Started Medication. Periods gone

[IceBrownie]

I started a combination of gel (Oestrogel X1 pump) and progesterone (Gepretix X1 capsule) 3 months ago.

I have a Mirena coil that just hit its 5 year mark and the GP decided to prescribe just one progesterone capsule until I remove it.

I've felt some improvement in side effects, but haven't had a single period since then and I feel ridiculously bloated. My tummy is distended and I'm clearly retaining lots of fluid.

I exercise daily (cross training with strength/Pilates/karate and long distance running) and track my macros.

I was asked to return for a review after 6 months, but wondering if I should address this. It's so uncomfortable!

One pump isn’t a lot, when are you due a review?

It’s the Mirena. My daughter’s did exactly the same thing. You need it replaced.

Do you think I can just remove it, rather than replacing it?

In 3 month's time (i.e. 6 months after starting).

Do you think I should try to get it assessed before that?

I thought the starting dose was 2 pumps, going up to 4 if needed.
Personally I’d be wanting to be checked if you’ve got a distended tummy.

Thanks. I'll do that I think

Micronised progesterone (what you have)is renowned for bloating in some women.

You won't have a period on the HRT you're using.
Taking progesterone every day is a bleed-free type.
Also having a Mirena usually stop periods anyway - does yours not?

You don't need it as well as the Mirena but after 5 years the Mirena needs replacing as part of HRT. So if it's just up to 5 years there is no panic but it could be replaced.

Why won't your GP do that? I don't understand.

He just signposted me to the health clinic to get it removed (if I so wished).

My concern isn't so much the bloating (uncomfortable as it is), it's more the abrupt end of periods. Not sure that's normal?

ETA My coil never stopped my periods, they were light but regular

The point of using micronised progesterone every day is it stops the womb lining building up and that means no periods.

Thank you, that makes sense.

I clearly need to educate myself, but that's very reassuring.