Nervous of the side effects of progesterone supplementation - does anyone else have a bad reaction to it?

[RingingInMyEars]

I am 50 with regular periods and have been advised to go onto HRT (for various valid reasons). However, I have a very chequered history with progesterone driven contraception. It took years for me to find the right pill (Yasmin) that didn't give me dreadful side effects. I tried the mirena but it had to be removed as an emergency as I had a reaction that no one had seen before and had to fill in something called a yellow card to log it (essentially my whole body became covered in sores and I could not get out of bed - they think it was some sort of inflammatory response).

I am seeing a specialist today and I really do want and need HRT but I am nervous of having to take progesterone in any form. I have seen there are various types but is there one that is designed for people who are very sensitive to it? Has anyone else struggled with progesterone and found a form that works for them?

Don't quote me on this, but the book I've been reading says that all hormonal contraception has progestins (synthetic hormones) which we may be sensitive to. Bio identical progesterone is available (Utrogestan is one form) which hopefully you would have less/no problems with.
I'm currently not on this (on a synthetic version I was put on before reading said book!) so I can't personally vouch for its effects. Hope this is helpful though!

Excellent thanks @EverySporkIsSacred

I am never nervous about my own health but the thought of having another one of those reactions has been concerning me!

I’m on Utrogestan & haven’t had any negative effects from it. I haven’t previously had issues with progesterone but am oestrogen sensitive but am on Oestrogel thanks to my specialist GP so it is possible even with previous hormone related issues. I hope your appointment goes well.

thanks @Stargazer46

@RingingInMyEars The hormones in the Pill are completely different to HRT. Pill hormones are synthetic, HRT is body-identical (if you use micronised progesterone) and is like our own.

Thanks that's reassuring :)

Hi-just seen your post. I had the Mirena at 52 for ‘flooding’ and then endured months of awful symptoms like Urticaria and skin problems.
I struggled through for 3yrs and came off it when I thought my periods would have stopped, thank God they had! Since then I have gone on HRT cream combined oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone and although manageable I still struggle with side effects from the progesterone like swollen hands and feet. I think I have a sensitivity to progesterone but need it to protect the lining of uterus. What can you do 🤷🏼‍♀️

OP there are regimens where you can take the progesterone once every three months - it is in the NICE guidelines and @JinglingSpringbells has a thread on it somewhere.

I personally reacted appallingly, as I did to contraceptive pills. However the mirena is amazing for me.

There is usually a solution for everyone. Good luck x

I had really bad headaches from the contraceptive pill but take utrogestan with no issues.