Progesterone problems

[Exhausted61]

I am really struggling with utragestan element of HRT. As I started HRT at 60, 7 years post-meno, I take this orally every night. My sleep has completely gone and I am getting 2-3 hrs of disrupted, vivid dreaming, poor quality sleep. It has been like this for the whole 6 months. I experimented with not taking it for a week and my sleep went back to normal.
I had issues with the mirena could when younger and had to have it taken out after a month of not sleeping/ acne.
I use a low dose oestrogen patch.
I am so disappointed that I feel I have no choice but to give up on HRT. I really believe in its health benefits longer term. I can't carry on like this. The poor sleep is making it really hard to function. It seems I cannot tolerate either synthetic or bio identical forms. Has anyone else been in my position? Any advice?

Try taking it vaginally, it cuts out the side effects for many women. Google it, there's lots of info about vaginal use. Same capsules so no need for a different prescription.

Check out my recent post where I mention Duavive.

To Exhausted61 (you poor girl),

I meant to add previously, that I haven’t tried Duavive yet as it’s only just come back on the market and I would need a discussion with my GP, plus uterine ultrasound as I’m 52 and have been on HRT since 2019. I’m naughty about taking Utrogestan as I find the side effects almost unbearable and after five days, I’m done. I’m also supposed to take it daily - please!

My sister (54) loves progestin - lucky her!

If I do get a prescription for Duavive eventually, I will report back. I find it so helpful to have other women to discuss this with. GP’s just don’t have the time and then they’re often too young to experience the potential horror of peri and post menopause. It’s an optional subject at med school and avery brief module. This is appalling as slightly over 50% of the population will go through menopause unless they sadly don’t make it. Also, menopause and peri, don’t only affect woman over 40. It can happen at any age. I feel very strongly about more education for everyone, including GPs and they must learn the latest research which states that transdermal estrogen does not cause an increase in cancers - the oral pill allegedly does. It makes me furious that
some women are so unlucky if their GP isn’t knowledgeable and so dismisses the patient due to ignorance and fear. This is 2023 and things must change and be brought up to date.

Apologies for the rant. That wasn’t supposed to happen! 😂