bleeding, but I do seem to have a background cycle going on despite the HRT (I can tell by mood, headaches, spotting once a month etc). I just take a pump or two of Oestrogen every day, regardless!

Sorry Mrsarch I have no idea.

My cycle is around 21 days. The gp and pharmacist have given me no direction. One of the pharmacists said to take the utrogestan daily but I think that’s wrong. I’ve read the summary of of product characteristics from medicines.org.U.K. Which suggests what jingling suggested.

I have popped a patch on and will take my first utrogestan 15 days after my period started, so next week.

Tomorrow I will hunt for a sexual health clinic to fit a mirena coil. The local clinic is shut due to Covid apparently.

I feel ill be at the gp constantly asking for more prescriptions. I’m also not sure if the 25 dose is correct.

If you have a Mirena coil you don't need to know your cycle as that provides the progesterone part of the HRT for 5 years from the fitting date. This means you only need oestrogen which is just the same dose each day and can be given as tablets, gel, spray or patch

it's just dire that your GP is so useless. Would you consider putting in a letter to the practice manager? This is a disgrace as anyone (let alone a Dr!) can easily find out about the types of HRT from the many resources online. There is even an HRT guide for GPs online (which I stumbled across years ago.)

The 25mgs patch is the lowest available and the same as half a pump of gel. (The standard dose for gel is 2 pumps.)

Many women start on a 37mcg or 50mcg patch. I'd give it 2-4weeks or so and if no improvement, ask for a higher dose.

My last post was to @MrsArchchancellorRidcully

@Findingneeemo You may need a higher dose than 25 but it is usually recommended to stick with each dose for around 3 months as it takes time to settle. There is a good group on FB and Insta called "Harley Street at home" which I have found great info on

The progesterone must have come with a leaflet in it? That is where I learned how to use mine.
actually you've just reminded me to go and take it..

@JinglingHellsBells Are you sure about that equivalence? The chart I have from Menopause Doctor shows 2 pumps of gel as being equivalent to a 50 patch so 25 would be 1 pump rather than 1/2 although I agree it is probably too low and am shocked at the lack of clinical knowledge

@JinglingHellsBells I left the gp having advised the guidance has changed. After I searched on the gps PC for relevant websites I also searched for the menopause matters website and another so I am hoping the gp does some research on these sites prior to my next visit (I work in a professional environment and I know I would!).

I will take print outs next time. I’m not going to complain because sadly I am not surprised at the woeful ignorance. However I was treated with dignity and listened to and my opinions were sought and taken into account which has not always been my experience with HCPs. This is the best GP I’ve had in years. She even saw my child face to face in full lock down!

@JinglingHellsBells I left the gp having advised the guidance has changed. After I searched on the gps PC for relevant websites I also searched for the menopause matters website and another so I am hoping the gp does some research on these sites prior to my next visit (I work in a professional environment and I know I would!).

I will take print outs next time. I’m not going to complain because sadly I am not surprised at the woeful ignorance. However I was treated with dignity and listened to and my opinions were sought and taken into account which has not always been my experience with HCPs. This is the best GP I’ve had in years. She even saw my child face to face in full lock down!

*There are two main types of hrt

1. for women with periods still

1. for women without periods for 12 months.*

I'm considering hrt as well. Could I please ask how women know whether they still have their periods while on hrt?

I thought that the progesterone causes a 'bleed' every month. But this bleeding isn't a real period, or is it?

Not sure yet about the periods. Put my patch on last night. Hopefully it will help.

Thought I’d try and get a mirena coil fitted, I called and was told it’s a three and a half month wait for the contraception consultation. Then you are booked an appointment. Seems crazy if I was relying on it I’d possibly be nearly ready for my second scan by the time I have it fitted! 🤣

Women’s health services are so shit.