To start taking the mini pill or not...

[whattodo2019]

I'm 47 and have been experiencing gradually heavier periods over the past few years. During my last period I had a day of horrendous flooding.
I've been to see my GP who has suggested I take the mini pill (progesterone only) to reduce and possibly stop my periods.

I have never been on the pill and Im wondering if I really want to start now however, I don't want to experience flooding every month...

At 45 you can start hrt at any point.

Part of hrt is the mirena coil.,a friend had v heavy bleeding and was referred to the heavy bleeding clinic; they gave her this. Then all you'd do is add patches when you need to.

Another was put on hrt actually which helped somehow.

You could potentially use utrogestan which is the body identical progesterone part - it wouldn't give contraception but could thin the lining. Another friend was given this but I think she pushed (Gp wouldn't give the patches despite her being over 45!)

You could ask to be referred.

The menopause support network is a good fb group where you can ask questions and some trained meno counsellors can answer as well as the menopause matters forum.

I’d go with the Mirena coil instead, due to less possible side effects.

I started the mini pill 4 months ago due to the flooding, it's completely stopped my periods (and horrific flooding) I'm hoping it's temporary until I can get ablation/sterilisation. About to start HRT too.....

I was also prescribed the mini pill for horrendous heavy periods due to Peri menopause. This was three years ago when I was 44 now 47 and not had a period since the second month I started taking it. It’s wonderful! I did not have any other symptoms at the time so GP actively discouraged HRT. I do now have a few more symptoms so may consider HRT soon. However the mini pill has been amazing in the meantime. Hope that helps.

Does anyone know the difference between the progesterone (mini) pill and utrogestan? They both seem to 100% progesterone, but is the dose in the mini pill lower? Or is utrogestan body identical?

Yes it's body identical and made from yams (or soy, I can't remember!)

It doesn't act like a contraceptive though.

Mini pill has been amazing for me. First 3 months or so I had bad headaches and it took time to adjust, since then it's been amazing- virtually no side effects or PMS.