Evorel VS Estradot & Lutigest - which should be better for me please?

[54isanopendoor]

I am 56. Menstruating regularly until 18m ago but stopped Evorel (cancer scare, given genetic testing & no raised markers) but my periods didn't return (hot flushes, anxiety, insomnia & weight gain have though, with a vengeance - Evorel had helped with these, but not sorted them out to a significant degree)

My GP has given me a choice - continue with the Evorel Sequi (50) patches I've used for 18m or change to Estradot (75) patches & Lutigest 100 vaginal pessary.

Does anyone have any advice or should I just try the new regime & see?
(GP doesn't like people 'chopping & changing' so might be hard to go back?)

does anyone have any thoughts / advice please ?

Not sure I can help but just a thought...

Is Lutigest available in England? I've never heard of it but it may be under a different name.

Sometimes there are posts on here about other products and posters aren't aware of availability or names if they are outside of the UK.

Hi @JinglingSpringbells (good Christmas name :)
I've just opened the packet of Lutigest to see if it gives any more details but it just says 'progesterone' but also says it is for use for infertility 'women on an ART programme'. No mention of use re menopause or HRT
I wonder if I've been given the correct thing?

I'm just not sure which would be better?

If you’re 56 and not had a period for a 18 months a no bleed preparation such as Evorel Conti rather than Evorel Sequi would be more appropriate

@bengalcat thank you.

Do you know if I should be pushing for Utrogestan pessary + patch?
My GP is VERY keen on a mirena coil but I don't want one as had problems with coils when younger & want something I can choose to stop if I wish.
I do need HRT as I'm deficient in Calcium anyway so I need to protect my bones.

Utrogestan pessary and oestrogen patch is fine

@bengalcat

I've been given an Estradiol patch & a Progesterone pessary
('Utrogestan not available in Scotland' according to my GP)

I'm hoping this might be more effective than the Evorel was

I'm in Scotland and get utrogesten tablets on NHS. Perhaps it's worth checking with another Dr.

I think the issue is Scotland is regional. I've read some trusts allow it and others don't.

@54isanopendoor Have you googled/ looked at the patient leaflet/ online info for Lutigest and Utrogestan? They may be exactly the same and with another brand name.

Utrogestan is available as 100mgs and 200mgs. The 200mgs is a pessary and usually for fertility but it can also be prescribed off-licence as HRT. (It used to be available as HRT until a few years ago.)

@54isanopendoor I was looking at the BMS website for something else and saw that Utrogestan has been available/ licensed in Scotland from December 2022.

Talk to your GP!

@JinglingSpringbells
THANK YOU for this info.

I was initially given Evorel Sequi 50 patches which were ok for a bit.
I stopped (cancer investigations) during which time my periods didn't return.
Re-started, found them much less effective & was offered Estradot 75mcg
plus the Lutigest 100 progesterone tablets (just says 'progesterone' in box)

There are only 21 in the box & no there's no advice how to take them (internal leaflet is advice for fertility treatment). Obviously I apply the patches daily but when do I take pessaries & will I get a withdrawal bleed on 7 days I don't take?

I've been given 1 months worth to try. No advice & no phone call avail ('has to be GP' apparantly) within a month either. My GP is poor eg she says: ' I have prescribed twice for you when most women are fine with what they get from a chemist. Give it 6m & if you are still unhappy then I will refer you but it is at least another year to wait to speak to a specialist'. This person is head of practice & I'm rural & can't easily go elsewhere (I would if I could as she 'mislaid' a 2ww cancer referral for me last year when she went on her holiday for 3 weeks. Fortunately I was eventually given the all clear but it was no thanks to her 'care')

Hence me searching MN for info. If you have any advice re the Lutigest timings I'd be grateful please ?