2.5 months into patches HRT and period has come very early, not in line with schedule?

[likelysuspect]

Just that really, since being on the patches periods are hugely heavy, not like they were before I started the HRT and then this week have started a period 7 days early whereas I was every 28 days like clockwork. Am 54, havent had any missed periods yet

Do I need to worry about this, is this normal? No point asking GP about any of this she was utterly useless.

Personally I’d give it 6 months to settle down, your body’s rhythm and the HRT need to synch.
If the periods stay heavy consider a Mirena coil.

Do you have a 3 month check in? I did after my first 3 months so I'd mention it then. Unusual bleeding was something they wanted me to watch out for but as pp mentioned it was more after the first 6 months

My periods rarely fall in line with my HRT cycle and vary anything between 21 and 35 days!

No check in planned, she seemed utterly bemused by me asking if she needed to see me as a follow up and said no.

Maybe just give them a ring and let them know then. They'll call you in if they're worried

Menstrual irregularity, particularly shortened cycles, is a hallmark of perimenopause and doesn't require medical attention.

However if bleeding is significantly heavier on hormone therapy this suggests you are on insufficient progestogen treatment, which your GP should be able to address for you.

I didnt have menstrual irregularity until the patches and Ive been in peri for at least 5 years by my reckoning, without a doubt that is when I noticed symptoms seriously

The GP wont be worried, they couldnt give a shit, she knew nothing of HRT and research and information about it

Im having to stumble around and find my own way and information

I have been cutting the patches in half as I found the progesterone section of the month made me very very tired, perhaps I will use a full patch on those weeks then

I have been cutting the patches in half as I found the progesterone section of the month made me very very tired, perhaps I will use a full patch on those weeks then

If you've reduced the progesterone part of the patches that is likely to be the reason you've bled early. Withdrawal of progesterone is what starts the bleed, or insufficient.

The progesterone dose is there to protect the womb lining, at the right dose. It helps stop the lining getting too thick. If you've reduced the dose that is why you've had heavy bleeds.

For women who are intolerant to some types of progesterone, there are others to try and through a specialist some reduction in the dose can be advised- but not without medical support.

This is why HRT prescribing guidance (which your GP ought to know!) is a 3-month review, so see how it's suiting you and if the dose or type needs tweaking.

I'll go back to the full patches then for those 2 weeks, see how I get on.

I am four months into HRT, OP. I have found the same, although weirdly at first I did get a period a day or so after progesterone ended. Then it was on day 10 of 14 of progesterone and now its day 8 of progesterone that I've got a heavy period. I'll see what happens next month and then ask GP.

I can't see much online about why a period would come early on progesterone?? I take the full progesterone dose religiously for days 1-14 and one pump of oestrogel throughout the month.

OP I've had the exact same issue. I used to be regular as clockwork then started on patches which totally messed up my cycle.

I had a 3 month check, nurse said all within normal range. Irregular bleeding is common.

I'm going to give it the six months and then reassess - the patches are making my skin (always have been a bit sensitive, prone to eczema) spotty, sore and itchy. Anyone have any tips about dealing withthis please?

I've also not really noticed any reduction of symptoms (still hot as fuck, still low mood)... but nurse said I'm on highest dose of patches.

This happened to me and my GP advised to take progesterone all month instead of for two weeks. Periods went back to regular again.

If you are using combined continuous it's a bleed-free type and most usually offered to women post menopause. You shouldn't be having periods and, if you are, they are your own - not a withdrawal bleed.

OP was having bleeding because she had reduced the progesterone part by half.