Taking continuous Utrogestan with oestrodose gel - is it OK to get spotting?

[Trampauline]

I have been on HRT for six years now. I am 61. I do get a bit of spotting, which I thought was normal, since the lining of your womb needs to shed, I have read. Recently I have been getting a bit more spotting, though not enough to use anything, just wear black knickers. Reading the leaflets that come with these products again, I am not sure if this is OK. Any experts out there - do you think I need to go to my GP? Come off HRT?!

No, it's not okay.

Spotting is acceptable in the first 6 months of using any continuous type of HRT. After that, it has to be investigated.

Shedding is not what is supposed to happen on continuous HRT.

You need to see your GP who should refer you for a ultrasound scan as the first step - within 2 weeks- then maybe more tests if needed.

Don't just stop your HRT because you need your womb checking out.

Hope it all goes well for you.

It's not ok and means the lining of the womb has got thick. I had a D&C which got rid of the problem and stayed on the same HRT regime as you are on. You need a referral ASAP. Best of luck!

Yikes! Thanks for telling me this. I'll phone the docs on Monday

I'm worried now, and feeling stupid for not realising it wasn't right. I hope it's nothing too serious. What is it like, having a d&c?

Please don’t worry , I have had spotting and heavy bleeding . Had a womb scan and all fine . I’m convinced it’s the progesterone component of HRT. Yes get checked , but don’t worry yourself sick x

A D&C is not really used now. Maybe when the PP had it, that was the treatment?

Nowadays the treatment is a drug- Norethisterone- for some months, to reduce the thickness. (This is in the guidance of the RCOG for managing post menopausal, benign bleeding.)

The other treatment option is the Mirena coil which thins the lining.

It may be that the dose of Utrogestan you take is not controlling the lining.
Have you skipped it at all?
Are you on a high dose of gel?

You may be one of those women who don't absorb Utrogestan very well and if you stay on it, they might suggest increasing to 200mgs a day.

Try not to worry and wait until you see your dr and have a scan.

Thanks for your reassuring words, everyone. I take it at bedtime and not good at taking it on an empty stomach, so maybe I sm not absorbing it fully.

I use two pumps of gel, one on each thigh

Method of Administration:
Oral
Utrogestan 100mg Capsules should not be taken with food and should be taken at bedtime.
Concomitant food ingestion increases the bioavailability of micronized progesterone.

Taking it with food actually increases the absorption (and in some women can increase side effects which is why they say take without food.)

But it's not an issue taking it with food.