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Menopause

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Original poster

Emergency question re HRT (GP appointment this morning!)

26 replies

SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 07:36

Trying to be well-informed before my appointment! At my last appointment, my GP said she would have to prescribe contraception if she was giving me oestrogen plus progesterone. I have checked the NICE guidelines but can't see anything about this. I don't want contraception (would like a miracle pregnancy). Do you know if she is right? Thanks

OP posts:
ssd · 05/10/2023 08:12

Have you looked on menopause matters website

JinglingSpringbells · 05/10/2023 08:13

HRT progesterone is not the same as used in contraception.
All women on HRT need progesterone unless they have had a hysterectomy.
That's because estrogen makes the womb lining grow. Without progesterone it would grow and grow, and that's called hyperplasia which can lead to cancer if it's left for years.

So you use progesterone to counteract that - and it's part of an HRT cycle in peri- the same as it is in your own fertile cycles.

Many women now use micronised progesterone which is body-identical. That means it's exactly the same as your own which your body makes itself.

If you are in peri you will use estrogen daily and progesterone 12 days per month.

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 05/10/2023 08:15

You can deal with your own contraception; just tell her you don’t need any thanks. Just the HRT

DustyLee123 · 05/10/2023 08:15

If you get the mirena coil that’s contraception and progesterone in one.
If you’re having periods and sex, yes you need contraception

JinglingSpringbells · 05/10/2023 08:16

I think you may have misheard your GP.

I hope so or she's very confused.
You don't need contraception as part of hrt.
HRT doesn't restore fertility.
If your GP thinks that, find a nother one!

Iheartmysmart · 05/10/2023 08:21

I’m not so sure about mishearing the GP. At my review last year my GP confidently told me that the withdrawal bleed from my HRT was my periods returning and I needed contraception urgently. I was 55, post menopausal but preferred to do cyclical HRT as I struggled with daily progesterone. Some of them are just a bit useless.

Mammillaria · 05/10/2023 08:21

It sounds like your GP assumed you wanted to avoid pregnancy?

If you are taking HRT during perimenopause you still need some form of contraception if you want to avoid pregnancy. Which you don't.

The question I'd be asking is whether HRT could cause any adverse effects should you become pregnant.

JinglingSpringbells · 05/10/2023 08:24

Can you clarify?

Do you still want to become pregnant?

'miracle pregnancy'.?

Moredarkchocolateplease · 05/10/2023 08:27

You don't have to have contraception with HRT.

My DH and I have used condoms for years. Contraception is only the GPs business if you ask them for it.

Helenahandkart · 05/10/2023 09:13

I’ve been taking HRT for a couple of years and no contraception. Also very much hoping for a miracle pregnancy. (At 49 years old. I would laugh if I didn’t want to cry)

SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 10:56

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Original poster
SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 11:09

JinglingSpringbells · 05/10/2023 08:24

Can you clarify?

Do you still want to become pregnant?

'miracle pregnancy'.?

I do want to get pregnant.

OP posts:
Original poster
SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 11:10

Helenahandkart · 05/10/2023 09:13

I’ve been taking HRT for a couple of years and no contraception. Also very much hoping for a miracle pregnancy. (At 49 years old. I would laugh if I didn’t want to cry)

Totally hear ya! Do you mind if I message you privately?

OP posts:
Original poster
SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 11:10

ssd · 05/10/2023 08:12

Have you looked on menopause matters website

Thanks. Will do that now.

OP posts:
Original poster
SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 11:11

DustyLee123 · 05/10/2023 08:15

If you get the mirena coil that’s contraception and progesterone in one.
If you’re having periods and sex, yes you need contraception

But I want to get pregnant - hence not wanting contraception.

OP posts:
Original poster
SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 11:14

JinglingSpringbells · 05/10/2023 08:16

I think you may have misheard your GP.

I hope so or she's very confused.
You don't need contraception as part of hrt.
HRT doesn't restore fertility.
If your GP thinks that, find a nother one!

I definitely didn't mishear. She wanted to take advice from a gynecologist before prescribing as my request was so usual, apparently. Also said testosterone is definitely not available on the NHS, which I've now discovered is not true (NICE Guidelines).

OP posts:
Original poster
SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 11:16

Mammillaria · 05/10/2023 08:21

It sounds like your GP assumed you wanted to avoid pregnancy?

If you are taking HRT during perimenopause you still need some form of contraception if you want to avoid pregnancy. Which you don't.

The question I'd be asking is whether HRT could cause any adverse effects should you become pregnant.

I explained in detail my struggle with fertility, and why I'm still trying to get pregnant. I would surprised if she misunderstood. But who knows?! I will definitely ask about potential adverse effects

OP posts:
Original poster
SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 11:16

Moredarkchocolateplease · 05/10/2023 08:27

You don't have to have contraception with HRT.

My DH and I have used condoms for years. Contraception is only the GPs business if you ask them for it.

Thanks. Very useful.

OP posts:
SmokeyToo · 05/10/2023 11:23

DustyLee123 · 05/10/2023 08:15

If you get the mirena coil that’s contraception and progesterone in one.
If you’re having periods and sex, yes you need contraception

I vote for the Mirena as well. I had a hard time tolerating the oestrogen in HRT (nausea and loads of breakthrough bleeding, among other things) and the Mirena was an absolute saviour for me. Got rid of the constant hot flushes, night sweats and general menopause awfulness almost overnight. Three years later I need a new one, but it seriously changed my life!

berksandbeyond · 05/10/2023 11:27

What are your reasons for going on HRT?

berksandbeyond · 05/10/2023 11:28

@SleepyTuesday well yes I would imagine it is an unusual request for be at a stage where you’re going on HRT but also be wanting to get pregnant

Moredarkchocolateplease · 05/10/2023 11:37

SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 11:14

I definitely didn't mishear. She wanted to take advice from a gynecologist before prescribing as my request was so usual, apparently. Also said testosterone is definitely not available on the NHS, which I've now discovered is not true (NICE Guidelines).

Show quote history

Oh yes it definitely is available! My GP gave me a box of testosterone this week, prescribed by them 😀

Mammillaria · 05/10/2023 11:53

SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 11:16

I explained in detail my struggle with fertility, and why I'm still trying to get pregnant. I would surprised if she misunderstood. But who knows?! I will definitely ask about potential adverse effects

Show quote history

I that case it sounds like a mistake on her part. Good luck with today's appointment!

Original poster
SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 12:36

SmokeyToo · 05/10/2023 11:23

I vote for the Mirena as well. I had a hard time tolerating the oestrogen in HRT (nausea and loads of breakthrough bleeding, among other things) and the Mirena was an absolute saviour for me. Got rid of the constant hot flushes, night sweats and general menopause awfulness almost overnight. Three years later I need a new one, but it seriously changed my life!

Show quote history

Thanks but I don't want contraception. That's the point of my thread. Glad it worked for you, though.

OP posts:
Original poster
SleepyTuesday · 05/10/2023 12:37

berksandbeyond · 05/10/2023 11:27

What are your reasons for going on HRT?

Menopausal symptoms.

OP posts:
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