Contraceptive option and HRT - so confusing!

[poppymacleod]

I am awaiting blood tests before moving to HRT for perimenopause - i would like to continue to use the 'pill' as contraceptive has anyone done this before? and i know everyone reacts differently but ideally I'd like a contraceptive option that keeps my periods non existent or light as this so far is the only benefit from going through this hell

I was on Evorel conti (combined oestrogen and progesterone patches) whilst on desogestrel a while back so it is possible depending on what type of contraceptive pill you're on.

I believe it's also possible (unless NICE guidelines have changed) to use 2 x desogestrel as the progesterone component of HRT - I came off Conti and did that with an oestrogen only patch for a while. Desogestrel stopped my periods eventually.

Or they might steer you towards the Mirena coil as that can be used as the progesterone part of HRT and I believe it often stops periods or makes them lighter.

Yes - you can still take the mini pill and add the patches or gel and utrogestan. I did this. The best combination I found was the mini pill and evorel conti patches.

I started with utrogestan and bled and had awful stomach cramps for 3 weeks…scan to check everything was ok and thankfully it was other than a fibroid…
Have restarted HRT- 2 pumps of gel and 2 Desogestrel each day… so far so good. I was lucky … I had a very understanding GP!!
so yes Desogestrel can be used as the progesterone part of HRT ( and contraception at the same time )-I am on continuous HRT btw.