HRT protocol

[Cornishbelle]

After several years of badgering discussion with my GP and now reaching the seemingly magical age of 45 I have just started combined hrt
My prescription is one pump oestrogel and one tablet utrostogen (sp) every day. I plan to speak to gp on Monday but everything I have learned so far suggests if you still have periods you should only take the progesterone days 14 -28 of cycle? I am still pretty regular

Any advice or explanation please don't want to seem like I am questioning gp bit I have not heard of this before

Hmm yes usually progesterone just two weeks of cycle. However, newer info is showing progesterone is actually quite important beyond just keeping the womb lining thin… and that the on/off may cause issues (ie in mood). I believe it’s safe every day (and was advised that protocol by Newson herself) but not sure your GP did it on purpose or not

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/postmeno.php

This explains when period-free (no bleed) HRT is used. No natural period for 12 months or/and over 54.

There are some exceptions (eg late peri and being early 50s) but not usually 45 and regular periods.

By using it too soon, the risks are erratic bleeding. This is because your own estrogen/cycle will override the small dose of daily progesterone.

The author of the info in the link is Dr Heather Currie, member of the British Menopause Society and an NHS gynaecologist. I suggest you print it off and show your GP, for discussion.

Thank you, this is helpful. I've been considering asking the GP for HRT but have held off as I've still not entered menopause, despite being nearly 58! My periods are definitely on the way out though, and I really didn't want them to carry on due to HRT. I will print this off and show my GP. I have a slight complication due to fibroids and am worried the HRT will make them grow, although they grow regardless it seems as I've sprouted new ones in recent years without taking anything.