Anyone else struggle moving from sequential to continuous utrogestan?

[Windymillering]

Constantly bloated
Have objectively gained over 3kg in two months despite no change in diet or exercise

My periods have stopped in that time despite me getting regular but quite heavy withdrawal bleeds on the sequential version but I’d go back to periods and lose this awful bloating and rapid weight gain unless anyone can reassure me they had this and it settled?

Im sitting here now and feel like I have a tyre round my waist.

Anyone??

Gosh absolutely identical. Was starting to think I was going mad @Windymillering
According to the NHS website any weight gain is just a menopause side effect and nothing to do with the hrt. But I have piled it on over Xmas (just coming up to the end of my 1st 3 months on the conti) and my usual being sensible which would see me lose 1/2 lb a week hasn’t done anything 😭

Well I’m sad for you but glad I’m not alone!
I was fine on the sequential version - really settled and whilst it was much more of a battle to stay slim than in my youth, with work I was managing.

Swopped to the continuous and it’s just been horrific. Do we stick it out? How long will it take to settle?

Despite my oestrogen dose being the same I’ve also got awful tender boobs too.

I don't understand why some women are being pushed onto combined continuous (if that's the case.)

It's a choice. I have the impression that GPs are suggesting it as if it's mandatory after a year or periods stop.

I tried continuous Utrogestan for 3 weeks and stopped (for various reasons - side effects.)

You don't have to use continuous.

I've a friend who's 70 and is still on sequential.

Go back to sequential perhaps?

It’s the right thing for them to suggest it as it confers a lower risk of endometrial cancer so I was keen as well.

Continuous wont be ideal earlier on when periods are still naturally present as it will cause irregular bleeding. That’s why they wait until over about 50 or when you know your periods have stopped and then suggest a trial.

My GP has said they would support me to change back if I wish to but I wanted to know if anyone could reassure me it all settles down.

It’s the right thing for them to suggest it as it confers a lower risk of endometrial cancer so I was keen as well.

They either don't know, or don't mention, that is raises the risk of breast cancer.
All the stats on BC are divided into continuous and sequential use of HRT.

Endometrial cancer is far more easily treated.

I was advised by a specialist on this.

Where is that data please? Are you saying continuous is safer for endometrial but more risky for breast cancer compared to a cyclical progesterone regime?

Thats not what I’ve read but happy to be pointed to the evidence otherwise

@Windymillering Yes, that's what I meant. My consultant advised me of that many years ago when I started on HRT .

The risk of endometrial cancer in women using HRT is tiny and usually more a theoretical risk. Again, I've read the data, don't have time just now to dig (it's out there if you search) but it's very low. And if it's found early, the treatment is far easier.

Bear in mind that the vast majority of women in these stats were using synthetic progestogens (not micronised progesterone) and no one really knows it it's safer (although it appears to be safe(r) for at least 5 years.

I've found this for you (I've read it before).
https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/02-BMS-ConsensusStatement-BMS-WHC-2020-Recommendations-on-HRT-in-menopausal-women-SEPT2023-A.pdf

PAGE 15

• For women taking continuous combined HRT for five years from the age of 50, the risk of developing breast cancer between the age of 50 and 69 goes up by 1 extra case in 50 over 20 years from a background risk of 3 out of 50 women to 4 out of 50 women

. • For women taking sequential combined HRT for five years from the age of 50, the risk of developing breast cancer between the age of 50 and 69 goes up by 1 extra case in 70 over 20 years from a background risk of 4 out of 70 women to 5 out of 70 women.

• For women taking estrogen only HRT for five years from the age of 50, the risk of developing breast cancer between the age of 50 and 69 goes up by 1 extra case in 200 over 20 years from a background risk of 13 out of 200 women to 14 out of 200 women.