Progesterone cream - nausea & headache

[Azuresnake]

I can’t seem to source info re this issue. I already have the mirena coil and have recently been prescribed bio identical progesterone cream to apply in evening. I have previously used Utrogestan but it destroyed my mood and gave me headaches.
I used the cream for the first time 2 weeks ago before bed and upon wakening up I felt like I had a hangover. Fast forward to last night and thought I’d try it again….woke up at 3am with awful nausea and an upset stomach!
is this coincidence or the cream?

I’ve felt hungry etc today which makes me think it’s not been a stomach bug, of course I may be wrong. Anyone help?

Progesterone cream is not licenced or prescribed in the UK, or approved by specialists, (other than clinics providing unlicensed HRT) so probably best to discuss with the private provider.

I was prescribed this by a menopause clinic in UK. I had no idea it wasn’t licensed!

If you do a bit of research online, the British Menopause Society has a statement on private clinic providing unlicensed bio-identical compounded HRT, compared to regulated body-identical HRT.
There's info on their website.

@Azuresnake Not sure why you've been given progesterone cream when you already have a Mirena? Your Mirena is the progesterone side of hrt (assume you're also using estrogen.)

One of the reasons that progesterone cream is not licensed as part of hrt is that it doesn't work (can't be absorbed in the right amount, if at all, to provide endometrial protection.)

If you want to use private HRT there are many really good consultants working within licensed products.

The doctor I seen suggested that I may require additional progesterone, hence the prescription. The two occasions I’ve used it, I’ve been unwell!

I shall be mentioning this at my next consultation. I’m not very happy.

Not sure who you see (don't want to mention names) but worth mentioning that in the UK there are 2 sorts of private care for menopause.

1 Consultants (usually gynaecologists) who specialise in menopause, often work within the NHS, do research, do private work too - and use licensed HRT (but with various off-license options of those .)

2 Doctors (not necessarily gynaes or endocrinologists) who promote bio -identical compounded hrt, often prescribed based on saliva and blood tests. Not all the products they prescribe are licensed and there are issues around quality control. The other issue is they are prescribed on a 'false premise' - that saliva and blood tests are diagnostic.

This is just a summary of the BMS guide on this.

The doctor suggested additional progesterone, which I’m now questioning. I’ve been unwell both occasions I’ve used it. I won’t be using it again.
thank you for responding

Why not stop using that dr and find one who works within licensed HRT?