Utrogestan Symptoms

[Slumbering]

I had a recent change to my HRT to try to solve intermittent vaginal bleeding (had that investigated). Changed back to Utrogestan 200mg continuously and stayed on Oestrogel, 2 pumps per day but bleeding continued.

I was told that I could put the Utrogestan vaginally if it doesn’t work orally, which I’m now doing. It seems to have solved the bleeding problem for now but I feel a bit drowsy and headachy on it.

Is the dose for Utrogestan going vaginally different? Should it be reduced? Should I ask for a different formula of Utrogestan?

I just used 1 utrogestan vaginally instead of the 2 I'd been prescribed orally. Only did it for a couple of weeks then had bleeding again so I've come off all HRT.

Thanks for your reply. Sounds like one Utrogestan might not be enough.
Maybe I need to wait for things to settle down.

I’d love to find a solution other than coming off HRT if possible.

I vaguely recall Louise Newson saying the dose is reduced or on alternate days only when going vaginally.

To be honest I was glad to come off it in the end. It seemed to be causing more problems. I've been off it for a month now and feel fine.
Obviously depends on so many things so maybe just see how you feel next few months.

I moved to continuous a few weeks ago but my GP dropped the utro to 100mg daily and I use two pumps of oestrogel.

I was under the impression this was the correct dosage for continuous rather than the 200mg on a sequential routine.

It’s working better for me, the 200 utrogestan did affect me.

I was originally on 100mg orally but that stopped working for me as I started bleeding after a year or so.

Still bled on 200mg continuously orally which is why I’m hoping it I can get the dose right vaginally it could be a solution.

I was thinking exactly the same as I read the OP’s post. I take 100mg continuously but was on 200mg when I was taking it sequentially. I also take 2 pumps of Oestrogel.

Utrogestan taken orally makes me feel really rough. So I eventually switched to vaginally instead and now I have zero side effects.

Have you been referred to your local menopause clinic @Slumbering? They should be able to support you to find an effective solution.

Yes I have. I thought I might get a quicker response here. It’s all trial and error and I’m just trying to find out what could work.

Yes, 100mg is usually the correct dose continuously, but I started bleeding on it. That’s why I was switched to 200mg continuously.

It also stopped working orally which is why I’ve switched to vaginally.

This has stopped the bleeding (so far!) but it’s making me drowsy and headachy.

I think the Utrogestan dose needs reducing but I’m wondering how best to do that.

If only there was a long list of alternative options instead of being drip fed alternative management plans every six months or so that fail. So frustrating.

The problem is Utrogestan used vaginally is unlicensed so you're not going to find any up to date information on the equivalent oral to vaginal dose. I think anecdotally women use the same dose orally and vaginally and I think the doses quoted by Louise Newson previously are outdated now. I certainly use the same dose vaginally and I have no bleeding and far fewer side effects.

Thanks, I think I’ll try just one tonight and see if I stay bleed free. I’m so drowsy today

Hi OP when I used utro vaginally my GP gave me actual utro pessaries which made it easier. I don't think I absorbed it enough vaginally, though I absorbed it enough to give me horrible drowsiness and depression, but my endometrial lining was thicker than it should have been.

Have you thought of a coil? I love mine.

There is information on this.

It's on the BMS report/ guidance on the use of progsterone in HRT (I've linked to it several times so a search might bring it up.)

They advise the same dose whether it's vaginally or orally.

It is licensed vaginally in other countries (especially France) so it's only really in the UK that the license hasn't changed.

@JinglingSpringbells just read that, thanks for the info. I think I knew that at one point and forgot! Menopausal brain fog 😭

Yes, I think the coil would be the answer for me. Unfortunately the doctor couldn’t get it in (cervical stenosis). I’m waiting for a consultant to try. It will be a long wait though no doubt.