New to hrt

[PeriHelp]

I've recently been prescribed hrt and am already totally confused as to when I should start taking it. I haven't had a period for 3 months so no idea if or when it will start. The utrogestan says I should take on days 1-25 of cycle, but how do I calculate where I am in the cycle? Or do I just wait until I get a next period and take that as day 1? Or do I try and work backwards through my previous periods ( I have dates logged on app), to see what day I should be on, if that makes sense? So confusing !

I'm sorry your GP didn't explain.
Why is that so many women are being given HRT but their dr isn't telling them how to use it?

If your periods have not stopped for a year, you need to use a sequential regimen. That is described on the leaflet- it's 2 tablets for 12 days, of Utrogestan per month.

You can start on any day but keep to the same DATE each month. So if you started today, the next 12 days would be from 16 June.

The 25 days is for women who are post menopausal or over age 54. And no one does 25 days now anyway- it's used daily.

See this link.https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php PERI

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/postmeno.php POST
UTROGESTAN
Micronised progesterone
100mg at bedtime from day 1 to 25 of each 28 day cycle (licensed regimen), though taken every day is usually recommended

Thank you so much for replying, I'm already anxious so the confusion isn't helping. In fairness to my gp, they did try to explain but there was soooo much info to take in, it was impossible to retain! Ummmm, that makes sense what you're saying but the box says to take 1 100mg tablet every night for day 1-25. I'm not over 54 and I wouldn't think I'm post menopausal. So I take 2 tablets each night but only for 2 weeks? And I can start tonight?

Sorry another question... If I do it the 2 week on, 2 week off method, does that mean the estrogel pumps would be diffsrent? It's been prescribed as 2 pumps daily

No problem!

The Patient Leaflet in the box should give both options.
This is from the patient info online which I've found and copied here.

The recommended dose is 200 mg daily at bedtime, for twelve days in the last half of each therapeutic cycle (beginning on Day 15 of the cycle and ending on Day 26). Withdrawal bleeding may occur in the following week.

Alternatively 100 mg can be given at bedtime from Day 1 to Day 25 of each therapeutic cycle, withdrawal bleeding being less with this treatment schedule.

Yes, you can start today and also with the gel.

Because most women don't have regular cycles, you can't wait till DAY 15 so you can start anytime and the HRT creates a new cycle.

Be aware that your withdrawal bleed will usually start 2-4 days after the last dose of Utrogestan. If you want to avoid that for social reasons, think about the timing this month and you can delay starting it if necessary. But stick to the same date each month whenever you start.

It's 2 pumps every day, all the time.

I'm sorry trying to get my head round this so apologies if it's a stupid question! If I did it the first way ( 2 off, 2 on), and I started today as day 1 - then where does day 15-26 come into it, as according to the info above that's when you're supposed to start taking it? Or would day 1 (today) be considered as day 15?

Day 15 only works if your periods are like clockwork every month. If you want to, you can wait for your next period and on Day 1 start the gel and on Day 15 start Utrogestan.

That 'guidance' is so that the progesterone aligns with your natural cycle (progesterone kicks in from mid-cycle.)

Clearly, this rarely happens.

HRT can't follow your own cycle in peri as your periods will be all over the place. Day 15 might not come for 4 months!

HRT creates a new cycle that will override your own.

Thank you so much for making it clearer. I've already put the gel on today and I'm going to take the utrogestan tonight. Just praying that I don't get any of the bad side effects!