Oestrogel (2pumps) and Utrogestan

[Katie000]

I’ve just been given HRT in form of Oestrogel (2 pumps) and Utrogestan 100mg tablets - I haven’t had a period for years but have read that I may start getting periods again which I’m not keen on.
Also read that my breast size may increase and start lactating - again not keen on this.
Has anyone had this and how quickly after starting this did they experience this?

Has your dr not described how the HRT they have given you works? The type you have been given is a no-bleed sort.

If you are unsure, ask your dr.

Also, although your breasts may increase a little this doesn't happen to everyone. And you definitely won't produce milk (where did you read that?!)

Thank you JinglingXmasbells.
I thought my Doctor said no bleed but reading through, it seemed to suggest I may get breakthrough bleeding?

I would like to know how quickly after starting this regime will the bleeding happen and the breast size increase? I would just like to be prepared.

Hi this is great news , what you have is the best combo eith the lowest riskd
The utrogestan is progesterone which will trigger your period and address hot flushes , the pump is the oestrogrn which will reduce the brsin fog , dryness and pain.

The bleeds have to happen to protect you from uterine cancer ( oestrogen stimulates your lining to grow, progesterone stops thus and sheds it taking any bad cells with it.and do whilst it is literally a pain in the arse, it's keeping you safe.if this is a problem you might just use it every other month.

If you've had a hysterectomy you don't take it.

Just to say it stimulates your last eggs to come on and so continue to use contraception!!

Good luck on your journey

Thanks Babasghost.
So I will definitely get bleeding? How soon after starting regime will this happen? Will it be like a normal period, last approx 7 days?
How soon will breast increase happen? Should I get bigger bra now in preparation?

As jingling says you won't get bleeding on continuous utrogestan. Those in peri who take it 12 days a month do, those post meno who take it every day don't.

You won't lactate at any point..

'Just to say it stimulates your last eggs to come on and so continue to use contraception!!'

The op hasn't hasn't had a period for years, she won't need contraception.

Regarding bra size op just see how you go. Many women don't notice any change I wouldn't be buying bigger bras at this stage.

Thanks Janiie
I’m a bit nervous about it all, don’t really want the periods or breast increase, reading up on it all, there seems to be conflicting info. Even on continuous regime, they talk about breakthrough bleeds in first few months until body settles into the routine. If I’m going to get this bleed, will it happen in first week, second week? I would just like to know what symptoms I will get in first couple of weeks so there are no shocks!

@Babasghost 😀 HRT does not stimulate eggs. When they are gone, they are gone. Contraception is needed for 1 year for women post menopause and aged over 50, and for 2 years for women post menopause under 50.

@Katie000 The leaflet covers both uses of Utrogestan. For women in peri- who use 200mgs x 12 days, and for women post-meno who use 100mgs daily.

You may get some spotting for the first few months until the hormones work together. It is not likely it will be a period but it may be daily spotting for some time.

Don't worry! Just wear a panty liner every day and carry more protection if you are out and about.

see this link

www.menopausematters.co.uk/postmeno.php

JinglingXmasbells - thank you so much.
I’ve read the leaflet, thank you.
When do you think the spotting will start? I’m on my second day now of taking the Oestrogel and Utrogestan.

why are you so worried about spotting? Is it going to be hugely inconvenient in some way ?

You might not have any spotting. A few years post last period may mean your endometrium is thin and the utrogestan may well control any oestrogel driven thickening.

Nothing is 100% though as different women experience different things. Just don't be alarmed if you do get any spotting as it should well settle down. Obviously consult a hcp if you experience period style heavy bleeding that persists.

Thank you everyone.
I guess it’s the fear of the unknown, I’m sure a few weeks down the line, everything will be fine.

I've been on the same regime for 3 months - not had any bleed or spotting. It's really helped my sleep and eliminated night sweats. My hair seems to have stopped falling out! I don't think my boobs have grown!

Hi @Katie000 I'm on the same regime as you and like you hadn't had a period in years.

I didn't experience any change in breast size, just tenderness in the first two weeks. Absolutely no lactating!

I had a bleed after the first month. I won't lie, it was awful, heavy and worse than any period pain I'd ever had. I put it down to my poor old retired uterus having a bit of a shock to the system. I spoke to my lovely pharmacist who knows about this stuff and she reassured me it wouldn't keep happening, to keep going with the HRT and it would settle down. She was right, it was only the once.

I'd been resisting HRT for years but eventually thought I'd give it a go. I'm glad I did, six months in I feel amazing.

Thank you FanSpamTastic - that’s great to hear, very reassuring. Hopefully I will have the same experience as you.
I’m not good with the unknown and read various things on internet which scared me a bit so thank you.

Thank you DramaAlpaca
How long did the bleed last for? So I need to be prepared for bleed after 4 weeks into regime?

@Katie000 I think it was about four or five days before the bleeding tailed off. It was definitely after I finished the first pack of Utrogestan, so four weeks. Remember, it might or might not happen to you. I hadn't had a period since I got the Mirena coil about 12 years ago and it wasn't nice to get a bleed again. Thankfully it was just once.

You can't go by anyone else's experience- we are all very different!

Please try not to over-think this. If you are anxious, you will make the whole thing worse. Just take it as it comes.

Thank you
It’s been a long time since I had a period! Something to be prepared for!
Did you start feeling better on this regime?
Three days into it, I have had aching breasts and dull stomach ache but not sure why as only three days in!

I know I’m overthinking it and I know I’m only three days in and the aching breasts and dull stomach ache are probably just in my head and not real symptoms as it’s too soon for anything to be happening.
I will try and relax a bit more about it and just see what happens in next few weeks.
Thanks for your advice.

I just started on this two weeks ago and it’s been great. I’m 55 and haven’t had a period for three years but was getting terrible night sweats and not sleeping. I also read all the side effects and got a bit panicky but have had no issues and feel a lot better. As others have said this is the gold standard combination in terms of HRT.

Thanks so much for the reassurance.
During your two weeks on it, have you have any symptoms at all?

My friend has just told me to relish every side effect as it’s a sign of my body waking up again! So that’s what I’m going to do now!

Big breasts are new to me but they are the new me and I will embrace them!

Now on Day 5/6 and breasts still swollen and aching, GP trying to persuade me to have Mirena coil but not sure why? Any advice?

Do you have health anxiety? I don't want to sound harsh but you need to relax a bit and just see how things go. You're making a huge deal of this. Just reading your posts make me feel stressed. I started on the same HRT as you 9 days ago and this level of obsessing is just not needed. Relax. See what happens.