In a dilemma

[drumandthebase]

I picked up my first prescription for Estradiol and Utrogestan and GP said to start when I get my period, which just happens to be today.

Now my dilemma is that I am going on holiday on the 29th for 10 days so do I start the gel today or wait until after the holiday in case it causes bleeding?

I was so excited to start but a period free holiday would also be great

Any advice would be very much appreciated

The withdrawal bleed starts approx 2-4 days after the last capsule of Utrogestan.

You should be starting the Utrogestan by day 26 July (half way through the month, counting today as Day 1 of a cycle) so you'd not expect a bleed till mid August.

You don't have to start Utrogestan today. what your GP has told you is one option but if your periods are still regular, it's better to follow their pattern which means halfway through the cycle.

Assuming you are taking Utrogestan sequentially, for 12 days per cycle, not every day?

Yes 12 days. When do you suggest I start on the gel then?

I'm starting to confuse myself!

Thank you so much for your advice

You can start the gel today.

Just to give you some context and perspective, I've used it for almost 15 years and my dr is a top UK meno consultant who has presented at the British Menopause Conference.

When I started HRT I was on a long cycle (suitable for late peri) and had 10 weeks of only estrogen then the progesterone for 2 weeks. (Not saying you should do that!)

Thank you for your advice and taking the time to reply