Alternatives to Utrogestan

[TabithaTiger]

I've recently started HRT - 1 pump of Estrogel per day and Utrogstan tablet days 15-26.

I felt so much better after just after a few days of using the Estrogel, but started the Utrogestan Tuesday and it's making me feel awful. Nausea I can cope with, but it also makes me need to wee constantly, even when I go, I've still got a burning sensation and it's waking me up several times in the night.

Has anyone else had this, and if so, for he symptoms improve once your body adjusts? Or are there any alternative forms of Progesterone that might be better?

Thank you.

If you want to try other things, and stick with gel, then the other option is Norethisterone. Your GP might have to consult the web to find the dose you need!

It's a long time since I used it (I use Utrogestan) but the dose for sequential is possibly 5mgs for the 12 days.

The majority of patches and tablets contain Norethisterone.

One tablet, Femoston, contains dydrogesterone and a lot of women get on fine with that.

There is also the option of the Mirena coil.

This table shows all the options (you can see that Norethisterone isn't listed here as a drug on its own, but it can be prescribed that way.)

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php

Thank you, that's so helpful! Ive requested a call from my GP so it's great to have this information so I know what to ask for.

That’s such a useful article, thank you

You could swap Utrogestan for Provera. Utrogestan makes me feel queasy but I haven't had any side effects at all with Provera.

I use my Utrogestan vaginally 200 mg 15 days per month as it can be used this way and it doesn't cause side affects it is also available in a pessery but I am now going for a mirena coil because I am going onto continuous HRT and Utrogestan is now seriously out of stock.

I felt horrendous taking Utrogestrone and switched to taking it vaginally and it made such a difference as could barely function taking it orally. Immediately made a difference as less side effects or brain fog. Hope this helps.

I hope it's ok to jump on this thread.

I've recently started on oestrogel and Utrogestan 100 (previously I was on Evorel Conti patches but they didn't seem to be working as effectively as they used to). The prescription isn't very clear - it just says use 1-2 pumps daily as directed.....I wasn't directed at all so have been using one pump but would it be ok to try 2 do you think? And if doing 2 would you do one pump twice per day or 2 pumps at the same time?

I've been taking the Utrogestan before bed as that's what suggested on the packet but having very vivid dreams. Could I take it vaginally - I'm wondering if that might help?

Thanks so much if anyone has any advice.

2 pumps is fine @jenbj. My GP told me that's why she prescribed Oestrogel as then I can adjust the dose myself if I need to. Do two pumps at the same time. I do mine at night before I clean my teeth and wash my face etc so it's dry by the time I get into bed.

@HundredMilesAnHour thank you, that's really helpful.

I couldn’t take it at all, even non-orally, as gave me such terrible depression. Have had to stop HRT as my doctor has said it’s that or nothing, so I am interested in the fact that it seems there are alternatives. Has anyone tried them who struggled with utrogestan and mood, and found they were ok?

I've taken Provera instead of Utrogestan @AllTheChaos . I had to change because of the Utrogestan shortages rather than other issues but I find Provera has zero side effects whereas Utrogestan makes me feel a bit ill most of the days I take it. So maybe look at Provera as an option?

To Jenbi Yes take 2 pumps daily at the same time each day or as close to it and take the utrogesterone vaginally as get less side effects as it nearly drove me to the brink of no return as I was like a zombie taking it orally and the brain fog and low moon was horrific. It will make a big difference to how you are feeling. Hope this helps a little. See how you get on for a few weeks and if you need to go up to 3 pumps if still having hot flushes then do so but give it a good few weeks. I find if I increase my oestrogel too much then I get spotting as hormones not in balance as do not want to increase utrogesterone as am sensitive to progesterone as lots of women are. Just push the capsule up as far as you can as did not get an applicator with mine. The joys of peri/menopause.

Thanks, @HundredMilesAnHour, I will speak to my doctor! (When next I manage to get an appointment- but that’s a whole other issue!)

Thanks @BOOTS52PollyPrissyPants That's really helpful.

@jenbj You can try it vaginally and see what happens. I use it that way but find my sleep is worse, TBH, but at least I don't get the muzzy head/ headache the next day.

There are other options like Norethisterone (tablets) but a lot of GPs aren't much good at doing 'a la carte' if it doesn't come in a packet (because they'd have to research the dose) or as a popular option!

There are even options for using some types of mini pill in higher doses, but these need specialist advice.

Have you tried taking Utrogestan before bed? I usually take it at night time and one side effect is that it could cause drowsiness.