Periods much closer together since starting HRT?

[AchillesLastStand]

I started HRT in November last year due to perimenopause symptoms, mainly severe anxiety with no apparent cause, insomnia and heart palpitations but no hot flushes at all. My GP was happy for me to start HRT as I had just turned 45. My symptoms have improved massively since starting it but it’s taken a couple of months to see a real improvement.

However since starting HRT I’ve noticed my periods are much closer together. Last month mu cycle was 20 days and this month it was just 19 (I’m usually a 28-30 day cycle). My period starts when I’m still taking the utrogestan 100mg x 2 for the last two weeks of my cycle. I’m also on evorel 50 patches. I’m still taking the utrogestan even though my period has started. But it seems that my body is overriding the HRT. Is this a problem? It is possible I need a stronger dose? I read you’re meant to have a withdrawal bleed but I’m still on the tablets when my period starts. I know periods becoming closer together is a classic peri symptom but this has only started since I’ve been on the HRT. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks

Yes op, I have, I’m 53 and it’s driving me mad, you will find your cycle erratic, I have miss periods and now for the first time ever they are 20 days apart, my hot flushes and mood have improved so stick with it, it’s just part of the process, you are lucky to have hrt in your 40s, I wasn’t given it until I had one of many meltdowns in my 50s. Hth

Sorry, I meant to add, my friend stoped soon after closer periods so fingers crossed

@AchillesLastStand How are you taking the utrogestan? Are you going by your own cycles? Might be best to pick a date on the calendar and keep to the same date each month to start. Say start on the 1st of the month take for 12 days then start again the 1st of the following month it’s should then over ride your own cycle x

@Christine0708 I am sticking with the same days each month. At first I tried to fit it in with my cycle but read that wasn’t the best thing to do. I’m continuing to take the ultrogestan even though I have my period and completing the 14 days. I’m not sure whether this is the right thing to do. I’ll be asking my GP this at my review but there doesn’t seem to be a clear answer to this in the medical profession.

@AchillesLastStand Your dose of Utrogestan is wrong.
That's probably why you're bleeding.

My period starts when I’m still taking the utrogestan 100mg x 2 for the last two weeks of my cycle.

It's 200mgs for 12 days (not 100mgs.)

Has your GP misprescribed?

The reason for your 'periods' is probably it's your own period breaking through.

The dose is actually on the leaflet in the Utrogestan box.

200mgs for 12 or 14 days, or 100mgs daily for women post menopause.

Ah, so sorry. Ignore! I need to get to Specsavers!

I missed your x2 and saw 100mgs!

TBH it might be worth resetting your cycle. (Ask your GP if they know.)
Taking Utrogestan during a period won't do much good.

It might be best to wait until you next have a period, wait till 15 days after that, then start the 12 days then. It won't matter if you go a bit longer than 4 weeks on just estrogen (because there are 3-monthly cycle options that some women use.)

Then, whatever day you start, stick to that date each month.

Thanks @JinglingSpringbells for the advice. Yes, I’m on 200mgs. To be perfectly honest I’m finding it very confusing what to do. I might have to phone my GP and see what she’s says. Yes it seems by body is overriding the HRT although as mentioned in my first post my periods have never been so close together as when I started HRT so it may be have some influence.

I may just sticks to patches for one month then and see what happens then start Utrogestan. I’ll check with my doctor though.