Bleeding on continuous HRT patches

[Crazycatlady75]

I'm 50 and my GP started me on Everol Conti patches 4 and a half months ago. Before that I had been on the minipill for years which had stopped my periods. I stopped taking the minipill about 3 months before starting HRT and my periods hadn't restarted so the GP decided I was probably post-menopausal.
I have had intermittent bleeding since starting the patches. It stopped for a couple of weeks before my 3 month check up so we decided I should continue on the patches but it returned about a week later and I probably get no more than a week between bleeds. It is usually quite light but with occasional heavy days.
I have read that bleeding is normal in the first 6 months of continuous HRT so I'm not sure whether to stick it out until then or go back to my GP. I feel great on the patches so am reluctant to have to stop using them if it is going to settle down shortly!

I’m six months in. I’ve been bleeding intermittently too but it seems to be getting better. My GP says if it doesn’t clear up or becomes troublesome she’ll look at adjusting my dose of progesterone but doesn’t seem to be very keen to do this. I’m sticking with it because the benefits in terms of bone and cardiovascular health are not to be sniffed at.

Thank you - that is encouraging to hear!

This happened to me.
i asked for a repeat prescription for my pill which is restarted due to heavy periods during covid (a rheumatologist advised it) - the Gp (male not that it’s relevant) was shocked and said I shouldn’t be taking the pill at 50 and immediately put me on HRT the conti patches - the bleeding was fairly light but very irregular every week or so and then it got heavier.
i was on it for about a year, then a new Gp took me on on her caseload and we had a consultation - I told her about my irregular periods and the proverbial hit the fan - within 3 days I was on the cancer pathway and within 5 days id had a scan and an internal scam within 8 days I’d had a hysteroscopy and 5 biopsies - I was bleeding heavily on the day of the procedure but it was decided to go ahead as it was deemed urgent.
The consultant who did the biopsies was very reassuring and whilst she couldn’t give me any indication either way she did say the results would be processed quickly and if I had further problems or needed support to telephone her at the unit.
Thankfully all the biopsies came back ok and I’ve not had a period or any bleeding whatsoever since.
The general thought was the HRT was given to early and the surge in progesterone caused the bleeding.
i don’t take any HRT now, don’t really get any symptoms except a sense of bloated ness and some hot spells which could be attributed to my food sensitivity and my thyroid which has also packed up !!

Thanks @Holliegee - I think I should probably have a chat with my GP. Glad to hear everything turned out OK for you!

I stopped taking the minipill about 3 months before starting HRT and my periods hadn't restarted so the GP decided I was probably post-menopausal.

Your GP was jumping the gun a bit considering menopause is 12 months with no period. And that the average age of menopause is almost 52.

You are possibly too young and still ovulating for continuous HRT.
You do need to give it 6 months but if it carries on you should consider sequential.

Continuous is for women over 54, or no period for 12 months if under 54.

Thanks @JinglingSpringbells - I think you are right