Mirena vs utrogestan

[MajesticWhine]

I started HRT this year with oestradiol - had already got Mirena and had that in place for a few years. Was then told that the Mirena needed to be changed. They whipped it out but they couldn’t get a new one back in. So I’ve now got continuous utrogestan tablets instead. I have been offered a new appointment to get another Mirena (with ultrasound to guide them etc.) but I am wondering whether to just stick with the utrogestan instead. I do sleep like a log with it, and I wonder if there are more benefits of having the system wide effects of progesterone rather than just the localised dose I would get with Mirena.
Does anyone have any experience of this or knowledge about which is better? Thanks.

Utrogestan is a bio identical hormone, Mirena isn't. Mirena can be used as birth control if you are peri, utrogestan doesn't. That's all I know!

Not an expert and don’t really have any helpful advice, sorry, but my menopause-specialist GP is very pro the Mirena coil and always tries to persuade me onto it when I go. I’ve refused (know of too many cases among friends where it’s been problematic plus just don’t like the idea of it). I’m on utrogestan and it works fine for me and my GP is happy enough. So based on that, I’d say there’s a slight preference among doctors for the coi but that both are valid alternatives to each other provided you’re aware the utrogestan isn’t a contraceptive.

I have been told that technically I still need contraception because I had a period under a year ago, but I am not exactly getting a lot of action so that’s not a key part of my decision.

I'm pondering the same, I had mirenas for years for contraception, had my last one out a few months ago then started HRT with utrogestan and a plan to switch to another mirena once I'd made sure I was ok on estradiol. But I am sleeping so well with utrogestan and don't need contraception so I am undecided. I got on very well with mirenas and found insertion/removal pretty painless.

I had continuous Utrogestan for a year and it worked fine. Then out of nowhere I started getting continuous bleeding which was a bit of a worry as I'm postmenopausal. I was referred and the gynaecologist suggested a Mirena instead, which thankfully solved the problem and stopped the bleeding. My only worry now is that my GP is trying to persuade me to come off HRT as I'm 61, and I don't want to! My Mirena will be OK for another few years, but I need my oestrogen as well.

Yes, I've just upped my estradiol gel from one pump to two (GP advised to do this after a month) and lo and behold bleeding. Not too concerned because I had the two week pathway referral for post meno bleeding all
clear a few months ago but I am wondering whether to go back to 1 pump as that had been enough to control my symptoms. So I think either one pump plus utrogestan or two pumps plus mirena, I should probably put in an e consult.

I’m just pondering the same issue. I like the fact utrogestron helps with sleep for me which was a big factor in starting HRT. However I’ve had bleeding which is currently being investigated and the consultant has said they can put one in which may help. Not sure I like the idea of the coil.

The other issue I'm having is that I keep forgetting to use mine, I keep it all in the bathroom so I can do the gel, wash my hands and brush my teeth while the gel dries. But I forget at least once a week and find just as I am falling asleep I remember I haven't done it, I've never had longterm medication before and the habit is not there. I have set a reminder on my phone now but that's not entirely foolproof either.

Hi OP, just had similar experience. Mirena taken out today but unable to fit new one. Have been given progesterone tablets to tide me over whilst a decision made to try again or move permanently to tablets. I loved my mirena. Think I have had 5 to date. I'm 57 and apparently my uterus is getting smaller and cervix was too tight to get new one in.
Was a brutal attempt and has been in past too. Feel a bit confused by the new situation. GP did say that tablets can be taken orally or vaginally! Same tablet but choice is mine how to use. I have no idea which is better though. 😵💫 She also mentioned sleeping might be better with tablets which would be great as hip pain means my sleep is poor.
What have you decided to do?

I was on Utrogeston when a doctor very strongly recommended a Mirena, for no particular medical reason, which I then got fitted. BIG mistake. It didn't suit me at all, caused abdominal pain from the 4th day onwards and affected my moods which made me extremely anxious and tearful. That's all on top of the excruciating fitting. I had it removed fairly promptly as I wasn't coping with it at all well, and was back to my normal self in a few days. I've been back on Utrogeston ever since and been fine with it. I fund medics are very keen to promote the Mirena but don't seem to mention any of the risks or downsides to it. I've since learnt that there is a financial incentive for them to fit one. I realise that the Mirena suits some women and they like it, but it certainly doesn't suit everyone and medics don't seem to give balanced advice. If you are OK with Utrogeston I'd recommend you stay on it.

Well, I spoke to my GP and agreed that I would stick with two pumps of Estradiol and double my utrogestan rather than go with another mirena (he didn't try and push that at all, although I have suited them in the past and my last removal was fine). I also mentioned that I was sleeping better with the utrogestan and was worried about osteoporosis (my mother has it) so overall this sounds like a good plan for me. If that's any help.

I am still unsure - I probably will have another go at the Mirena I think - appointment not for 6 weeks so still on the tablets for now. I dread the fitting but it is convenient not to have to take a tablet every day. If they can’t find a way in then so be it. My uterus may have shut up shop and be closed to all visitors 😂

I've only been given 30 gepretix tablets so have been advised to get in touch with local sexual health clinic lead as she's the best person for uncooperative cervixes apparently. 😳. Will update when I've spoken to her.

I had a coil four months ago and am finding it great. I was bleeding really heavily. My moods are more stable and I don’t get headaches or acid reflux. The bleeding has stopped which was the main reason for having it. I think different women suit various hrt types.

Some people find that taking progesterone that works throughout the whole body feels best, especially when it’s “body-identical” progesterone, like micronized progesterone (Utrogestan). This type is made to match your body’s own hormone, so it’s usually well-tolerated and may offer extra perks like easing inflammation and lifting mood.
On the other hand, local progesterone, like the kind released from the Mirena coil can be a great choice if you’ve had unpleasant side effects from full-body progesterone or if you just want it to work right where it’s needed.