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Menopause

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Original poster

Combined HRT patches

6 replies

BlondieLady · 18/08/2023 20:56

Currently on Oestrogel, two pumps and Utrogestan, one capsule but lots of postmenopausal bleeding after being on HRT for 8 months. (All investigated and ok.) Thinking of changing to combined patches but I think this would mean swapping to non body identical. I am due for an HRT Review in a months time and before I was referred for the bleeding a mirena coil was mentioned but seeing a doctor is near impossible so I want to get as much information as possible before my review. Desperate to sort out the bleeding. Don't like the sound of having a coil. Looking for anyone who is on combined patches or who is on body identical combined capsules- Bijuve and there experience of these?

OP posts:

DustyLee123 · 19/08/2023 07:00

The Mirena is the best thing to sort out the bleeding though.

JinglingSpringbells · 19/08/2023 07:33

@BlondieLady Bijuve is not body identical- I think it's the estrogen in it that's not. Check out the formula online.

You need to consider what it is about body-identical that appeals to you.

The main reason for choosing it is that long term (over 5 years on HRT) bio identical appears to be slightly safer re. breast cancer.
But for shorter use , there isn't much difference, it seems but the research is still not that clear.

You could consider Femoston (tablets) as the progestogen in them is almost as body identical of utrogestan, and safer than norethisterone and MPA which is in other tablets and patches.

Original poster

BlondieLady · 19/08/2023 17:17

Thank you @JinglingSpringbells I will look into Femoston (tablets). I have tried to find out about Bijuve and everything seems to indicate it is body identical. I am finding it very difficult to find out for sure. I would like to be on HRT long term so that is my reason for preferring body identical. I am 60 but only started at age 59 (4 years after menopause). It may be that the bleeding won't return but I don't know yet. The mirena coil isn't body identical but I understand it is pushed as seems to stop the bleeding. I would perhaps like to try combined patches, Bijuve or Femoston but need to try and find out more. I have an HRT review booked but they won't see me for several weeks and then it is a five minute telephone conversation so not sure how helpful it will be.

OP posts:

SummerBreeze2 · 12/10/2023 19:04

Hi SummerBreeze2
Like you, I have had dreadful bleeding with my menopause using HRT, & like you, I also use the gel & capsules. 5wks ago I was fitted with the marina coil, & honestly, they are not like the old-fashioned ones used in the 90's for contraception. I cannot feel it at all. No stomach pains or anything. I have a smearing of blood, from time to time, more in the mucus, but nothing to write home about. I am still on the gel & capsules. I hope that helps. Good luck.

Original poster

BlondieLady · 13/10/2023 00:00

Thanks @SummerBreeze2 That's reassuring about the Mirena coil. I am a bit squeamish about it because of my age and I have vaginal atrophy. My GP is happy to fit it but my concern is if I have any problems how soon can I have it removed as our surgery is very badly run at the moment. I am currently on 2 Utrogestan capsules to see if that helps and will trial this for 3 months, so far so good but had a bit of a bleed today...
Feeling a bit down about it all.

OP posts:

SummerBreeze2 · 13/10/2023 00:16

So sorry you are having a rough time. Have you heard about vaginal pessaries for vaginal atrophy? I am seeing our nurse in 2wks, she mentioned I could have them for the very same reason. Due to my bleeding, I asked the hospital if they would fit my marina coil, like you, I dreaded it. It was no worse than having a smear test really. Uncomfortable yes, but not excruciating. I can only urge you to try. I am sure if it didn't suit you, you could ask the hospital that investigated your bleeding issues to get it out for you. Also, there are many other vaginal gels/creams for internal discomfort. I don't think you should be suffering. I find that without HRT I have awful arthritis in both hands. With HRT, I do not have any symptoms. More women should know that the new HRTs are so much safer nowadays, which is why there are always shortages, so many women are using it now. The Marina coil is one of those safer options. They don't enter the liver. Unfortunately, the capsules do, so I am researching an alternative for those. I liked the patches, but they weren't as strong for me. Good luck

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