Progesterone = UTI symptoms? 😥

[Readingallthetime]

Hi I just started HRT, beginning with oestrogen gel last Friday and it has already started helping, the difference in my sleep has been like some sort of miracle. I honestly think it's been about 10 years since I've slept like this. Also I'm much less hot. Last night I started the progesterone tablets and within a few hours I woke up with UTI symptoms. I know 100% it's the progesterone because a couple of years ago I went through a series of UTIs at the same time each month and I concluded it was linked to hormones. I'm gutted.

I really really don't want to stop them... has anyone else had similar and the symptoms have died down?

I'll obviously contact the doctor Monday but am really scared now because it had all started so well.

What you've described is quite common. Assume you mean some burning and frequency?

If I use it orally it makes me wee more and have to get up at night.
I've a friend who experiences the same. We've both used it for years (more than 12.)

It's not an infection and you don't need to contact your GP.

You can try using it vaginally which can help. It actually makes my bladder less active that way.

To use it that way, insert the 2 capsules as far as possible.

If you don't get on with it at all, you'd need to think about another type of progesterone.

But give this a try to start with.

Ooh - so I can actually use the tablets I already have vaginally? That's good to know. They are the 100mg soft round capsules from 'Zentiva'.

Yes burning, frequency, tummy ache, feel sick.

Interestingly as soon as I started the oestrogen last week I got my period and it stopped yesterday.

Thanks so much for the advice.

ETA sorry to quote your entire reply, will try not to do that from now on 😅

Yes, those are the same tablets.

Starting estrogen won't fast-forward your period. It's more likely that it's an irregular one turning up!

Yes it had been a good couple of months since my last period so must have been that.

Feel so ill! Fingers crossed things will improve.