Zentiva progesterone

[SpannaBanana123]

Hello!
I’ve recently started HRT for perimenopause- oestrogel and progesterone (200mg on days 15-26) I felt great when just using the gel but after two days taking the progesterone I felt extremely low, anxious, lots of intrusive thoughts and ocd symptoms. Last two night I have been inserting progesterone vaginally as I know many women prefer this method, and I was at my wits end, and have since seemed much better. However, when I spoke to a nurse said that only a private specialist will say to take it that way, not an nhs doctor. I’m reluctant to get Mirena coil so feeling a bit stuck. Just looking for some word of experience or advice or reassurance. By the way the progesterone is a generic (zentiva) brand so not sure it can be inserted vaginally. Help?!

Zentiva is the name of the manufacturer, but it's still micronised progesterone and exactly the same as Utrogestan (which is what you're saying, I think.)
There may be some tiny difference in the carrier oil but that's all.

The nurse is 'right' in one sense but not in others!

Utrogestan isn't licensed in the UK for vaginal use, other than as a fertility drug. But it is in Europe. So using it vaginally is 'off licence'.

There are 2 doses available- 100mgs for oral use (and vaginal if permitted) and 200mgs which is bigger and only for vaginal use. They are both the same except for the quantity.

However, there are many women who post here whose GP's have 'okayed' vaginal use.

The British Menopause Society produced a report on progesterone and they say vaginal use is ok for women who are intolerant to oral. Ideally they say the 200mgs should be used but 2 x 100 is acceptable if necessary.

Private consultants can do what they like because the responsibility lies with them and the assumption is they are qualified to make these decisions.

Sorry if this is a bit long-winded.

Thank you so much for your reply!
I shall mention it to my gp at my next appointment. I was just curious because of the brand as to whether I could use it vaginally.
I definitely seem to tolerate it better this way!