Switching from sequential to continuous HRT

[newnamenellie]

I started taking sequential HRT aged 49 (about two years ago). I was still having periods at that point, thought they were somewhat erratic. I went on HRT because of low mood and didn’t have many other symptoms back then.
I was using gel (1.5 pumps per day) progesterone inserted vaginally two weeks out of four. I managed fine with this but decided I would like to come off it to see if I was still having periods and to find out if I could manage without the HRT.
I stopped taking it at the beginning of June, had a normal period around the beginning of July, then nothing for about 8 weeks when I had a very, very light bleed, barely anything.
The problem I’m having since coming off HRT is that I’m getting frequent hot flushes which are really unpleasant. I didn’t have that before.
My question is, can I go back on HRT but on a continuous basis given that I was taking it for a year and a half until the summer? My understanding was that continuous used once menopause was reached, but that means that I’d have to go back to cyclical if that’s the case and then how would I ever know when to switch?!!
What have others done in this situation? I’m 51 now by the way.

I started sequential HRT whilst still having periods (50ish), was happy with it until the new prescribing guidelines came out and my oestrogen/progesterone ratio was deemed unproportional. Faffed about with unsatisfactory dosages, couldn't raise my progesterone without feeling like I was falling off a cliff every two weeks, came off it altogether for a while - still having periods. Tried to go back onto a lower dosage, but I could no longer handle the sequential nature.
So at 53, despite still having periods, I was given continuous HRT (patches). Carried on having periods for 6 mnths. But I'm now finally 12mths clear.
I'm still a bit salty about the whole saga, I've never got back the feeling of wellness I had with my original dosage, but it is better than nothing.

I’ve been on sequential HRT for 4 years - Elleste Duet 2mg - I’m now 55. My GP last month swapped me to the Conti tablets as she said that at my age I needed to be on continuous meds.

I’ve had some spotting and have been waking in the night again but it’s now starting to ease off.

On sequential for nearly four years since 50, now coming up 54. Bleeds are pretty unpredictable, once none at all for months then restarted. Currently very light. Wondering whether to swap to continuous?

I’ve been on continuous trans dermal Oestrogen plus Mirena coil since peri-menopause, so stopped having periods very soon after starting HRT. I continued having PMS for a few years, and suspect that my actual menopause happened when the PMS stopped. I don’t remember when that was, but at least ten years. The doctor has never said that I need to change my HRT.

Thanks for your experiences.

i think I may go back on sequential for now and then make an appointment to discuss with my GP in a few months.