Indiana Jones come and get me because I think I’ve found my holy grail and its name is oestrogen gel and utrogestan and utrogestan. (Okay, that’s two names, but you get my drift…)
It’s been almost three years since I was first put on HRT. Three long years of traipsing back and forth to the doctor – you can read my HRT journey here – and almost two years of arguing to get separate hormones.
But finally – FINALLY! – I got it. So what do I think? Let’s get the science out of the way first.
Oestrogen gel and utrogestan: what is it?
Basically, oestrogen gel and utrogestan is hormone replacement therapy in two separate bits: a gel that gives you oestrogen and tablets that give you progesterone (click on the links for my easy-to-understand guides to these hormones).
Before this, I was on Femostan, which comes in a tablet, and then I’ve had years of various patches.
What’s wrong with other HRT?
Absolutely nothing, if you can tolerate it. The trouble is, I can’t.
First of all, Femostan did absolutely nothing for me. Nowt. Zilch. Nada. I was still a psychological and physical mess at the end of several months taking it, scratching away at itchy skin and a ball of anxiety. The only thing it did help was my hot flushes.
This was followed by HRT patches and I quickly saw a cycle of mood swings whenever I switched to the progesterone part. This got me into a cycle of GPs prescribing different HRT patches, which all had the same result, until I was told that I suffer from progesterone sensitivity.
Even before that, though, I was advised to have oestrogel and a Mirena coil fitted for the progesterone or oestrogel and utrogestan – the gold standard of HRT. Pity my GP surgery hasn’t been told that…
What are the benefits of oestrogen gel and utrogestan?
Taking oestrogen transdermally (that is: through the skin, in a gel or a patch) is the safest form of HRT, while a micronised progesterone (body-identical, which means it is physically identical to the hormones our body makes) is the most tolerable form to take.
The beauty of a gel is that you can easily adjust the dosage up or down. That’s impossible with a patch, unless you stick on loads.
(You can’t reduce a patch by cutting it in half, by the way; the chemicals are not spread evenly over it so you aren’t getting a true 50 per cent reduction. Plus they fall off easier if you cut them. Yeah, I did it first without researching properly. Divvy!)
Regardless of my situation, however, I know women who are happy with their HRT tablets and their patches. There is no such thing as a typical menopause and the answer to your treatment is as unique as you are. What works (or doesn’t) for me works (or doesn’t) for me alone. There is no one-size-fits-all with HRT.
So tell me – is oestrogen gel and utrogestan working for you?
Yes. And no. But mostly… yes!
I started on oestrogen gel and utrogestan three months ago. I still can’t believe it. Last time I wrote about my HRT, I was unsure what to do.
HRT has never given me that boost of life I had heard about and I was beginning to think I was just a hypochondriac – something many menopausal women have told me they often feel.
And to make things worse, the coil doctor phoned up to tell my my surgery was no longer fitting coils because of Covid, which is ridiculous.
I have experience with this GP, so I kept calm and said: “That’s okay, I’d like to go on an oestrogen gel and utrogestan then, please.”
“No,” she replied. “That’s not possible. You see, you need progesterone, which is what the coil is for. You can’t not have HRT without progesterone.”
“Yes,” I said. “That’s why I’d like utrogestan.”
Sigh. “But you can’t. You need progesterone. We aren’t fitting coils, so you’ll have to have a patch.”
She was so insistent that I started doubting myself. Is utrogestan a progesterone? After all, she was the doctor – and our centre’s women’s health expert. Perhaps I’d got it all wrong…
So I agreed to being prescribed Evorel Sequi, which I’m 99% certain I’ve had before.
As soon as the phone was down, I googled utrogestan and coils and re-read everything I’d read before. Of course utrogestan is a bloody progesterone!
I called up the surgery the very next day and got an appointment with a GP I respect. After calmly explaining why I would not be taking Evorel Sequi – or ever consulting the coil doctor again – I asked again for oestrogen gel and utrogestan.
“I have never prescribed that before,” she said. “Bear with me, because I’m going to have to do a lot of checking to make sure I get the quantities right for you.”
Lots of: “Okay, so you need…” and: “And this much gel – I’m not sure how many doses these hold, so I’ll prescribe one for now and if you need more, just call,” later, I had my script.
After two years of fighting for it.
Three months on…
Disclaimer first: I’m still on sertraline, an anti-depressant that I started taking because I was so scared of the suicidal thoughts I’d had when the progesterone got me last year. (And that’s the first time I’ve ever put it so bluntly.)
Apart from that, I feel normal. Even not bad at times, actually. I am looking after myself again, with a new haircut and some new clothes, and eating better.
I’m not out of the woods yet, thought. For a couple of days per month, usually around the end of the utrogestan period or sometimes afterwards, I get hit by the black dog again and feel useless and just rubbish, really. But I’ve only had one cry in three months. That’s amazing.
I’m also due to speak to a specialist in a few weeks, so I’m hoping to bump up my oestrogen gel. At the moment, I’m on one pump twice a day, giving me 1.5mg of of hormone.
In general, most days, I feel stronger and happier. It’s taken two years, but finally I think I’ve found my HRT heaven with oestrogen gel and utrogestan.
What HRT are you on and how is it affecting you? Leave me a comment below – they help so many others. And don’t forget to subscribe to get your free 20-page guide to menopause and midlife, with all the information you need.
Same combination as you, it works great for me. My GP suggested this after patches gave me a terrible skin rash. Maybe I have been very lucky with my Gp they have been very clued up and sympathetic.
That’s brilliant to hear. I have a great GP, but getting to see him is a nightmare so I end up doing the rounds of who is available. I love hearing positive doctor stories! x
Hi I was told I couldn’t have hrt due to high blood pressure and the fact that I’ve had a subarachnoid haemorrhage! So now at 56 struggled like mad for over 4 years. On fluoxetine for 26 years. I can now have hrt as I have controlled blood pressure !!! Yaaaa ! No period for over 3 years I am now on Oestrogel 1 pump and Utrogestan 1 tablet both at night. I can up the gel to 2 pumps after a month. I am doing ok up and down with weight but I am now experiencing a heavy bright red period !! It’s a shock I feel like I’m 16 again and just starting my periods lol !! Sore boobs at first but symptoms have now gone just left with this shocking bleeding !!
Hi, have been prescribed this combination and it’s my first venture into HRT. I’m so confused about when to take it, I know the progesterone is to be taken at night, can I take the gel in the morning or does it have to be at the same time as the tablet? How do you deal with the problem of sometimes being out socialising or something and it’s time to take your hrt and you’re halfway through a meal? Also, what has happened with your weight? I was hoping to lose some!
Sorry, this is all new to me and I’m desperate to get it right. Thanks x
Hi Catherine, I’m also on Oestregel and Utresogen. I use the gel in the morning after my shower. Then you don’t need to worry about it for the rest of the day. I take Utresogen just before I go to bed. Easy! Hope that helps x
Hi Catherine, all,
I’m in the EXACT same boat. Prescribed this combination too but have been too scared to start it. First because of the side effects, and now because it’s half 4 in the morning (meno insomnia and googling same!!) and I know I won’t be consistently taking this HRT at half 4 of a morning…
My other concern is, well, what to do about to be quite frank sex and intimacy. If the gel goes on the inner thigh and I use it at night I’m concerned it will transfer to my partner and the “feminising” effects of the gel on a man don’t look like fun…
Thank you 50Sense (LOVE your name) for sharing your journey and blog – I’ve just discovered it and signed up immediately 🤗
Hi all.. can I just ask, do you take the utrogestan every day at 100mg or 200mg from day 15?
Also.. did you wait for a period to start before starting it?
Many Thanks../ just picked up my hrt and I’m very excited to get going..
It depends on whether you’re peri or post-menoapause. If you’re post, then one a day. If not, 200mg from day 15. Please check with your pharmacist x
Hi
I still have periods but take one everyday as it makes me more stable in mood
This is what I am about to move to. I have been taking 200mg for last 2 weeks of cycle and the jump up and then down messes with my body and gives me PMS. I am obviously sensitive to progesterone and my body needs more stability so although I am peri-menopausal, I am going to move to 100mg every day without a break. Wish I could talk to my GP but they are utterly clueless so I have had to educate myself. Continuous 100mg of Utrogestan without a break is completely safe. There is no need to have 3 days off to bleed as the Utrogestan keeps the womb lining thin enough to be safe.
I’m hoping this will solve the issues I have been having with Utrogestan like painful abdominal bloating and dark mood.
Hi
Did you start it straight away or what until the right time of the month
Thanks
Angela
I started straight away as I had no idea about my cycle!
I am also on the Oestrogel 2 pumps in the morning taken every day and Utrogestan 100mg 1 on an evening before bed on days 1 through to 25 with a 3 day gap. I have taken this for 3 years and I am happy with it. If I feel like I m getting edgy I just add another pump of gel then reduce it again. I suffered for years before as I was adamant I would not take or need it but after aches and pains leading to feeling 120 years old I finally took it and thankful I did. I do not want to come off it now ever lol .I understand this combination is good for safety on certain health issues like blood clots etc. Nothing is 100% but for me this suits me well. In my late 40’s I had the Novasure ablation procedure done which was brilliant for me as it stopped my heavy periods and they put in a coil at the same time for 5 years that was brilliant and wished I’d have done that sooner too. Good luck with your HRT journey.
Hi i have just started on the same combination as you , on my second month currently, im finding im gradually getting my old self back . one question if you dont mind i took the 3 day gap as instructed and i was expecting a small bleed but nothing which tbh was great but is that wrong should i have bled? also today is day 10 of my second month and im getting period like pains is this normal?
Excited to read this article as I just started the same combo today! It was my first consult and it’s two years since my last period so no hassle getting HRT at all. Surprised to hear folks on here saying they had to fight for it?
I’m in Ireland so don’t know if that’s different to most of the readers?
I use Evorel 75 patch twice a week, and utrogestan for 12 days, which was a change from Evorel Sequi. Took a while to settle but so far so good!
That’s brilliant to hear. Hope it continues xxx
Hi Lorraine can I ask the dosage of your utrogestan with 75mg patch.
I’m on 50mg patch with 12 days 200mg utrogestan but due to be increased to 75mg patch but gp said because I’m increasing my patch I need to increase my utrogestan to 300mg which I yhink isn’t any need and abit high as I see other women only on 200mg.
Any advice helpful please
Many thanks Alanna
It should onl6 be 200mg from what I cam gather.
I started HRT last year sane combo. Oestragel x 2 pumps a day and utrigestant 200mg for 12 days. Although I did start using it vaginally because I could tolerate it with my stomach.
Recently though I’m suffering with my stomach and lots of other issues plus some symptoms have returned so I decided to stop my HRT 3 days ago! I’m not sure if I’ve done the right thing or not.
Hi please don’t stop the pump it’s the tablets making you feel unwell. The same thing happened to me 12 nights of tablets then terrible bleeding. I got the coil fitted now no more bleeding or pain.
Hi Lissa, I hope you are feeling better. I started the same dose, 3 weeks ago. When only with the gel, I was feeling well. Now that I added the utrogestan, i feel horrible ( dizziness, nausea, my ibs is triggered again, i feel like I can’t breath, etc.. and some previous symptoms came back). Did you change the hrt ?
Hi,just read your post.I’ve been on 75mg Estrodot patch twice weekly all the time. Then 200mg Utrogestan for 12 nights every 3 months (vaginally)..Works fine for me being prog intolerant.
OMG, your story is so closely match to mine! I’ve been on antidepressants on and off for years. I think I hit the mother load of meno symptoms last July, very deep depression, anxiety so bad I could’ve quite happily been sectioned. I thought I was loosing by my mind it got so bad I took to my bed for 3 hellish weeks and contemplated suicide it was that bad. My Doctor put me on fluoxetine a good while back and I stopped it for a while and he said I needed to go back on it, which I did. I then joined a meno group and bam, it all made so much sense, all my symptoms pointed to menopause not depression. I’ve been menopausal since I was 43 now 54! I feel shame that I did not pick up on the cues or explore options. I just I carried on suffering and not really doing anything about it, par for the course for many women! Anyway, I demanded to go on HRT. I started Everol patches last September, my hot flushes subsided, aches and pains subsided, hair stopped falling out and my skin didn’t feel so dry but sleep was still allusive and doing the job I do (nurse) , I cannot afford to go without it! I started on the Esterogel and progesterone pill plus vaginal Oestrogen tablets (urethra atrophy). It’s been ok, hot flushes are still with me but not so aggressive, sleep is much better but my hair is still falling out, I’m exhausted all the time and I’m still having little MH wobbles when isn’t great! I’ve upped my gel pumps to 6, so far so good but my GP who’s had extra training in menopause is off sick ATM and I’m reluctant to see anyone else as they just want to increase my antidepressants, which isn’t the answer! I’ve just signed up for a consultation with Dr Louise Newson, Menopause Specialist, who I’ve heard is amazing. £250 which is a lot of money but worth it to me to get the right support and advice. I realise I’m lucky and can afford it, many women in my position can’t and that’s totally unacceptable given half the population are women and a good % will be going through menopause. Things have got to change in women’s health and unless we all shout about it, nothing will change. I don’t want my daughter to go through what I did in fact I will walk with her every step of the way when the time comes!
Why do so many of us feel shame that we didn’t realise menopause symptoms (I did)? If we haven’t been told them, then how were we to know? Louise knows her business and a half, so you’re in good hands. But as you say, it’s not acceptable that you’re having to pay for what should be available through the NHS. Let me know how it goes, please.
One thing – I would recommend trying organic sulfur (MSM) for your hair, too. I have hair loss and it has really helped. Makes my nails grow lovely too! x
HI there, I have just been perusing sights looking for information on how utrogestan and oestrogel was working for people and I’ve found it really insightful. I am perimenopausal and still get regular periods. I have been having brain fog, forgetfulness, painful breasts and black moods for the past couple of years and whenever I called my GP I was routinely prescribed anti-depressants. I didn’t even pick up the prescription as I know I am not clinically depressed. Finally I managed to talk to a sympathetic and understanding doctor who agreed my symptoms matched with the perimenopause. She did her research (as have I) and I finally got my prescription at the weekend. I can’t take an oral oestrogen hrt because I have a blood condition and I said my preference was for the gel rather than patches. This sounds ridiculous but now I have it in my hands I’m actually feeling a bit scared and anxious about starting it! I am single mother to a 6 year old and I’m questioning if my symptoms (which I’ve battled for two years now) are real or imposter syndrome. Is this normal? I just want to feel really positive about this as I’ve fought to be given it.
Reading the medication leaflet leaves me terrified of increased risk of blood clots (which I have a higher risk of) and breast cancer which I have an unhealthy obsession with despite there being no family history I’m aware of and I feel I have nobody to talk to who’s in the same boat. I had a child later in life and many of my friends have this ahead of them rather than now.
I desperately want to feel more positive about taking this and suspect my reticence is actually part of my symptoms which the medication will help with! I also feel a huge amount of guilt that I have been given this medicine and other women who desperately need it are still fighting.
Any advice support would be incredibly gratefully received.
I was so worried about HRT before I began it (I should write about it, to be honest) and delayed a long time. There have been so many scare stories in the press that I’m not surprised we worry. But have you ever read the leaflet for a packet of paracetamol? It is just as scary with the warnings. Check out @drnighatarif for help and advice. And please, don’t feel guilty. The aim is for everyone who wants HRT to get it. One by one we’ll get there and you’re the latest one x
Hi,
The gel and tablets are the safest to use. I understand how you feel I am going through it and your symptoms are exactly the same as mine. It’s awful but mine is getting better since I’ve been on the gel and tablets.
Good luck 👍🏻X
Not sure when this post was written but I’m feeling exactly the same , my anxiety is through the roof , I desperately wanted to get help and was given HRT gel so now i have it , I darent take as I’m obsess with illness like you and have suffered painful breadth constantly for months ! I’m just beside myself woth worry all the time
Please speak to your GP, Bev. You don’t have to feel this way x
Hi Gillian
I was wondering how you got on with this combination? Did you take it in the end?
I am in exactly the same situation (i could have written your post), 6 year old, protein C deficiency and as i sit here with the prescription, I’m nervous about starting this.
I see it’s an old post, but i’m hoping you might still see it.
Many thanks
Toni
A year later but just in case…I also have a blood disorder, Essential Thrombocythemia (CALR) which puts me at higher risk of clots. I got the Oestrogel yesterday and completely understand you being alarmed at the leaflet. Yikes. But my Consultant says as long as it’s not tablet Estrogen which is not to be used for those with risk of clots. Personally having found myself over last few years having increased sense of worthlessness I have no hesitation. I think the symptoms creep up and become the new norm, then because they come and go, so you tell yourself it’s not so bad. I hope it worked out for you. I’m really hoping it works for me, I want myself back. No one should feel guilt, supply problems are not our fault. I got 3 months Ustrogestan and googling it later that day discovered it was now restricted to 2 months to ensure everyone can get it. I spoke to a female doctor, waited specifically for appointment with her as I know she listens and is aware of my condition (phone appointment) and she asked about symptoms, she had the letter from my Consultant about what I can be prescribed and issued the prescription which I picked up that day. There’s no excuse for a level of care less than that.
Hi there,
Here i use also estrogel and utrogestan. I go al the way to Belgium because here in the Netherlands we don’t have estrogel…..
Most doctors don’t no a thing about menopause and there is a sort of collective shame so we don’t talk about it. How can we know…specially if you are very young in menopause.
I was so somber and depressed and shortly after I started estrogel and utrogestan the sun started shining for me again. World of difference!!!!
I am on this natural HRT for almost 10 years and intent to use it until I go to sleep forever…
Good of you all to keep trying to find a solution. Love and greetings from the Netherlands.
Hi, Please can I ask what sulphur msm you are taking? I tried looking on line and there is so many it is hard to know which one is best..
Hi, just came across the site & can’t believe what I’m reading!!! I was put on anti depressants two years ago, very depressed, suicidal but I was going to work every day, swimming every morning but was told I was depressed. Only by watching Davina McCall I started on HRT gel. Two pumps a day, it’s only been three weeks, and just wondering when will it “kick in”.
Hi Jen and thanks for the comment. Hope you can’t believe what you’re reading in a good way!!!! This is such good timing, I was walking and thinking about HRT (I do that!) and what my experiences have taught me. It can take up to 3 months for HRT to feel the full effects, but you should start noticing a change after a few weeks. If you still feel nothing after 3 months, talk to your GP about upping the number of pumps you can have. You may need more. Good luck and let me know how you get on x
Hi,
I know this is an old post but I was wondering how you got on with Dr Newson. Is it ok
To up the gel to 6 pumps, as I thought 4 was maximum. Is she worth seeing ?
Thanks
There’s a lot of debate about how much you can up your gel, Sally. Have a look at this: https://archive.ph/t3rfJ and it might help you decide x
Please let us know how it goes with her, so excited for you! Xx
I’m about 2 yrs menopausal, I’m 47 but for the last 8 yrs I really thought I was losing my mind. My symptoms started at 38, Back & forwards to the Gp, was prescript Antidepressant as my mood was like a seesaw & constant UTI’s, had bladder repair 8 yrs, got sterilised then too, & had a TVT done ( bladder sling )but all a long it was perimenopause.
I’ve only started HRT about 20 mths ago , at first I felt better but it didn’t last , went back to Endocrinologist I have thyroid disease . And she put me on divigel 2 sachets daily .
I also had to take provera , but my first experience of that was horrendous , I felt suicidal , so my dose of provera was lowered & I was told to take it every couple of mths. Which I know isn’t correct as my womp is intact . So my next experimence of provera but me in hospital , I had flooding ( bleeding that I couldn’t
control )was give medication to stop the bleeding . So I had to do a lot of research & thanks to Dr Louise Newson on her instragram I really don’t know where I’d ended up.
So armed with new information I asked for uthrogeston vaginal suppositories , not issues with progesterone now .
Was still feeling not myself , chronic fatigue , insomnia , aches and pains in my muscles & hands & feet .. had blood taken & my estrogen levels were still very low even though I am on HRT, so I’m on 100 mg patches estradot . To be honest I really thought I’d be doing cartwheels with this new regime .
My husband is so supportive , he said he’s sees glimmers of the old me shining through .
I do think I sound like a hypochondriac and I get embarrassed . But I just want feel normal again.
Oh Aine, I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been through and thank goodness you managed to find help and advice from Dr Newson. It really shouldn’t be up to women to do so much research. New HRT regimes take a while to get established in the body, that’s why I waited 3 months before posting about my experience. Your husband sounds wonderful and if he’s seeing patches of the “old you”, then it sounds as if the new regime is starting to work. Please try and stay positive. You are NOT a hypochondriac. You have a condition that needs help and it is the system that is letting you down. Please keep in touch and let me know how you get on xxx
How are you now? Is the current regime helping you?
Much better! I need to write an update soon!!!
I’m peri menopausal and tried femostan before. The Progesterone pulls made me suicidal so I took myself off them. I went without HRT for 2 years, trying to self help with supplements etc. Then I got VA which I got topical oestrogen for. ( helps a lot) then came fatigue and low mood ( I’m already on AD’s). Finally went to GP and discussed Gel and Utrogestan. I’ve just started the same regime as you. Day 6 now and it’s the first time in a few months I’ve started to feel like the old me !! Low mood lifting. Still get bit tired but it’s early days. It’s pushed me too, to eat more healthier and do more exercise! Only thing is I have bled since starting HRT. I’m waiting to see if this stops in the next week or so. Maybe I should drop the Oestrogel to one pump?
You can get intermittent bleeding for the first few months so yes, give it a week and then ask your GP if you’re still worried. x
I’ve been on HRT for seven years – am now 56. Problem is I still bleed – I switched from Everol 50 & 3
Everol combi to Everol 50 & utrogestan 2 years ago but continued with period like symptoms. After loads of tests my womb is fine but still struggling with bleeds. Latest attempt is Everol combi only & I’ve bled from day 1! Do I give it a month or try the gel /Utrogen approach? I can’t go off HRT as symptoms too bad without it but having periods at 57 is not a nice prospect!
Oh I hear ya – the bleeding is a pain and I can’t wait for it to be over. Bleeding and spotting can happen in the first few months (some women have told me up to six months) and then usually dies down. I’d give it about three months and keep tracking the bleeding with how heavy and frequency. If it doesn’t ease, go back to your GP and discuss it, with perhaps the possibility of having a coil fitted. Please let me know how you’re doing too x
Same here 56 this year even had mirena coil 4 weeks ago still bleeding daily .
but having side effects migraines feeling aggitated . Having it out Tuesday .
Hope to have uteogestan internally or hope something that will work as need HRT for physical and mental symptoms .
Lorraine
I’ve been on HRT for 5 years (I’m now 54) started with tablets then 2 years ago swapped to Evorel Sequi patches – but then bleeding/spotting twice a month which is annoying – I complained 3 times to my Drs that I thought my menopause symptoms were coming back – 1st dr said I was just stressed! The 2nd dr said “we’ll that strength (50) suits most women” & sent me off with a flea in my ear! The 3rd dr finally listened and sent me up to gynae at hospital. Ended up having a hysteroscopy, biopsy etc – all normal – which proved it was my HRT dosage all along! Hospital recommended at my age to swap from Sequi to Continuous patches – been on them 2.5 months – but now bleeding every other week & exhausted. I got cross today & rang GP yet again – I’ve now asked for Evorel 75 patch plus 100mg utrogestan capsules daily – will have too see if make any difference. I really think GP’s need better training! Todays Dr said that I’ve not gone through the menopause because I’ve still been bleeding – but I had to explain that the Evorel Sequi was forcing a period – the hospital said at my age I should not be bleeding at all which is why I should try the continuous option. Better training def – it affects more than half the population after all. I can’t risk coming off it – I’ll go crazy.
Thank you for sharing your story, I found you in a random Google search trying to learn more about my new HRT combo of oestrogen gel and utrogestan tablets and feel like I’ve found a glimmer of hope. I have a new GP who is wonderful and as soon as she reviewed my meds said she wanted to change me to this “ gold standard” HRT. I’m in the first cycle of it and not sure what it will do for me yet as I’m managing a bunch of things. That said, reading the comments here I wonder if these challenges have more connections to menopause than I’ve realised. I had bladder surgery 2 years ago after huge decline over short period. I’d had issues post-childbirth but now I realise the decline is in line with the lead up to my beginning HRT. Since the surgery, my HRT prescription has been all over the place thanks to supply issues post-Brexit & my mental health has steadily declined. I’m seeing a psychiatrist & psychologist now with shared care plan through my new GP. Psychiatrist issues the meds, psychologist leads the therapy and GP in background. I do have a history of childhood & early adult trauma with a diagnosis of complex PTSD now. I have struggled to understand why after all these years of coping very well it has all exploded and taken over my life in the last few years. I’ve had terrifying suicidal thoughts more frequently (hence psychologist now) and wonder on a daily basis if I’ll ever feel like myself again. It’s frightening, debilitating, intimidating and shaming to feel this way. Your post & comments have helped me to see how interconnected the menopause is and why my mental health issues feel so intense. The PTSD is undisputed but the impact of menopause is something that needs to be part of the overall conversation. Thank you for your help x
Your GP sounds wonderful and I have such admiration for you for tackling so much. We overlook the effect hormones have on us as we get older, but they’re still as strong and powerful as when we were in puberty. We would never treat teenagers the way we treat ourselves. I have a similar background of childhood trauma and know how it can suddenly explode on you in ways you would never have thought, and at times you would never have thought. I wish you all the luck and help in the world. Please keep in touch and let me know how you’re doing xxx
Hi Victoria,
I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been through.
I had the same when menopause hit me after I lost one ovary. Other one was out of action long before.
It seems that a change in hormones can bring back all the memories of the past. I heard it more than ones.
Now I use estrogel and utrogestan and I did EMDR. Helpt me big time.
All the best and greetings from the Netherlands
I’ve only recently realised that I have been perimenopausal….and I actually think I’ve been like this for ten years. Such a lack of joy, mood swings, anxiety, brain fog……I rang my.GP who told me to go check out the website menopause matters and aldi suggested antidepressants…….A lot of research later, I asked to speak to someone at the surgery who is an experrt in hrt. The expert is not a GP….its the pharmacist….I asked for oestrogen gel and utrogestan….and testosterone (which was declined). AFter some blood tests, I have my prescription and start next period. I hope I feel better….
Hi Emma. My Gp also said to check with the pharmacist about how to take my HRT!!!! In a way, I can understand – they are trained in drugs. Hope you’re feeling better now???? xxx
Hello ladies. V interesting to read all your stories. After 15 months wait re covid to see my gp face to face, I did today and she gave me 45 mins of her time and so much understanding. I’m on vagifem suppository twice a week, evorel 50 patch and vaginal utrogestan 100mg x 2 for two weeks in every four. I’m awaiting a follow up for testosterone and an e-string vaginal ring but the latter could be six months down the line as I can thus far only tolerate a cotton bud internally as my urethra and vagina have atrophied severely. I’m 47, been experiencing symptoms since I was 43, and relied on fluoxetine as my symptoms weren’t identified as perimenopause until just a few weeks. Two A@E admissions for uti that led to my bladder bleeding within a couple of hours of symptoms. No sex in nearly a year and tiredness that got so bad I feared I had cancer. Feeling hopeful that a corner has been turned today.
Oh Pru! That sounds horrendous – but yay! for your GP. Giving you so much time is wonderful and what you needed. It can take a few weeks for everything to settle down with HRT (and it can feel worse at first) so keep an eye on it, track your symptoms and hopefully you’ll see an upturn soon. Please keep in touch x
hi I am on femoston and it doing exactly what it did to you, feeling super low! i had a coil fitted and had it removed due to pain!
also been on trisequins, the doc has prescribed antidepressents but im scared ti take them,with reference to the utrogestan are these pills?
i would like to approach my doctor, there not the best so want to go armed with info lol!!
Hi Rachel. Utrogestan are tablets that you take usually for 12 days. I take anti-depressants too because the progesterone blues scare me!!!! x
Hi pru I’ve literally fell upon this group searching for help as I’ve just collected my script from the chemist! I was so excited like a kid on Xmas morning!!!! In the magic bag was a box of patches & 3 months supply of pills!! I was like ehh wtf I’m sure my GP gave me a choice of either patch or pill? Anyway I began the search and now realise this is the new way forward for HRT my GP very young but extremely well knowledgeable and urged me to try it!! My symptoms 😫 odd flushes mainly after food & hot drinks…..oh and alcohol 🍸😐 they would come and go for probably last 18 months!!! Now my joints ache my hair falling out I’m so tired and yawning constantly hot from within most of the day!! And the memory!!! I was convinced I had onset dementia still do to be honest! My mum diagnosed last Dec with Alzheimer’s doesn’t help as I’m probably at higher risk now anyway!!! Hence this awful news and other shit going on I found myself on fluoxatine! Is this causing the memory/ fatigue? So getting back to my magic bag!!! God I hope it works 💪🙏👌 tablet & patch together my patches are Estradiol 50 mcg and ultrogestan 100mg caps!!! Would love to hear if anyone gets this too!!! Pru I wish you well in your meno journey… . Xx 👌
Absolutely shocking the lack of menopausal training for GPs. Also I find it outrageous that surgeries are not fitting coils at the moment and can see no reason for that.
Like most women I didn’t realise menopause has so many symptoms. I have been lucky and had very few but stumbled on an interview with Dr Menopause and now follow her on instagram- such an education.
Ladies please do ask to have you B12 and Vitamin D checked, my tests came back low and I am now having injections to boost them. Lack of these vitamins also cause aches and pains along with brain fog so can be contributing to menopausal symptoms.
I live in Dubai and was lucky to be able to go directly to a specialist who ran the full tests including vitamin ones. I am now on oestrogen gel. Just started aged 54 and no progesterone as had a hysterectomy, excited to see things improve and in a month I go back to her and if needed she will prescribe testosterone, which seems hard to get in UK. From what I heard it officially only permitted for men so Doctors have to step out of the guidelines to give to women but it can done – so keep asking for it of you feel its right for you.
Keep pushing your GPs or change to a better informed one who understand that women should not have to suffer. Things must change. It’s unacceptable for women to be untreated (unless it’s their choice) and very alarming how quickly doctors dish out anti depressants.
Wishing us all the best on this next chapter of life and let’s make sure we enjoy it. Xxx
Brilliant comment, Josephine! Thank you. And that is such a good message about B12. Low levels can cause many symptoms that could be mistaken for menopause, as well as even causing hallucinations! We need to remember that not everything we go through at this age is menopause and make sure we’re as healthy as possible.
Good to know, I’ve just collected my script of oestragel and really hoping and looking forwards to feeling a bit me again. I’ve been taking extra B12 and vit D as well. Great reading a the comments. Nothing worse than loosing yourself I’m finding.
Julie aged 59
Hi, found comments all useful.
I was on sertraline for 2yrs, assumed I was depressed due to bereavements & “time of life stuff”, weened myself off sertraline per gp surgeries pharmacist recommendations, but didn’t solve anxiety, lack of confidence felt during last 10yrs!
Finally taking HRT gel & progesterone tablet (only 3wks in now) after watching documentary with Davina McColl. So still waiting to feel full effects. Though had few strange side effects which hoping others can concur.
Swollen labia initially & itching (no I have been applying on my shoulders 😅)…
Will keep viewing updates
Hi Julie and thanks for reading. I’d give your doctor a wee call just to make sure it’s not a yeast infection or the likes. It’s always best to be sure. Let me know how you do xxx
I’ve just had the most wonderful phone call with a lady doctor who listened and straight away said you could try HRT.
Would you like the gel or patches? And you need to take a tablet at night until we can get your coil changed .
Had my blood pressure & weight checked and within an hour my prescription is waiting at my local chemist .
Let’s start this journey….
This is wonderful, Celia! It is fabulous to hear you have a GP who listened and helped. We need to hear more of these stories x
I’m so thankful I have come across this! I have just bee prescribed utrogesta and oestrogel. I have to take Utrogestan during days 15-26 of my cycle but I don’t know what that is because I have the mirena coil. My Doctor is great st prescribing but not so great at advising!
Does anybody know when I should start taking th tablets?
Hi Michelle. Glad to have been of some help. Have you been given Utrogestan at the same time as you have a coil or is the coil being removed? I had a similar problem because I was bleeding so irregularly through my previous HRT that I had no idea when my cycle was (or if I was still having a 28-day cycle!). In the end, I just decided to start the gel and then start the progesterone 15 days after that! It might be worth while having a quick chat to your pharmacist, too. They often know more about the actual HRT than the doctor! x
Hi, I have been prescribed Utrogestan to take days 1-12 and the gel. There are 28 of these. (The gel) Do I put them on for the 12 days I am taking the tablets or every day for the 28 days, as there is no directive on the box?
Does anyone know please……..
Hi Hayley. It’s so infuriating that they don’t advise people properly. Yes, you take the gel all the way through and the Utrogestan on the days they say. x
Hi,
At long last i have had my first telephone consultation with a new female doctor, she was fantastic, listened to me woes, she is going to put me on HRT.
The only thing I am not sure whether to have patches or gel? I will also be taking a tablet at night?
Any advice would be appreciated.
thank you
Fraz
That is fabulous to hear! Yay for doctors who listen! As for gel or patches, the BMS gold standard is gel, which you rub into your upper arm and shoulder or inside thigh. But there is nothing wrong with patches. If you have a patch, then you’ll get oestrogen and progesterone together so won’t need a tablet at night. However, some women find them itchy and they do tend to leave black marks on your skin from the glue (I’m guessing they’re made by men!). Also, I found patches annoying on holiday as they were uncomfy on my bum but I didn’t want them on display on my leg!!!! Let me know what you decide x
Hi, Just reading your reply to this lady. if they give you patches then you will not need to take the tablet at night. I’ve just been prescribed Femseven Estrdiol 50mcg patches and Utrogestan capsules 100mg?? I’m just confused on how I should be taking these meds. The patch says to be applied twice weekly and capsules 1 to be taken daily on days 1 to 25 of cycle?? I haven’t had a period in over 5 years. Help??
Hi Melanie. Follow the instructions – for post-menopausal, utrogestan is taken every day. Ask your pharmacist too!
Hi there i am taking 2 pumps of Oestrogel each day and a 200mg urogestan vaginal pessary each night. Just wondering if its too much progesterone? Im post menopausal. Wondering whether to take the pessary every other night ?
Hi Lesley-Anne. If that’s what your GP has recommended, I’d stick with it. Why do you want to change? Do you feel strange?
I’m 55 soon and started the menopause battle – because that what it has felt like – at age 42. Looking back I was probably perimenopausal from my late 30’s! I’ve taken combined HRT in tablet form on and off for 6 of those 13 years and while they helped with the hot flushes, the raging anxiety, night sweats, lack of sleep, lack of energy and tiredness, mood swings and just about every other menopause symptom have been harder to control. I thought I was going mad and had such black thoughts at times that it is difficult to say out loud how black they were. I’ve been prescribed antidepressants all too easily and they just made me feel worse!
After watching the Davina McCall programme, which was an eye opener, I thought enough is enough and in May this year I asked my GP to refer me to menopause clinic and on Wednesday I’ve had a consultation with an amazing menopause specialist. She has prescribed Oestrogen patches and Utrogestan initially after explaining that this is a much better form of HRT and why. For the first time in 13 years I’ve felt listened to and understood and so reading the comments above that this is considered the ‘gold standard HRT’ makes me hopeful that there is way through this and I can get back to being the person I once was.
How brilliant that you took control and asked to see a menopause specialist. Davina would be cheering you on, I know! It is so wonderful when you get a medical person who listens. That’s half the battle! Fingers crossed they help you, Amanda! Let us know how you get on. x
Hi.I’m 54 like you and have been trying various forms of gel and evorel patch with continuous utrogestan as post menopausal. 18 months on and still bleeding even in 200mg daily for 3 months. Am now trying evorel conti but feel quite low and have back pain. The mirena has been mentioned but cannot get it done locally due to COVID. I could have it at the Newson clinic for £250 but am concerned round pain on insertion and if I don’t tolerate this progesterone either. How are you getting on if you don’t mind me asking. X
Hey there. Ask to have the coil at your local gynae if you can’t get to your GP to get it done. That’s what they were going to do with me before they realised my cervix was the wrong way round and it would cause too much pain. I’m sure the Newson Clinic will be very good at pain relief, but I’m anti women having to pay if there is any other option. Mine is up and down, but I’ve been told it can take months to settle. I’m going to do an update soon. Good luck and let me know how you get on x
Hi Amanda
Is this in the UK you got a menopause specialist??
Hi thanks for posting all your experiences it really helps to read them.
I’ve just been prescribed oestrogen gel and utrogestan after years of being ignored by an archaic gp who shrugged and told me “well that’s how it is for us women at our age”
Thankfully I moved house so got a new gp practice who live in the same century as me 😁
I’m actually peri menopausal and still had horrendous night sweats and hot all the time in the day. Fingers crossed this combination will work for me.
Fingers crossed and yay to new GP!!!!!
Has anyone had significant insomnia when starting oestrogel and utrogestan? I am on the first moth after charge from evorel sequi patches which didn’t stick well. I did have terrible sleep for the first 4 days taking the new regime and so split the oestrogel to twice daily instead of all at night. I think I had a real dip in mood taking daily uterogestan by mouth so have reluctantly changed to 100mg vaginally for days 15-26. too early to say yet if the tearfulness in the mornings will settle but i wonder if anyone else has had these sort of side effects and if they settle or whether i’m just sensitive
Oh Jan, I’m so sorry to hear you’re so tearful. It’s awful, isn’t it. My sleepless nights seem to come and go and I did have a bad bout about a month back. Have you tried doing some meditation before bed? It does help me a lot x
I switched from taking the utrogestan in the morning to the evening as I just didn’t feel great when I started taking it a month ago. Much better. Directions on how to use has not been great though! I was actually googling to see how long I take the gel for. Interesting that the utrogestan is prescribed for day 1 to day 14 for me. Is the general rule12 days then? I have found your blog VERY interesting and helpful, so thank you for sharing! Karen
Karen 14 days for me too. Don’t know about you but I am on the progesterone only pill for contraception as was still having periods so think this may play a part in different dosage.
Wow you story nearly mirrors mine. Luckily I have been speaking to a local lady who has done a massive amount of research and she has suggested this combination for me today. Spoke to GP and insisted on it…..doctors should be training or at least researching with each individual case…..hoping this gives me the relief I desperately need. X
So many of us have the same story! It’s crazy. So glad you got someone to help and give you support. It’s what we need at times! Hope it helps, Nicola x
Hi, just come across your post which has been great to read about your experience with HRT.
I have been taking oestrogel only since April but for me this is my 3rd(!) attempt. Aged 59, I have suffered with very low moods, tiredness and feeling very flat about everything for a long time. I didn’t get on with the utrogestan the last couple of times I tried it so now I am on eostrogel only for now through the Newson Clinic and will be trying another progesterone once my oestrogen levels are up. Felt better to start with but didn’t last long before insomnia and anxiety kicked in. Now I have increased the gel to 3 pumps and supposed to go up to 4 pumps along with testosterone but feel even worse since increasing my dosage over the last 10 days.
Certainly HRT isn’t the magic pill although for many women they have positive results once starting it but not for me unfortunately. Lots of trial and error with dosage. I feel lke coming off everything now and accepting that perhaps HRT just doesn’t suit me especially now I am about to be 60.
Hi Tracy. I know exactly where you’re coming from. The last month was horrendous on utrogestan – lower than I’ve been in a long time – and I’m wondering if perhaps HRT just isn’t for me too. It seems to be too many errors on each trial! Please chat to the doctor at the clinic before you make any decisions and if you do decide not to take HRT, come off it slowly so you don’t get any sudden drop. Let me know how you get on x
Hi, i need some advice Im still having my periods every couple of months and they have not stopped yet but getting all the menopause systems I had high pressure at the start so could not take HRT but now all good. I have been prescribed Utrogestan to take on days 1-12 and use the gel. I am really struggling on how I take the above do I start the pills and gel together if I do when is day one is it 1st of the month ? Also if I do take for 12 days when do I have a bleed and for how long. Also when do I restart the pills. As my periods are not regular I really don’t know how to proceed. . Can someone please advise ? Also is it best to take the pills at bedtime. Sorry for so many questions but it’s not clear and I could do with some help. Many thanks
Hi Helen. It is bloody confusing – my GP didn’t even know and she had to look it up! I had no idea where my cycle was neither, so I had a rough idea of when my last period was, added a couple of months and used that as day 1 and started from then. You’re usually advised to take utrogestan days 15-26, so perhaps have an ask to check. (the pharmacist often knows better than the GP). You take your gel all month long, every day, with no stopping, and then you take the Utrogestan on the days prescribed – so for those 12 days, you are using both gel and tablets. I’ve set a reminder on my phone so 28 days after I took my first Utrogestan, I get a reminder that it’s time to start the next cycle (our menstrual cycle being 28 days). So out of every 28 days, I have 1-14 days on gel, 15-26 gel and tablets, 26-28 only gel. Then back to Day 1 again. Utrogestan can make you feel tired, so take them at night time on an empty stomach. Bleeding depends, but I usually get mine towards the end of the utrogestan cycle – about day 22ish. Hope that helps. As I say, the pharmacist often knows better than your GP so have a word with them if you’re worried. x
Hello, I’ve been prescribed utrogestan 100mg and advised to take one a day, I do at night, I’m taking every other night along with two pumps of estrogen gel. Should I be taking utrogestan for a certain number of days? I’m 47 no period for 2 years. Thanks in advance x
Hi Kerry. Check with your pharmacist as they’ll know exactly what you need, but most commonly in cases like yours, we use the gel every day and take utrogestan on days 1-25 of your 28-day cycle. You take daily because you’ve had no periods so you shouldn’t have a withdrawal bleed. If you do bleed, please contact your GP. And again, double check with your pharmacist as they generally know more than your GP! x
This whole thread is hopefully going to be useful today when I speak to the practice nurse yet again: I feel like I have been pestering her for the last year or more. But nothing has worked enough so far and I have found in the last month of being off all HRT that I need to go back on it, all my symptoms and more have gradually come back.
My main symptoms are atrophy (well, soreness, burning, aching, needing to pee a lot especially at night), anxiety, crying, headaches and some night sweats. I can’t tolerate oestrogen cream. I tried Evorel Conti patches, some improvement but spotting started after four months so I was changed to Kliofem then Kliovance tablets, the spotting became bleeding which lasted for weeks. I have an appointment in October for an ultrasound scan but I honestly think it was the HRT. So now I have been off all HRT for five weeks, the bleeding stopped completely afte a week, but everything else is back and I feel like giving up, especially in the middle of the night. Going on holiday in a while, tbh I am dreading it, I am in a lot of discomfort much of the time. Limited success with acupuncture sessions, the benefits last a couple of days but then it’s all back again.
The nurse has said I am too old (56) for a second Mirena to be fitted, so I am really hoping the utrogestan and oestrogel route will be helpful. I have researched it and am ready to tell her about it!
Thx for all the info 🙂
I’m 54 and getting a Mirena fitted on Friday! You’re never too old!!!
Hi
So glad to have found this site!! I feel I have been having some peri menopausal symptoms since late 30s.
I’m almost 45. Recently it’s been off the scale, anxiety, brain fog, crying, basically everything at once!
I called my doctor, had bloods taken and she said my levels look like I’ve gone through the change but I’m still having periods every 23 to 40ish days. Mostly every 28.
I’ve been prescribed utrogestan 100
Day 1 to 25. Picked it up today. Yay!
Oestrogel 1 pump a day all month
Sorry if this is a stupid question but when is day one for me? I’m so confused and now too anxious to call the chemist again as I’ve just had to call them as didn’t get the information about how many pumps lol
Hi
I’m 54 post and was told to take the Utrogestan every day. I’m only 5 days on and already feeling like I’m about to have a period! I don’t want all that to start again. Bit of lower back pain going on.
Can you take the utrogestan every other day?
It will take time for your hormones to settle, Ann Marie, so bear with it. You need the protection x
Hi – Ive been experiencing ‘aches and pains’ ‘lethargy’ ‘feeling flat and unmotivated’ ‘weight gain around middle (usually slim) so the doctor did a blood test (im 48) and said it’s likely im perimenapause (periods stopped only 10 weeks ago). She said i needed to go on anti depressants, I said ‘No thanks’, she then said I needed the coil, I said ‘no thanks’ and then she said lets wait three months and see how you are, if bleeding returns, I said no thank you, I dont want to spiral into feeling worse so she agreed to give me HRT she td me I could have the oral HRT (sorry dint know the name) I said no thanks, she then said maybe she would give me the patch, I said no thank you I would lime the gel with progesterone, she laughed and said well lets hust try the patch! My reposne ‘No thank you I would really like to try the gel based on what I have heard’ she squirmed, examined me mentioned again the coild but guess what…I absolutely stood my ground and I have i. my hand Oestrogel and Utrogestan! Any pointers before I start this tomorrow is very useful please, nervous at the list of side effects but exited at feeling a little bit towards ‘normal’.
Well done you for doing your research and standing your ground! Remember, side effects are not “will happen” but “could happen”. There are possible side effects with every medicine we take so it’s important to be aware of them, but always with that proviso. Good luck and let me know how it goes x
OMG THESE TWO TOGETHER ARE GREAT, I FEEL SO DIFFERENT, ENERGETIC, NO ACHES AND PAINS JUST HAPPY ALL ROUND. SO GLAD I ASKED FOR IT OFF MY GP. I AM 60, AND FEEL 30.
Hi Kelly
Please can you tell me how you got on using Oestragel and Utrogestan
thanks
Hi all,
I have been taking the gold star combination, 2 pumps of oestrogel for 2 weeks and have had some bad side effects, bloating and cramping stomach. .When should I become concerned about these or is it still early days and my body getting used to hormones again? My last period was 6 years ago, I’m 56. I have been very lucky that it has only taken two drs appointments to get my Hrt . I think it definitely helped that I went in armed with lots of information.
Hi Nan. It takes a few weeks (up to 3 months) for your body to get used to the hormones and settle down, but it’s always best to get in touch with your GP if you’re feeling uncertain. Glad you were able to get help so quickly! x
I am now 70 and have been subscribed Utrogestan 100mg and 2 pumps of 750mg Orstrogel daily. As I haven’t had a period for at least 6 years. Will I have to endure having periods again?
Good news, Pat! Taking the utrogestan every day means you won’t bleed!! There may be some spotting in the first few weeks, however, while your body adjusts. x
Hi. Me too! I’ve just found this site. My GP recommend it when she started me on the gel and the tablet. I am 71 and was expecting a tussle but no, straight on it. I’ve been on this regime for a month and I feel like the improvements started overnight! No bleeding either yet. Slightly sore breasts and nipples but it’s settling down. Hot flushes, anxiety, aches and pains, all gone. I take the tablet at night and it seems to knock me out. Couldn’t be better. I originally contacted the surgery using an e consult form as I felt it would help me present my case and get my thoughts in order and not risk getting emotional if I felt it wasn’t going well. This is part of what I wrote. It might help someone else to do the same thing. Or at least to have it written down when you call.
I said: “Could I speak to a doctor about restarting HRT for symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, urinary problems, anxiety, memory problems, complete loss of libido, low self esteem, muscle pain, dry skin, thinning hair, etc. I was on HRT from the start of menopause but the drug I was on was discontinued and the replacement caused me to bleed almost continuously. It was decided to stop it abruptly and symptoms then began. I now understand that I could use modern HRT treatments indefinitely.”
Good luck everyone.
This is wonderful, Christina. Thank you so much for sharing x
Brilliant Pat I’m 60 and has some fight to get HRT. Just started body identical
Hello… I just wondered how you are getting on with your utrogestan combi? I am 61 and have been on evoril conti for 6 months but bleed every 2 weeks for 4 days which is now getting me down. Was thinking of asking for something else ie your combi or mirena coil and estrogen gel.
Hi Hazel. I have to do an update – I moved onto the Coil because I started having all the bad thoughts every couple of weeks again. I’m on the coil and Oestrogel since last September and it’s good. It’s not 100% perfect, but near enough. Please go and talk to your GP about the bleeding xxx
Very emotional reading all your experiences, the impact that the menopause has on women and the hugely inconsistent treatment is infuriating! I’ve just started the ‘gold standard’ treatment, thanks to a well informed and very helpful GP, but worry about how many women aren’t so lucky and whose lives fall apart as a result. One of the biggest challenges for me has been the anxiety and brain fog (I also have Graves’ disease, a hyperactive thyroid), which has really knocked my confidence at work. I look around me and wonder how many of my colleagues have also taken a step back because of the menopause.
It’s a question I keep asking myself, Rose! I’m so glad you’ve got a good GP – we need to hear more about them so the others know that they’re letting us down!! x
So glad I’ve come across this page! Reading your story and all the comments I think I can relate to it all!
Started on the combination gel and utrogestan about 4 weeks ago ( after patches/ tablets for last 2 years) The patches and tablets didn’t work for me .. the patches never stuck to my skin and the tablets just made me feel awful and the weight gain was horrendous! So I thought I’m going to do this cold Turkey!! I lasted 6 months and I was so miserable and I couldn’t cope with the flushes! I have a shelf in my house that could belong in Holland and Barrat! Spoke with my Gp and she’s been with me throughout this trail in error for the last years! When she suggested the gel combo I was sceptical.. 4 weeks on and what a difference already not as many hot flushes ( cut by prob 70%) joints not as achy although feel a bit nauseous but one of the side effects I believe. So massive Thankyou! I did think I was becoming a hypochondriac always thinking there is something else wrong with me and then not going to the doc for fear of them thinking the same ..
It’s brilliant that you’ve kept going, Fiona. A huge well done to you! xxx
Hi looking for some advice ladies I’m on 4 pumps of oestrogel and 100g daily utrogestan. I’ve been on hrt for about 18 months and steadily my oestrogel has increased and my utrogestan has changed to a daily dose. I feel so flat, anxious and extremely tearful all the time, my sleep improved but now I wake with a jump and awful anxiety during the night as if there is an intruder! I have absolutely no libido and it’s really affecting my relationship with my husband. Wondering if anyone can relate to this and any tips on tweeting my doseage? Thanks
Hi there. Have you chatted to your GP about this? It sounds awful. x
Hiya I’m 57 been in menopause for 5 years been on different hrt meds now I’m taking oestrogen 4 pumps and utrogstan 100mg been on it 3 mths my breast are VERY painful just wondering is this normal?
Hi H20 exact same HRT as myself . Felt great when I started in May this year. Remember feeling a sense of happiness for the first time in a long time. Terrible muscle tension and aches and pains all disappeared. However still having sleep problems with waking up with terrible anxiety and panic. Also the happy feeling seems to be waring off unfortunately. Have recently registered with The Newson Clinic for a consultation for Testosterone as have done loads of research and this seems to be the extra hormone some woman need to regain their get up and go, strength, energy, libido and also helps with sleep.Unfortunately my GP is reluctant to prescribe it so thought sick of putting up with symptoms going to pay if I have to.
Sadly, testosterone has to be prescribed off-licence, which means some GPs are reluctant to do so. Mine is. 🙁
I have been on testosterone gel, and oestrogen 2 pumps am and x2 pm and 100mg utrogestan daily, you use the testosterone one pump every other day, it can be used daily, there is no reason why GPs can’t prescribe this off license, they do so with lots of other drugs that aren’t licensed for specific illnesses. If they still won’t; go and see a private menopause Dr like Gideon Liberman, he does video meetings and he can prescribe it for you, yes it will cost you but then get the GP next time to write an NHS script. It has made a massive difference to me, I am 49, perimeopausal, most symptoms are controlled but its the sleeplessness that made me so horrid to live with. It’s better but not gone completely.
Hi Pat I’m 59 with late onset menopause.. After much research (and treatment hospital treatment for fibroids).. my wonderful GP agreed I could have oestrogen gel and Utrogestan continuously. I haven’t bled once. Fantastic for me. Good luck xx
I was just reading you post and I know it’s a long shot as was last year but I am on evorel 50 for oestragen and 100mg utrogestan. I had been feeling down on this combo for nearly a year with terrible bouts of anxiety. I have always been progesterone sensitive and have often wondered if it’s the pills that are causing the anxious thoughts. I finally got my doctor to prescribe me testosterone gel 2 weeks ago as I had really low levels in a blood test. I just wondered how long does it take to get in the system and does it help with the anxiety. I’d also like to try a different form of progesterone and wondered do they do a gel form. Hope you are doing ok on your combo.
I’m on two pumps of oestrogel and utrogestan 100 mg vaginally every other night plus fluoxetine been on months now mood low no sex drive not myself at all gaining weight legs feel heavy stomach bloated feel like just existing postmenopause was on everol conti patch before but mood was low but feel no better on this also just had chest infection took antibiotics course felt confused fatigue not myself still not good after stopping course chest still tight is this antibiotic or hrt ? It’s horrible feel lost old me completely no confidence always doom and gloom not normal
Found your site whilst googling about HRT prescribing. Had a very frustrating phone appointment today with a GP, I’m on Evorel Sequi 50 but really not getting on with the conti side. Whenever I’m on the combine patches I develop itchy rashes over my body, lack energy even when I do sleep, bloated and no period for 2 months, my GP niece said I needed more oestrogen and to go on uttogestan, so I asked for that after explaining my symptoms. I was offered firstly antihistamine for my rash and stick to the Evorel! Or either Femseven conti or a combined pill. Didn’t want the tablet, but questioned why I was being offered the conti having only missed 2 periods at most and had been already been misprescribed conti in April whilst still having periods. I have now been given the Fem7 sequi, not what I want or necessary need, will try the new patches and hope I feel an improvement.
Oh Lord, Tracey, what a rigmarole you’ve had. Have you tried seeing another GP? And also, ask to see your menopause specialist if possible. It shouldn’t be this difficult! x
Hello, I’m just starting my HRT journey – are you happy on your current regime – I can’t work out if you now have the coil or gel and utro? Sounds like you are settled on the latter, which is great!
I was… and then I wasn’t!!! I’m now going for the coil!
Goodness! I’m so glad to read I’m not the only one having issues. I’m in the US and had to go to a specialist after being brushed off 2 different gynos.
I’ve had PMDD for about 15 years – key symptoms being crushing anxiety & depression. Taking Antidepressants for 7-10 days at the end of my cycle (when the anger & nightmares start to period) helped. but once my cycles became irregular & hard to identify (I got an IUD/coil + start of peri-meno) it’s been a mess. Now it’s pain, fatigue & poor sleep often, with no cycle to speak of. I can’t tell you how many covid tests I took because there didn’t seem to be a reason my my fatigue & headaches.
The specialist was a godsend. Being told your not crazy & it’s normal *chefs kiss*
Anyway, we are trying antidepressants first because it worked in the past – and I’m ok with that! HRT might not be in the cards due to a history of heart disease.
Oh, and I also have lome successwith acupuncture when my symptoms are awful. I do get relief but sometimes it’s only a couple days, sometimes it’s a couple weeks. If you tiry i, go every couple weeks. It does help me
I love how open you are to find a treatment that works, Jeanne. ADs shouldn’t be the first port of call for menopause, but it should be on the table if needed because it can help (and as you say, some people can’t take HRT or don’t want to). I’m interested in the acupuncture too. I hear a few women say it helps. x
I am on this combination too. Two pumps of gel and a utrogestan 100 per day. I have taken this for two years and it’s worked well for me. I have the odd teary moment and a little anxiety sometimes but no more than I would have experienced before menopause. More energy and less achy and itchy ! I too had a battle to get utrogestan. I live in Wales and it’s not prescribed here or wasn’t two years ago. I had to get it privately and my gp now prescribes for me. It should be available everywhere and be the first choice of hrt not something women have to battle for.
Absolutely this! So glad it’s working for you x
So glad I have read this, gives me hope 🙏
Hi all, I haven’t really slept for about 18 months. After trying various tablets, and now Evorel 100 patches and Utrogestan for the last 3 months, I still don’t sleep. The patches seem to prevent all other symptoms pretty well, but now I have recurring breast tenderness. (I also experienced this with a couple of previous estrogen tablets too) I know it’s the patches, as I went without them for a week, and the discomfort stopped. I would love to hear if anyone else suffers from these issues, especially the insomnia.
Sleep is one of my biggest problems. I wake regularly if I don’t do any form of meditation!
Hi to all, so good to hear that many women are getting the help they totally deserve and are feeling better. But all women should be treated the same and the correct HRT should be made available for them too. We shouldn’t have to fight or have a battle on our hands just to take control over our own health to feel better. And to think we all seem to be relying on Louise Newson- One person who has taken the time and care and wants to help women at this difficult time. All doctors these days should be aware of the menopause considering half the population go through this transition at some point. Not only women are affected by the menopause families, marriages and other relationships ,work are all affected. It can reduce you to a shadow of your former self, loss of confidence and self worth. But HRT can help with many of these issues and it should be available with your GP being able to advise you with up to date knowledge. Hopefully many of you are finding that is the case, My own journey has been a difficult one . I wish you all every success in your own personal journey.
Thank you! Such a lovely message x
Hi love .i have been on hrt now since last dec was on everol siquil .now on everol 75 and cyclogest .im strugglin really bad with the progestrone side of it .i cant tolerate it .i was really bad last year suicidle .i thought i was gettin dimenta .my doc throw anti ds at me for 7 months it made me worse .sumone asked me if it was my hormones .i said no im still havin my periods .she mentioned peri .nether heard of it .so doc did blood test estrogen was on the floor she said sorry .i was really upset because i thought im 51 and the symtoms im tellin her how i was she shoold have known. My docs dnt know hardly anything to do with menopauce .its awful because you dnt know who to turn to u feel all alone anx thats scary they want me to go on gel now im scared of changin .said im not absorbin the patches as my estrogen hasnt gone up much from ladt blood test .did you go stright on to gel from patch .did it make you feel funny at beginin .thanx
Oh Colette, I’m so sorry to hear all this. You shouldn’t be feeling this bad. Please ask to be referred to a menopause specialist for extra help. It can take a few weeks to start feeling better and you can go on a bit of an emotional ride until that, but if it gets too much, please see your GP. The gel is great – you can go on it straight from patches with no worries. It’s actually easier! Let me know how you get on xxx
Hello. I have found this site after researching oestrogen gel and utrogestan.
Firstly, wow! Looks like I’m definitely not alone here. I’ve read all your comments. Bless you all x 💜
My menopause story began in 2017, when I was 39. Prior to this I had a living hell dealing with Endometriosis, which was just horrendous. I had surgery to remove cysts and (touch wood) have been fine ever since.
Back to 2017. The hell I thought I’d left behind showed itself again. This time it wasn’t pain I was dealing with, it was depression, crying, not coping, so tired, zero energy, unable to function at work, anxiety, hot flushes all day and night, not sleeping. I eventually was put on HRT. I cant remember the name of the fitst one. Anyway it didn’t work. Back to GPs, who put me on Femistan-Conti. It was great for awhile and I could finally get on with my life.
Over the last couple of months, hell has been slowly creeping back. Mood swings, up and down with the flick of a switch, hot flushes, zero concentration and making mistakes at work which have only made matters worse, dark thoughts, crying, no libido whatsoever, headaches, tiredness, oh god the tiredness! !
Hell was back and it was here to stay.
I have been in touch with my GP last week and after discussing changing my HRT, which they absolutely agreed had to be done. I have been prescribed oestrogen gel and utrogestan which I have picked up from the chemist today.
I understand the tablet of 100mg utrogestan contains a mild sedative, so I am 100% taking this in the evening ready for bed, but I just wondered, with the gel, which I have to have 2 pumps per day, should I apply this at the same time as taking the tablet?
Thankyou for taking the time to read this. Can you help? x 🖤
Hi Vicky! You can use the gel anytime that suits. I used to do a pump on one leg in the morning and a pump on the other in the night – but then I couldn’t remember which leg I’d used in the morning and it started annoying me (OCD and menopause brain fog) so I put both pumps on in the morning now. Whenever works for you and I hope it works x
Hi
54yrs old and menapaused since 45, due to partial hysterectomy because i had endometriosis. Im gonig to start Utrogestan 100mg and oestrogen pump . So scared i hope it doesn’t trigger the endometriosis off again that’s the last thing i need. Something had to be done , anxiety and depression was out of this world and just feel like ending it. Going to give a shot and fingers crossed.. will keep you posted.
Hi,
I turned 50 last December and after many years of what I now know was perimenopause, finally had my last “real” period about 17 months ago. Tried estradiol patch and it was amazing. Unfortunately, as soon as I started the Prometrium (I’m in the U.S. and Prometrium is our equivalent of Utrogestan) capsules 100 mg nightly, I quickly spiraled downward. Within a week I was horribly depressed, anxious, and unable to do anything. Recently my doctor had me try 25 mg. progesterone every night, but that also caused me to feel depressed, etc. Even 25 mg every other night made me sick. Literally. Headaches, dizziness, nausea. I thought I had the flu! I stopped taking it and within a few days I felt better. I have been researching like crazy, and found references to taking progesterone vaginally. Out of desperation, started using the Prometrium vaginally earlier this week. I know it’s doing something because I insert it before going to bed, and I wake up to menstrual like cramps and bloating. That said, I’ve used it twice this way, with a day in between, and so far I am NOT experiencing much of the garbage I was feeling when taking it orally. I pray it really works for endometrial purposes, because this allows me to up my estrogen patch to what is still lower than normal dose, but enough to stop the hot flashes and many other symptoms.
Does anyone else here use the caps vaginally? My doctor said she’d never heard of that.
Hi Li. There are many women who’ve contacted me who use utrogestan vaginally and I’ve had specialists recommend it, too. Fingers crossed it works for you – just keep your doctor up-to-date with what you’re trying (it might encourage them to research more, too!). x
Ah ladies it’s so interesting hearing your stories. I’m not alone! I started on 2 pumps of Oestrogel and 100mg Utragestan four months ago after reading up about this treatment. GP was fantastic! Took a while before I felt any affect to my hot flushes, low mood and lack of sleep and I have gone up to three pumps as I feel I needed a bit more oestrogen and feel much better. I am 2 years post menopausal so continuous progesterone but only downside is I’m bleeding every two weeks. I think heavier since upping the gel. I am due to see menopause nurse in a couple of weeks so will see what she advises but just read on Louise’s site that the dose of progesterone can be doubled to help bleeding so will ask about that. Don’t really want to go on synthetic progesterone so let’s see what they advise! Also interspersed to ask for blood test now to see what my levels are and whether I’m allowed testosterone on the nhs to lift libido? If you don’t ask you don’t get right 🙂. Wishing you all luck in your journey…don’t give up!
Ask ask ask!!!! That is such the attitude to have! Hope you’ve got the answers, too xxx
Hi Chelle.. I too have asked for testosterone ‘testofem’ I believe it’s called, for loss of libido and ‘mojo’. My GP is finding out for me if she can prescribe it off licence, and calling me next Friday to let me know know. My fingers are crossed!
I asked her for oestrogen gel and Utrogestan previously which she looked into and ok’d. Thank God for doctors who listen and care enough to go the extra mile to sort it. Her name is Doctor Gardiner x
Stumbled across this site and what a relief to find this as you sometimes think you are so alone in this situation. After years of feeling dreadful, anxiety increasing, sleepless nights constantly and been given patches and fluoxetine which seems to be a common thing I have just finally been given utrogesten 100 to take days 1-25 and Elleste solo 2mg daily in tablet form. I am just hoping that something will change as you feel so useless and desperate or at least I have and just unable to function.
I wondered if anybody on here has taken this tablet combination or has any feedback on it? as I am trying to look that up and get some details as I read that it seems that gel is the gold standard so in a way I wish I had found this website earlier as I would have put the case forward for this potentially as I felt like I had to write a business case to the dr,s to get me new mediation.
Am so relieved I have got something, so starting today but any views I would be interested to hear and thanks for setting up this great site….definitely makes you release your not going completely mad.
Hi AC. So glad you’ve been helped at last. It’s true, we have to write a thesis to get help. Hopefully the changes that are happening will help that. I’ve not tried this regime, but fingers crossed someone here has. Remember, it takes a while for the hormones to settle down so there may be a little roller-coaster but if it gets too much, call your GP.
And you’re not going mad!!!!!
Let me know how you do x
Has the coil helped? I’m struggling with Utrogestan at the moment. Did you try it vaginally? Would love to know your thoughts re Utrogestan versus the coil.
I didn’t do vaginally – it was such a faff getting the utrogestan in the first place that I couldn’t face that fight. Plus the meno specialist and the gynaecologist both thought it would be better getting the coil fitted, so I went with that. I’m two weeks in so too early to tell, but I had a really bad day last week. However, I know the hormones are settling in and kinda expected that, which is why I’m waiting a few months to do a full review and comparison. There are many women who have good results with vaginally so have a word with your GP and ask. x
Hi there, I have had 3 months of the Oestrogel and Utrogestan combination of gel and tablet and it’s been excellent. I feel almost “normal” after quite a while of feeling useless, inert and bone heavy. Regularly crying for no apparent reason has ceased. The hot flushes are less ferocious too; in fact as the weather has turned colder I wish they come back a bit! What my question is today though is… can I have a few days of just using the gel? My prescription is running out and I can’t get more for 6 days. I have probably got enough gel to see me through but only 2 tablets. And if I don’t take anything for 4 days? The world won’t end but will I immediately plummet into the doldrums again? In fact, I don’t know how long I’m supposed to stay on the medication. My doctor wasn’t very forthcoming, sadly I don’t have a doctor I know very well so there’s no comfortable relationship there. Any advice?!
Hi Alison! Great to hear you’re feeling so good on the oestrogel and utrogestan. I take it you’re on progesterone every day? You’ll be fine for a few days without it (you may get a little spotting, but I’m not 100% certain) and then start with the progesterone straight away. It’s the oestrogel that is keeping your mood up, while the progesterone is keeping your womb safe, so a few days without the progesterone is okay and you won’t go into the doldrums. x
For around 2 years felt like I was a wreck, crying at the least wee thing, fed up, palpitations, almost like panic attacks, fits of sleep during the night, then periods came in fits and starts and soooo painful. The big kicker was the BRAIN FOG!!! I think I was peri menopausal for quite a bit really but stupidly didnt recongise it talk about not seeing the woods for the trees! Luckily I got a Locum doctor (during Covid) face to face who offered me a wide choice of HRT ie pills/patches/gel and help me decide on Oestrogel and utrogestan. After 3 days the hot flushes were fewer then 3 weeks later they were gone. I get a full nights sleep now, plus I dont feel like I am ‘plugged into the mains’ any more. I thought I would have a ‘fight’ on my hands to get HRT but the doctor was tremendous and I feel like me again.
I love stories like this! Thank you for sharing, Lisa xxx
Hi, it’s such a shame us women have to suffer for so long when having menopausal symptoms without realising it is menopause. However, I do feel it’s not so much of a taboo subject and it’s being talked about a lot more recently.
For years I suffered with anxiety, stress, fatigue and all the other associated symptoms putting it down to stressful life events. A GP diagnosed me with anxiety 6 years ago and straight away gave me a pill to take which numbed me, I soon weaned myself of these. During this time I felt like I was suffering from high functioning depression. Fast forward 6 years I turned 50 this year and started on estrogen gel and progesterone 3 months ago after suffering from a bad bout of anxiety which lasted nearly 3 weeks with no exact cause of it. After talking to work colleagues I was fortunate enough to have spoke with a menopausal specialist at my local surgery about support for menopause and she prescribed HRT; I had done my homework so knew the treatments available. They did make a difference to anxiety and many other symptoms, but the 1st 2 months weren’t great. Had a review this week and GP advised to up dose of gel to 4 pumps daily = 6mg. I can honestly say this has made a huge difference already! For the 1st time for as far as I can remember I am not suffering from fatigue every day, I still get tired which is normal but no longer fatigued which if anyone has exoerienced is awful. I have so much more energy and can handle stress in a much more realistic way, I’m not so irritable and concentration has much improved. I urge anyone to look at these ‘body identical’ treatments for HRT and go to GP with knowledge of treatments. Much love, Rachael xx
You can’t hear me, but I’m standing up and applauding, Rachael. Perfect advice xx
I’m new to HRT. My dr put me on utrogestan a week ago, as I’d asked for progesterone as I’d read it was calming. 100mgs on day 10 until I bleed is what she said. My main symptoms were (are) all “psychological”. I had panic attacks and horrific insomnia, depression, suicidal ideation. Can you just take progesterone only or do I need to look at estrogen? I’ve always been estrogen dominant with PMDD so wasn’t sure it would be a good idea to take it. Like I say I’m very new to all of this. I’m 46.
Hi Stacey. My advice is always to talk to your GP about this, but you can take progesterone on its own. Pharmacists are often more up-to-date on information, so you can always drop in and ask them, too x
Hi, I am on the same combo, changed after being on Elleste Duet for 9 months and experiencing severe bloating mid month / constipation, all other symptoms like migraine, breast soreness, anxiety went though. I have been on the new combo gel and progesterone tablets only 1 month and for the last 2 days (which is day 22 of my cycle) but have started to feel really tired (like the tiredness you feel in early stages of pregnancy), it’s knocking me out during the day. I’m taking the tablet in the morning, should I take at night do you think? Should I keep going despite this? I’ve not had any other symptoms of peri-menopause (which I have suffered with since 40, now 46). Do you think the tiredness with go after a few months use? Thanks for your blog by the way, stumbled on this after looking up side affects….Thanks!
Hi KH. I’m so glad you found 50Sense helpful. Definitely take your progesterone at night – it will make you tired and zonked out, so you’ll get a good night’s sleep. x
I am 3 months on hrt patches gave me worse sleep issues and couldnt tolerate utrogestan. Tried combined patch horrendous. Back to utrogestan and put on an antidepressant. After 6 weeks on it depression helped not much for anxiety symptoms. Asked about local nhs clinic told long waiting list. To leave another 4 weeks then hrt to be reviewed again. Am going to try magnesium glycinate ro help sleep once used to utrogestan . Anxiety the worst thing for me have had to be signed off work. Just want a balance and to feel like me again . Have had flashes of it. Never realized so many women struggle with menopause and how hard it can make living a fully functioning life. What a rollercoaster it’s been.
The first time I tried the gel and ultrogeston was at the beginning of this year. The flashes stopped but in week 4 got awful back pain that wouldn’t go. I stopped the HRT and the pain went. I have recently tried the same HRT again and the same thing has happened. I’ve been on it 7weeks now and the tight lower back is still present. Anybody else has this?
Interesting. Have you tried Vit D to help with the aches? x
Hi Sarah, yes I had the crippling back pain, which I think was radiating from lower abdomen area.
I now use the utrogestan vaginally and that pain and some bloating has eased.
I’m only 9 weeks in on continuous gel and utrogestan and I started bleeding a few days ago, which I can tolerate but made me uncertain as to if I need to continue with the HRT. Takes 2 weeks to get a telephone appointment at my GP so feels like I’m winging it lol.
Good luck
Just wanted to start by saying how much your posts help. I feel we have been on such a similar journey and I also recently had an unsuccessful Mirena fit. Started Utrogestan and evorel patches just over a week ago. Good and bad days still and like you in a low dose antidepressant still as the moods and depression were at times frightening. Hopefully things will keep getting better for us all xx
Hi totally new to this I am 54 and have not had period for over 6 years and have tried to get through this alone with no intervention but boy its just getting worse ,my locum gp was amazing and has put me.on the gel and tablets I’m very apprehensive and a little scared but I know I need something as its now affecting my work.I gave read everything I can I have no idea when I have a cycle as it’s been to long to even know.I have come to the conclusion I start the gel and then on day 15 to day 26 I take the tablets I’m so confused our surgery is pants and its 2 weeks for an appointment so was hoping for a little help and clarification will go to pharmacy if I need too.
Hi Sarah. If you are post-menopausal, it’s normal to take the tablets days 1-25 (might be 26) so you don’t have a bleed. Check with your pharmacist and see your GP again x
Hi, I was given the gel but not the Ultrogenstan tablets to start with about two months ago. My periods have been not existent over the two months, but when I went for a blood test recently the doctor told me I needed to take the tablets too as I still had a womb. I have just started those and this month my period was extremely heavy which was not great. I did wondered whether it was because a build up because I hadn’t been taking the Ultrogenstan. Also my doctor told me i can only have the gel when I’m not on my period or suffer with a migraine which i suffer from occasionally. I noticed from other comments on here that you generally have to take the gel all the time. An6 advice please. Thank you.
Hey there. I had a big bleed when I went on to progesterone after not having any for a while. But the gel should be taken every day (and it may help your migraines – many women tell me it has helped theres). Please go back and ask your GP for clarification. It might be worth popping in to your pharmacist, too, as they often know more about HRT than the GP. Please let me know what happens, Angela x
I am using the same as you: gel and body identical progesterone. This has changed my life in ways I never thought possible. Thank you all those amazing scientists out there for giving me my life back.
Love love love this!
So wonderful to read all your similar stories and I no longer feel alone so thank you.
I am so confused. I have just started my HRT journey, I am 55 still getting periods, I have been prescribed 100mg capsules of Utrogestan 2 every night together with Evorel 50 patches twice a week. I am working from the 28 day cycle and so unsure of how long my break from Utrogestan should be when I stop after 12 days.
Hi Trish. The best person to ask is usually your pharmacist, as they often know more than your GP. If you are still having periods, then take two tablets every day on days 15 to 26 of your cycle, then you have days 27-28 tablet free to finish that cycle. Then you start at day 1 again, so take your next one on day 15 again. Hope that helps x
Hi, I’m on my 5th day of 1x pump each leg of oestrogel and 1x 100mg utrogestan both at night orally. Still have sporadic periods and perimenopausal. Since day one of taking I’ve been experiencing really severe dizzy spells and upset stomach. Has anyone else experienced this, just wondering if it’s the hormones adjusting in my body or a negative reaction to the medication.
It could be your body adjusting, but have a word with your GP just to check. x
I’ve just started this combination, Utrogestan 100mg / 2 pumps of Oestrogel (day 6) & the side effect I’ve noticed so far seems to be dizziness (very odd feeling, like you’ve had 1 glass of wine too many). I’m hoping this is my body adjusting, but will continue to monitor things for another week or two before speaking to my Dr.
Hi Just thought I’d share my experience of HRT/Menopause with you to see if anyone can identify some of the things same as me also I have a few questions which I’m hoping someone will know the anwsers to. Here I am at 68 years of age and still going through the menopause. I was on tablets from the age of 49 when I first started with the symptoms I had numourous types of tablets over around 20 years. I came off the tablets ( it was the combined type so no periods – a plus point in my favour ) I thought maybe I was through the worst, nope around 9 months later I was almost begging to go back on it so I went onto patches which were considered to have less of a risk factor these made me “normal” again the night sweats and hot flushes disapeared really quickly but I got horrendous headaches and my head felt fuzzy most of the time I also got really painful mastitis. Just over a year ago I came off the patches because the mastitis scared me and I was fed up of my head feeling as though it was spaced out all the time but then the mood swings started I went from an evil wasp to a blubbering idiot all in the same day also the “hot do’s” were happening again waking me up and as I don’t sleep well anyway it made the problem worse oh and don’t get me started on the vaginal atrophy. I contacted my doctor after talking to a woman in the supermarket who talked as though HRT Gel form was the holy grail fortunately my doctor was sympathetic did some research as she admitted she didn’t know a lot about the Gel form and after a week called me back and issued a perscription for Utrogestan 100mg one per day and Oestrogel 75 mgs 2 pumps per day I have been on this for just over 2 months the hot do’s have stopped the moods are better I still have really bad down days just not so often, the atrophy is much better ( I still use the Vagifem suppositorys twice weekly – but – the mastitis is starting to come back not lumpy this time just painful and I’m still an undiagnosed insomniac so its not helped with the sleep issue and I am also getting thrush and sore vulva plus itching really bad on the inside of my elbows where the skin is soft I’m now wondering if the benefits are worth going back on it and how much longer would I need to stay on HRT does the menopause never end! Sorry for such a long tirade. Before I go can I ask is it o.k to dry the gel with a hairdryer I alternate between tops of my inner thighs and upper arms and shoulders usually give it a couple of minutes then dry it completely with the hairdryer before getting dressed and does anyone else experience reoccurrance of thrush after treating it with Canesten cream or have mastitis.
Thank You! Reading your post gives me some hope. Sertraline made me flatter than ever so I came off it. Hrt evoril patch didn’t work as I am progesterone insensitive (or whatever the word is 😆) I am waiting for a private appt as gp couldn’t help any more??….I’m at the end of my tether, literally. I thought I couldn’t take a tablet because it’s dangerous for my organs? So thought there was no hope when the patches did no good…..maybe the tablet beginning with U will help me??……any advice greatly received and thanks again 🤗
Hey Smoggy! Ask your GP for gel and utrogestan before you go private and give it a try. The utrogestan may be too strong for your progesterone intolerance, but if you discuss this with your GP they may be able to help more. Good luck x
My GP has been hopeless. I was put on oestrogen and tostran by my gynae after have a hysterectomy (still leaving cervix and overlies). This has worked really well, tostran gel every other day helping with energy levels (note: had to fight for tostran as my GP had not prescribed it before and wasn’t sure it is was available on NHS – it is. Luckily my op was private and the surgeon also worked for NHS so knew what was possible).
I have had lower abdominal pains – these started before I had the surgery – GP’s fobbed me off with IBS, constipation and pelvic inflammatory disease and UTI. These have still persisted, disppointingly post surgery. I finally arranged a private consultation with an HRT specialist. Bloods have been checked, now on urogestan as well and she confirmed I have ademyosis (uterus tissue in muscle walls reacting to my still present ovaries – this showed on the post op results). Combination of HRT is working well (I am 53) and having seen a consultant who specialises in this has helped me to realise I am not ‘mental’ and imagining these symptoms.
It is shocking that GP’s know so little and appear to most of us to care little. Grateful for seeing these posts.
The trouble is that GPs only have a few minutes to see us so they look at what it may be, rather than a holistic approach that could point to menopause. It’s why I’m so passionate about educating women.
I wish I’d read your pages months ago.
After moving from the US where I was on low does Estrogen only patches, UK doctors put me on Evorel Conti. It’s too much to post…5 years ago when I couldn’t leave the house out of paranoia after 4 days of HRT, I instinctively quit the progesterone and life improved.
But back to last year.
Pandemic career destroyer aside, I knew I was in a bad day when I was walking home after a teary hike with an old pal and found myself considering suicide. Luckily, I instantly recognised it. I came home and ripped the patch off, and felt better within 48hrs. They didn’t trust me to take progesterone as a pill, based on my history, so one year later I tried the Evorel Condi again, managing 2 weeks before the darkness descended again. And, I was offered anti depressants by my GP in that time. “What is it you’d like to achieve?” “Um I’d like my BRAIN back! I’m not depressed because I’m depressed, thank you!”.
Finally I had an unrelated gynae thing I had to do. The surgeon was exceptional. Right before my follow up I Googled progesterone sensitivity (My USA original diagnosis – but this time from a PMS similarity perspective – and discovered something new: the progesterone in Evorel Conti is the WORST of the 3 progesterones for tolerability.
WTF??
Very pissed off.
Informed, I brought this up with my wonderful surgeon. “Oh yes you have many options. I’ll talk to your GP”.
2 weeks later and I’m picking up my prescription for Utrogestan and Estrogen patches tomorrow.
Watch this space..
I’ve never felt compelled to comment on a site before…..until now.
My life has completely fallen apart over the last five years.
Stopped finding pleasure in anything and would take every comment to heart, obsessing over things to a ridiculous degree. Felt everyone was against me and became so cynical.
The cheery happy front I’d always been able to show, became impossible.
I left my partner of 17 years, stopped socialising (after always being the life and soul), now living alone.
Father has Alzheimer’s and Mother has dementia, so I’ve been looking after all their needs and have struggled to get help from all the professional services.
When the pandemic started, I was working from home, alone, and overjoyed. Delighted not to endure seeing colleagues I secretly wanted to punch in the face.
There have been a few other issues….Gaslighted by a chap and had to fend off a guy that tried to enter my home, amongst other things.
Hated myself. Lost my friends and too proud to reach out.
Parents needs, workload, insomnia, hair loss, weight gain, bladder infections, kidney infection, sinusitis, itchy skin, flushes, panic attacks, palpitations, exhaustion and not eating properly, plus the horrendously heavy menstruation and feeling I’d lost my grip on reality, made me want to disappear.
If my parents weren’t so reliant on me, there’s absolutely no way I’d be here now.
Doctors carried out thyroid tests, anaemia tests, prescribing tablets for my heavy menstruation, antidepressants and making me feel like a hypochondriac. Always telling me that my symptoms are because of my stress.
After a random conversation with my mothers dementia wellbeing contact, she told me to watch Davina McCalls programme and I cried like a baby!
Called the doctor and said I wanted to try HRT. Was made to feel stupid. ‘You’re too young’ and ‘you just have a lot of stress’ etc.
Part of me wanted to be able to pin everything on being peri-menopausal.
So, more life issues, deaths and dramas made me call the surgery again, completely breaking down.
Finally spoke to a doctor that took me seriously and agreed that my symptoms were all a sign of peri-menopause.
So….I’ve been prescribed Sandrena 1.0mg gel and Utrogestan 100mg tablets.
Started the gel five days ago and will start the tablets on the 1st January.
After reading these posts, I finally feel I’m not alone and have some hope.
Sorry for such a long post, but you’ve all helped so much.
Wish me luck….
Loads and loads of luck to you, Melanie, and thank you for such a fabulous comment. Well done to your mum’s wellbeing contact. We need more people like that. Let us know how you get on xxx
My doctor changed my hrt prescription 7 months ago, from Tibilone to Utrogestan daily and oestrogen gel 2 pumps as she said that this regime has a much lower risk of blood clots (I’m 59). For the first 5 months I felt like a new woman. For the first time in 15 yrs I had a good sleep every night. My unpleasant vagina symptoms went away and my night sweats improved. I did have a very heavy period after a month which worried me a bit but only a tiny bit of spotting since. But since the 5 month mark, it has all fallen apart. The progesterone stopped having a sedative effect and I have been completely unable to sleep without sleeping tablets since – this has been very upsetting as I really did think that at long last I had found something that made a difference to years of insomnia. Vaginal symptoms worsened with a nasty bout of BV and other continuous soreness etc. Started sweating at night again and moods went crazy which has never happened to me before – crying, feeling extremely stressed and overwhelmed. Uncomfortable bladder symptoms that had gone 4 yrs ago are back. It’s only after reading these posts that I was aware that progesterone can cause an emotional response. I’ve no idea what to do – thinking I should lower the oestrogen? Or maybe stop HRT altogether whichI am very reluctant to do right now. Maybe take progesterone earlier on in the day so it won’t affect my sleep so much? I am trying to get an appointment with GP to discuss but not easy. Anyone has a similar reaction to the progesterone re: sleep? Thanks
Hi Tracy, so sorry to hear about the awful symptoms you’re having. Have you tried upping the oestrogen gel from 2 pumps to 3? You may not be getting an adequate dose to offset the progesterone.
Hope you feel better soon
Suzanne x
This is amazing, I randomly found this post whilst researching HRT meds just collected from my local pharmacy today. So much resonance here, quite remarkable and such a relief to know you are not alone. I should have gone on HRT years ago but whenever I rang the surgery it was always a ‘sorry all the appointments have gone for today, please ring again tomorrow’. The problem is it can take weeks of building yourself up enough to ring in the first place to discuss very sensitive issues. I literally gave up until my partner released his frustrations on me saying enough is enough (having not had sexual relations with me for 2 years or more). But it was the impetus to finally get this sorted! I started off with a 3 month supply of progesterone pills and topical oestrogen cream which I syringed into my vagina daily. My atrophy improved really well and I am so happy! Relationship issues massively improved too. And today I picked up my first 3 month supply of Oestrogel and the progesterone pill. It has been a long, uphill battle feeling isolated, and the frustration of trying to see a GP has been immense. There should be clinics designed not just for Family Planning but the Menopause as well.
Hurray for finally getting help!!! It shouldn’t be so hard (and those bloody phone calls for an appointment that’s “just gone”) but I’m so happy you’re starting to feel better and your relationship is improving. Here’s to the future!
Hi. My name is Tanya.
I started on evorel patches about three and a half months ago. My menopausal symptoms were body aches, very bad brain fog/lack of concentration, mood swings, lack of sex drive, fatigue to the point where I can barely function, depression (suicidal thoughts and even an attempt some time ago. I feel ashamed admiting to this but I feel it’s important to be honest about how low I became). I’ve had felt like a shadow of my former self for a long time now.
I had a mirena coil fitted 4 years ago which seemed to stop the night sweats. The mirena was actually fitted to relieve anaemia, my iron level was extremely low. There was no suggestion at this point that I was perimenopausal which now seems obvious?? I suggested HRT to a nurse myself after coming across a list of typical symptoms online, of which I had many. And yes, you are made to feel a total hypochondriac by the doctors or asked if you are “stressed” as that can cause so many symptoms. Reading the above I question myself whether I am actually a hypochondriac 🙅
I think my joint pain has eased a bit but otherwise nothing else has changed. I just want to have some energy and be able to think clearly.
I am wondering if the gel may be a better option or do I perhaps need the 100 patches.
So glad I found this thread. Not managed to read all comments yet but thought I’d quickly share my situation. I’ve been using the gel and tablet combi for a month now and Hubby says he thinks my mood is better (libido still low but we’ll see in time). I started on HRT patches Femseven Conti, but they made me more tearful.
I’m now taking Utrogeston 100 tablets daily at night and gel 2 pumps also at night. I’m assuming I’ve been prescribed both every day because I hadn’t had a period for 2 years and didn’t want to start that all over again (let’s face it, no monthly bleed is the one positive about menopause!).
Im certainly feeling more balanced and less tearful. Fingers crossed another month into treatment will throw up more improvements. X
Hi Kerry, My guess is if you have had no periods for two years, then you may have reached menopause hence why they have put you on continues HRT which is 100mg of Utrageston every day along with the Estradiol (in whichever form)
Utrageston is given for the protection of your womb, although this has lots of other benefits
hope that make sense. xx
I have been subscribed to take medication (2 pumps and one tablet) every day as age 70 and do not need to stop for periods even though Have just had a small bleed for a couple of days and am suffering for sore tender breasts, which no one else mentions??
It’s normal to have a bit bleeding to begin with as your body adapts to the new hormones, but if it continues please see your GP and check it out x
Hi,
Getting alot of the symptoms of menopause including night sweats/hair loss/vaginal atrophy/BRAIN FOG! is a biggy. Decided to seek help after alot of research and speaking to colleagues. Was recommended Estrogen Gel/Micronised Progesterone by a Menopause Specialist on the NHS. Gel out of stock currently so have not started it 🙁 Has anyone had any problems with this combo and have varicose veins, as i had a bad reaction when taking Norethisterone and had to stop it immediately as it made veins bubble up and caused pain in thighs, which was scary? Hoping Micronised Progesterone is going to be more tolerable. Fingers crossed!
Hi ladies, so good to hear your stories thank you all for sharing, i am 55 had my last period at 42 and have been struggling since then, head fog, no sleep, hot flushes and always feel so tired. My Gp has just give me a prescription for Utrogestan 200 mg and Estradiol gel 80 grams x2 pumps . My question is why 200 mg a lot of the ladies above seem to be on 100 mg ? Thank you
Hi Tanya. Can you have a word with your pharmacist? 200mg is usually for half the month, and for women who are still perimenopausal (so still having periods, no matter how irregular). Let me know how you get on x
Omg I hope utrogestan and oestrogen works for me I’ve had different patches but didn’t make a difference only the evirol 50 which is oestrogen only for two weeks but as soon as I went onto the other patch which was oestrogen and progesterone my moods and cravings came back. I’ve been told I need to up my oestrogen and take progesterone tablets so hopefully this will help. I’ve put 2stone on and my libido is zilch can anyone tell me if this will change?
Hi.
I can’t believe how amazing it is to find I’m not alone. I’m 48 and having a hysterectomy next week as the only way to try and stop the uncontrollable bleeding I’ve had for the past 18 months which has been bought on by the onset of menopause and the beginning of fibroids. This was the side effect I could not cope with. I accepted the itchy skin, hair loss, hot flushes and insomnia. But the flooding had got so bad that for a week or more a month I struggled to leave the house. 1/4 of my life spent in excruciating pain, hiding away .
My almost two year peri menopausal journey has included rows with an uninformed GP. Three months of the coil ( increased bleeding and terrible pain)
Medication to try and stop the bleeding ( useless)
HRT ( made me depressed) progresteron only pill ( made me angry and tearful. Great combo that one)
And now, 3 months after hormone blocking injections I look back and realise I had been lost and drowning in pain, emotion and anger. I feel great. I still need an iron infusion prior to the surgery, due to still being anaemic and I still get hot at night. But I have energy back. I have brain function back. It’s like I can breathe again !
But my question is this. I am being recommended oestrogen only after the op next week. And I just don’t know if I need it or not. Given that I am almost 50 and had started the menopause naturally. Would it be necessary?
Thank you all for your stories. It’s been a great support.
Hi Rebecca. I’m not a medic, but if you’ve had a hysterectomy and your ovaries removed, then your hormone levels will drop suddenly, plunging you straight into menopause, which is why you’re recommended HRT. And as you’ll have had your womb removed, you no longer need the protection progesterone gives, which is why it’s oestrogen only. Have a quick chat with your GP and good luck! Let me know how you get on x
Hi there, I am so happy that I have found this site thank you 😊. I have literally started HRT in the last four days. I take one pump of Lenzetto spray on arm (estradiol) in the morning and Utrogestan 100mg tablet at night continously due to not having a period for 18 months. I’m not sure if these have to be taken at the same time. The leaflets say take together to lower risks, but do I need to take them at the same time? I’d appreciate any advice. Thanks.x
Hi Caroline. I take my estradiol in the morning as I found it made my RLS bad if I waited till night-time. Utrogestan makes you sleepy, so night-time for that. x
Having been on evorel conti for a few months and bleeding although it helped with night sweats it didn’t help with low mood anxiety low libido got a telephone appointment today and doctor has told me to try a pump of oestrogen and progesterone tablets – ive been told it sounds as though im low in oestrogen and that 1 can start with 2 pumps and if i dont see improvement go up to 3. Doctor has also said that I can ask try coil instead if i think that might be better with the gel. I had mentioned I had read about testosterone and she has said should i need that i can be referred to the menopause clinic – finally got a doctor who knows her stuff – finger crossed the gel and tablets will work for me collecting it tomorrow. Having felt like sloth for so long and also kind of empty in side im hopeful of things improving.
I just got prescribed this combination except patches instead of gel. But when I first asked my GP she had never even heard of body identical micronised progesterone. I did a bit of research and told her exactly what I wanted, the Utrogestan is the only one you can get here. Hopefully she’s learnt a bit more about what is available too.
I had to do the same with my GP – but at least they’re open to learning!!!
Hello all – I’ve just started on Utrogestan 100mg x2 for days 15-26 and oestrogel 2x pumps once daily and the last 2 weeks of using overtime daily. Getting a great sleep, but still have no libido, still getting angry/upset but not as bad. Took day 26 tablet on 8th February and think I’m having a bleed but for the last 3 days have felt like I’ve got cystitis? Just wondering if this is common, I know it can take several months to settle down, but I don’t know whether to wait until my 3 month review to mention these things or before?
I have got my oestrogen and utrogestan prescription – it says to take 2-3 pumps daily and the tablet every day at night but 2 hours after food or 60 mins before food as this makes it too absorbent. I think i from what I have read online that i can take continuously due to over 12 months since last period (bar the bleeding ive had with evorel conti) I had an internal ultrasound to check re the bleeding so hopefully OK with this?
I just happened upon your story while searching to see how long before I get any benefits from my HRT. I am on the gel and utrogestan, I also still take the mini pill. I started taking sertraline last June after a number of family traumas. I am also B12 deficient which I am taking tablets for but that doesn’t seem to be working. I have to wait another 6 weeks for a blood test. I am extremely fortunate to have a fantastic GP and I have now discovered, an expert prescribing nurse specialising in HRT. I had a telephone appointment with her 2 days ago and she went through everything with me and I decided the gel and tablet was my preferred option to start. I hope I’ll benefit from this very soon. Thank you for sharing your experience xx
Hi there I’m on the same combination tablet and gel I do feel better in myself but I’ve been taking them for 1 month now and I’ve started with headaches do any of you think it’s the hrt.? I also take sertraline been on them a while. I asked my doctor about the headaches he said no not related 😐
Thanks tracey
Hi all. I picked up my first ever dose of hrt today and am totally confused after reading the leaflet. I have Utrogestan tablets and Sandrena estradiol gel. I have read the leaflet and have a few concerns. Firstly, when my gp suggested it, I asked if it took some wonderful calculations to work out when to take the tablets and he said no, any two weeks out of four. But the leaflet says to take it on days 15-26. Secondly, it says it’s for post menopausal use only. And it also says not to take if you have a peanut allergy which I do? My gp should have known that. It’s on my records. Also abit concerned as I take carbamazepine and it mentions those in the leaflet. I also have a uterine cyst. It mentions fibroids. Not sure if that’s the same thing. Sorry for so many questions in one go, but pharmacy and doctors are closed until Monday now.
To perfect what you’re taking you should add Tostran, a bit of testosterone basically. Otherwise you don’t have the proper hormonal mix. You’re GP is unlikely to prescribe until they’ve referred you to a specialist.
I’m in two minds about testosterone. If you don’t need it, then why take it? At the moment, I have lots of energy and don’t feel the need for anymore.
Hi I finally picked up the tablets and gel 5 days ago, sleeping is miles better. But suffering from bad pelvic pain and wondering if this is normal. I want to continue with the HRT as I’ve suffered with multiple menopausal symptoms which have left me feeling exhausted, depressed and no zest for life. Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you. I’m on 1 pump of the gel and 1 100mg tablet in the evening I take pump on a night around an hr before the jel
Pelvic pain is something I got – a bit like my period was due. I’ve found taken anti-histamine seems to help!
Hi Elizabeth thank you for your reply, I will try anti-histamine, I also wanted to say a big thank you for all the very useful information on this website leeann x
So pleased I found your blog. I’m on month 3 of HRT (Evorel sequi) and right from patch 1 had a severely dry mouth which makes sleep hard. On speaking to my GP they said it was fluoxetine not the hrt. The fluoxetine I was put on one month before I insisted on hrt! Then I was told to double the dose from 20 to 40mg. I do feel better but I have bad headaches and the dry mouth and lips is unbearable. I’m also still on cerazette too.
I’m thinking of asking the gp to change me to gel and utrogestan to see if it helps me? I’m also thinking I may be allergic to something in the patches?
Incidentally I have dropped my fluoxetine back down to 20mg to see of that helped but no change.
Any opinion is much welcomed as I’m really struggling.
My advice is always: if an HRT isn’t working for you, ask for another. Gel and a progesterone is considered the gold standard by the BMS so you’re perfectly in your right to ask your GP to give you this instead. Good luck!
Hi, this is so interesting and I’m so grateful to have stumbled across this site. I’ve been on the 50mg patches for nearly 4 weeks (I’m 47 and still have regular-ish periods but loads of nasty peri symptoms) but had to come off them as the oestrogen was making me feel drunk and horrendously dizzy and cloth headed. Ripped the patch off but a few hours later had a horrendous panic attack so I then put on half a patch. Not ideal so went back to my GP who has now prescribed Sandrena gel 1.0mg with Utrogestan 100mg (one tablet at night day 16-25). From everything I’ve read I should be on two tablets at night. Is that what you’re on? I know it’s all trial and error but a friend of mine who’s going through the same as me and a little bit older has been prescribed 0.5mg Sandrena with 2 x Utrogestan tablets at night.
Yes. The recommended dose is 200mg for days 16-25. It’s often best to check with the pharmacist as they know more about it than the GP, so mebbes ask them first and then that gives you added ammo for your GP.
Hello
Thanks for this blog. Nice to know I’m not alone in my craziness. Been on hrt since June 2021.
Oestrogen 2 pumps in d eve & 200mg Utrogestan days 14-28 at night.
It was going well and then I changed to Oestrogen only patch Oct ’21 along with 200mg progesterone. I thought that was going ok but now I’m not sure. I have bad anxiety and I’m definitely depressed.
Changed back to Oestrogen 3 pumps in d morn recently but anxiety still bad and sleep poor.
I actually don’t know what’s going on anymore.
I thought maybe I have too little oestrogen so I’m taking more but its not making a difference.
Any one know the best time for oestrogel, day , night . Spread over the day?
I’m wondering was it the change from gel to patch and back to gel.
Anyone experience this? Also anyone experience jaw clenching , hear racing.?
Thanks for reading 😊
Hi Tinz. One of the best pieces of advice my GP gave me was when I told him, during the first lockdown, that I was still feeling stressed. “We’re in the middle of a pandemic,” he said. “If you weren’t feeling stressed I’d be concerned.”
HRT puts our hormones back into some order, but life continues and sometimes that can have an impact on us. I’ve just had the most horrendous week, but that was because of stress at work so it was normal to feel this way – that doesn’t mean we have to, though. Please go back to your GP and ask to see an NHS menopause specialist. Also, discuss how you’re feeling (mebbes keep a diary, too, so your GP can see if there’s a pattern) and discuss whether it could be something non-menopause related. I am on anti-depressants as well as HRT and it took a bit for my brain to cope with that – with the fact that it couldn’t be solved with just more oestrogen.
Our bodies are weird and wonderful things. We’re like F1 cars that need specialist tuning and sometimes just a little extra tweak here and there can make all the difference. So please, treat yourself like a luxury car and head back to your GP x
I am age 70 and have just been subscribed 1 pump of oestrogen and 1 utrogestan tablet every day. I increased the pump to 2 after 6 weeks as night sweats not improved. vaginal dryness and itching is much better but I have sore and tender breasts now and had a small bleed for a a couple of days (none for over 20 years). I was gonna stop the tablet until I could get back to see my gynaecologist but after reading these posts it sound like not a good idea? Seems ridiculous to have still got problems after all this time, perhaps I should have been on this treatment may back in time.
Hi Dorothy. If you still have a womb, then you need to take the utrogestan to protect the lining otherwise it could become too thick and lead to cancer. It’s a safety mechanism so don’t stop! x
Hi, I have just been prescribed the oestrogen gel and progesterone tablets to hopefully help my dry vulva which is so sore, dry and itchy (regularly get splits in the skin). Have tried every topical cream/moisturiser/hydrocortisone going,. Oestrogen pessaries relieve the soreness inside but do not reach the outside bits. I tried applying oestrogen cream but was allergic. Has anyone else had success with hrt helping a problem like mine? I’m also confused as the progesterone is prescribed for days 1 to 25 of a cycle – but what is a cycle? I have not had a period for around 5 years.
Thank you so much for this site x
I basically started my cycle when I started the gel – so I treat my first day of putting the gel on as day 1 because I hadn’t a clue otherwise. I hope it helps – let me know x
If you have not had a period for over a year, as is the case with me, I take the utrogestan continuously without a break.
I’m so glad I found this site. I’m 53 and on my 3rd round of HRT. Patches were awful, and I bled after years of not doing. Tablets I had spotting and now I’m on the gel and tablet. I have asked for this for the 4 years I’ve been on HRT, the patches and the tablets only were reluctantly prescribed by a male doctor. The gel and tablets, prescribed, no problem by a woman doctor. I genuinely believe that the male doctors should get more training than female doctors. They do not know what it’s like to be a woman. Anyway I digress.
I get my prescriptions delivered to me, so i haven’t had any advice on taking, other then the leaflets in the box. The gel is ok, 2 pumps in the evening. The tablets advice seems contradictory 2 tablets day 15/26 or 1 tablet day 1/25. I think I’m going to go the 1 tablet route in case they are too strong or don’t agree with me. If I need to up it, I guess I’ll be ok with changing the cycle. I also wanted to get started straight away.
Do you or any of your lovely followers know if after 25 days I stop for 3 = the 28 day cycle or if I don’t stop taking them and have 1 every night?
Thank you
Hi Gill. There is a difference between the one tablet per day or two for two weeks depending on whether or not you’re perimenopause or post-menopause. If you’re not yet through the menopause, you should be taking the two tablets on days 15-26, which may give you a bleed (usually light) at the end. If you’re post-menopausal so no longer having periods, then you take them days 1-25. Call up your GP and ask because you should have been told how to take them x
Hi
I just came across this thread and it’s really great to know your not alone. I started taking utrogestan 100mg everyday and Oestrogen 2 pumps daily just over a month ago and my mood is so much better (I actually feel quite happy) I have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and loads of other things so I always have pain but recently my legs and hips are aching so much more than normal like walking and even getting in the car takes so much effort as my legs feel so heavy and stiff, so I was just wondering if anyone else is like this and whether it’s linked to this medication or not. Any thoughts would be really appreciated. XX
I have been struggling for over a year I’m on evorel conti but it’s clearly not enough . I feel exhausted no libido and rain fog . So much so that I’m confused about what I need to take because I can’t take in what the solution is , even though I have a degree I feel stupid !!!
I have literally come back from my GP and have been prescribed exactly the same. It took 7 pharmacies before I could get the Oestrogel though! I was on patches (Evorel Conti) for two months and they put me back about two years as my symptoms came back with a vengence and prior to that I was on Femoston Conti which seemed to cure me of all my symptoms/problems over night but I gained so much weight whilst on it the doctor was worried about blood clots. I’m hoping for some normality in my life again (fingers crossed!)
Just started on these 2 today.. first time hrt user!!!! Can u use both the gel and the tab at night?
I know lots of people who do so I think so!!!!
Thank youl
6 years on, several HRT pills and patches later, 16 months off HRT and this week prescribed Evoral 25 and Utrogestan 100mg as a last resort to try HRT again due to tiredness from lack of sleep. I had become accepting of aches and pains, daily tears, hot flashes at night and at work, and sleepless nights. HRT fed
2 back to back fibroids which caused pain and spotting so I stopped taking it. No one told me how awful coming off HRT was. Am hoping this lower dose patch will give some relief. GP said gel is not available. I thought that after 6 years I would be through menopause symptoms but sadly not
They can go on for many years, sadly 🙁
Hello 50sense! I’ve been using the ‘gold standard’ combo (utrogestan / oestrogel) 2 wks now, and other than feeling a bit clearer (early days still) I do feel slightly tighter in my jeans… Is this normal? And when can I expect the bloating to ease off? I know it sounds very vain, but after finally feeling like the fog is lifting, to be faced with a body I don’t recognise, might plummet me. Yikes! Am I jumping the gun already?
Hello
I was prescribed the gold star combo of oestrogel (2 pumps a day ) and 100mg utrogestan 1 a day 26 days of the month …..this was prescribed august last year and am only just getting the courage to see how it goes ….the thought of possible bleeding is really putting me off … I have had hrt in tablet form a few years ago but the gp at the time would only let me have it for 1 yr however no bleeding with that
Post menopausal last period 5+ years I’ve been using supplements which are ok but don’t think they are that great so I’m biting the bullet and giving myself a few months to see if this is for me or not
Wish me luck
Hi Lisa. With one progesterone a day, you shouldn’t get any bleeding. Get your courage on and give it a try x
To all the ladies in menopause, thank you so much for sharing your stories. I live in the Netherlands, where HRT is still very unknown and only 2% of women are offered it, often after self-study online and asking a doctor several times. I will be taking Estrogen Gel and Utrogestan 100mg every night next week, continuously because I am post menopause, age 55. I find it quite scary, when I read about all the side effects here. I’m also going to study about testosterone, there’s a women’s clinic that can have this made for you in Germany, after a blood test. I have always been a positive, flexible, humorous and hardworking lady. I no longer recognize myself. After 3 years of night sweats, hot flashes, anxiety attacks, pain in my joints, low to no libido, brain fog and depression I think it’s quite enough and I’m going to look for a better life with a form of HRT. I wish everyone a solution that suits her and improves life!
Hi Alice,
Im also in the Netherlands. I got my GP to prescribe HRT but she had never prescribed it before and can’t answer any questions or help me. Seems like we are on our own here. Thank goodness for websites and forums like this. How are u doing now?
I am so pleased I found this site 😊 I have started taking femoston conti 1mg/5mg again after a few months break as thought doing nothing for me but thought would try again. I have stopped taking 50mg Sertraline which I was put on 8 years ago for anxiety and depression…a common amongst doctors I believe instead of thinking it could be menopause. After watching Davina I would like to try the gold service HRT hoping I can give it a try. Would love to feel like me again 😊
Thank you Elizabeth for this informative site. I curious why you didn’t use Utrogestan vaginally. I tried it vaginally too but it looks like it’s flushed out next morning. Vaginally it should be every second day only. Plus I am curious why you ladies only take Utrogestan orally for 12 days if you are in menopause. I should take it all the time. I’m 48 and hit menopause at 44.
Perimenopausal means we are still having periods, so that’s why we need to take utrogestan 12 days only. Post meno, you take it every day x
Elizabeth – Thankyou for your drive and energy on the subject of Menopause and women health and for all the women who have shared their experiences to date. We will prevail !!!
For me Menopause was a mystery, never discussed or considered….. – I was advised to have a mirena fitted in my late 40’s following years of heavy bleeding , bulk dosing in painkillers culminating in chronic anemia and serious crash in my health – my previous employer at time provided us generously with private healthcare so I was so appreciative after being advised to have surgery to remove womb etc ( I sought further opinions as facing surgery didn’t feel right for me ) to be referred to a no nonsense consultant who advised surgery wasn’t necessary. Thanks to Mirena I was able to get on with normal life – when it was removed , and bloods taken I discovered that I had actually had Menopause…duh .I didn’t take any HRT which was offered at time as I felt great….6 months on I started experiencing many menopause symptoms, anxiety, hot flushes, lack of concentration , depression, zero libido, amongst other things basically couldn’t perform to level I am used to/ need to in my life / work , was a bit of a basket case….- unable to get direction from GP , I was so desperate for help I paid to attend consultant who couldn’t have been more helpful , talked through all the options , my thoughts and preferences etc and was prescribed Estradiol Spray and Utrogestan – am 3 weeks in and wow I’m so so grateful . Why can’t every women access customised advice / support and medication..this has to change – Elizabeth you have achieved so much in the time you have committed to the subject – this is something I feel strongly
we all have a responsibility to create awareness and support effective solutions for Womens health – for all of our sisters and those women who come after us – rant over xxk
This has been such an encouraging post. I am now almost 18 months into trying to get it right with HRT. 2 years ago I would have said I would NEVER take HRT, and I would prefer not to, but I was not coping without it. The last stages of perimenopause hit me like a train. I am still not back to being me but there have been some better days. Thanks for being open.
Having a ‘senior moment’ and need some advice please! I’m 59 and have happily been on continuous Utrogestan and 3 pumps of Oestrogel nightly for the past couple of years. Today (Tuesday), out of the blue, I had some breakthrough bleeding and mild cramping. It got me wondering if I’d forgotten to take my Utrogestan pill last night. But I couldn’t remember if I’d taken it or not – and then I started to worry that I’d taken an extra one by mistake! But if so, what effect would that have? I’m now also wondering if my dosages of Oestrogel over the last week have been inconsistent, as I was away on a trip and had decanted my gel into a smaller container – could that have led to today’s breakthrough bleeding? I’m confused about what the effects of too much vs too little of Oestrogel and Utrogestan would be. I’ve taken my regular dose of each tonight and am hoping that things get back to normal in the next couple of days.
Hi Lisa. It could be all that you say, but my advice is always to get any unexpected bleeding checked out with your GP. It’s always better to err on the safe side x
Hi I’ve had my oestrogel and progesterone yesterday.
I’ve waited a long time so can’t wait.
Do you use the oestrogel in the morning or use it when you take your progesterone in the evening before bed, it wasn’t explained if we do it at the same time..
Most people do the gel in the morning but I find it doesn’t really matter. Utrogestan at night, tho, as it may make you sleepy!
Hi,
I am so happy I stumbled across your site, I was (possibly still am) starting to think that wonders of HRT was a conspiracy to make me feel even worse. After nearly 4 years of trying many tablet forms of hrt, my docs never even mention patches or gels, and just generally feeling either a weeping, anxious and very hot (not in a whit woo way) husk of my former self or a raving, psychotic and very depressed mad woman, it has finally been mooted that I could be progesterone sensitive and have now been prescribed 100mg Utrogestan and 200mg Elleste Solo with some Vagifem thrown in to stop the wonderful UTI’s that God keeps giving me. It’s day 5 and at present I feel at bit zombie-like and just a bit woozy in general. Not sure if this is due to Utrogestan or upping to 200mg of estrogen so I’ll just see what happens. I really hope it works as I don’t think I can carry on spending all my money of hrt instead of shoes. I just wish it would do one now but I am however very happy that you’ve finally, to get yourself sorted, one less suffering woman can only be a good thing xxx
Thanks Sharon x
Hi
So glad to have found this site!! I feel I have been having some peri menopausal symptoms since late 30s.
I’m almost 45. Recently it’s been off the scale, anxiety, brain fog, crying, basically everything at once!
I called my doctor, had bloods taken and she said my levels look like I’ve gone through the change but I’m still having periods every 23 to 40ish days. Mostly every 28.
I’ve been prescribed utrogestan 100
Day 1 to 25. Picked it up today. Yay!
Oestrogel 1 pump a day all month
Sorry if this is a stupid question but when is day one for me? I’m so confused and now too anxious to call the chemist again as I’ve just had to call them as didn’t get the information about how many pumps lol
Day one is the first day of bleeding so if you’re still having them regularly, I’d wait. However, if you’re not getting them till 40ish days, then I’d say start Day One now. I did because my “cycle” was often months apart. x
Hello there. A wonderful article. I’m 48 and after six years of peri hell (mainly brain fog and anxiety and low mood), I have been prescribed Oestrogel and Utrogestan after a rushed ten minute appointment with my doctor. I understand the gel side of it but the instructions on the Utrogestan says 1 x 100g tablet day 1 to day 25 of each cycle but I’m still having periods every 45/47 days. Shouldn’t I be on 200 g daily beginning on day 15 of cycle and ending on day 26? I’m so confused! xx
Hi Melissa. My understanding is the same as yours. Please head back to your GP and/or pharmacist and ask. If you’re still having a cycle, then you need to have your monthly bleed. Let me know what happens. x
Hi, I have just been subscribed this very HRT but I’m confused about how to take the tablets. It says once daily on days 1-25 of each 28 day oestrogen cycle. Does that mean I take for 25 days then stop for 3? I asked the pharmacist but they said to ask the doctor which I tried to but the usual couldn’t get anyone.
Hi Susan. Yes, you take it for 25 days then have 3 days without it. x
Had my consult with Newson Clinic doctor this week and finally felt understood! What a relief! Worth every penny. And within the day I had a letter detailing the discussion, a prescription for oestrogen gel, testosterone and progesterone capsules and the offer of next day delivery through the clinic’s online pharmacy. This is what good healthcare looks like and shows how far the gulf is with the NHS. My NHS GP is a decent doc but she’s no menopause specialist and in my last appt with her I think I spent 5 minutes weeping as I told her my symptoms so we had all of 2 minutes to determine next steps (due to her workload). Newson appt was 30 minutes long and doc could even show me the products she was recommending and how to use them. The Newson Clinic wait list is reducing (I waited about 6-8 weeks for appt with a doc) but I’d definitely
recommend. Feel like a weight has lifted off my shoulders now. I too had been on Femiston: first 1/10 which stopped the hot flushes then I tried 2/10 when the pain in feet got worse. However I felt dizzy a lot so switched to patches but didn’t like them at all. Now using the gel pump and like the application method. Only been a couple days on new regime but already feel I’ve turned a corner. Hope you can too if you’re reading this – keep trying if you’ve not found a solution yet…
I have been using Oestrogel and Utrogestan for six months and have had a shushing noise in left ear for five months. I am wondering if the HRT be the cause of this and if anyone else has experienced the same?
Hi! I found your website while googling ‘moving from patches to gel’. I am currently posted to Denmark and they have discontinued the evorel 75 patches I had (after fighting for anything at all for a couple of years, then upping the dose after 8 months and thankfully moving away from the evorel sequi – I was a mess during the progesterone part of the cycle). I have scars now from the patches, they itched and left rashes, and I found them ugly…but I was terrified of ‘not’ having them because it is just so hard to get an appointment or change a prescription, and I was scared of the symptoms coming back and destroying my career so I stuck with it. Now my Danish GP has prescribed this gold standard (I didn’t know it was the gold standard!!!). I’m nervous. But at the same time excited. I have one box of patches left and feel that I should save them ‘in case this doesn’t work’, but also because, now that the possibility of NOT having patches exists, I can’t face having to deal with them for another month.
Due to horrendous endometriosis I’ve been medically induced in to early menopause in my 30s. But no one bothered to explain that to me! Volcanic hot flushes, mood swings verging on the psychotic, zero labido and I mean zero, vagina drier than a desert well, you name it I was feeling it. I didn’t have a clue what was going on and having suffered bouts of severe depression before I felt myself going down the same black hole. So off I went to my GP. Thank god I did! First she prescribed me Escitalopram. An antidepressant to take the edge off my feelings of uncontrollable rage. It worked…. For a while. Then the sweats hit like a face full of torrential rainfall. I work in a pub and the last thing punters want to see is sickly looking barmaid. I went back to the GP. Immediately she prescribed me Oestrogel and Utrogestan orally. I’m also sticking with the Escitalopram for now. It’s been 3 weeks and things seem to be getting better. No more sweats, over reacting temper tantrums, and today I actually felt my sex drive might be reigniting! Hallelujah!
Hi Elizabeth, I stumbled on your website recently and a lot of what has been written plus the comments, I can resonate with.
Around five years ago, I was mystified by the changes I was experiencing… barely sleeping, waking up in the middle of the night in what could be described as a puddle of water and changing my night-shirt and making several trips to the toilet to empty my bladder. I put all this down to stress at work, new leadership role and organisation and challenge. I thought I could overcome these changes. I tried to self manage my symptoms, use remedies friends and online blogs recommended including CBD oil, high dose multivitamins, expensive ones containing all the essential minerals my body could ever need and some for reserves. I increased my exercise, cut out certain foods (a whole load of carbohydrates) I decided my body didn’t need and stuck rigidly to routines revolving around work and exercise… thinking this will be god for me. My menstrual cycle was still bang on- 28 days not bothered by how light it became as I thought at my age this was normal and didn’t mind being given the final signal to hurry if I was planning to have another child.
Coincidentally during the 1st lock down, I started to experience incessant anxiety, brain fog and more sleepless nights, at times barely any sleep for four days. Out of frustration, I saw my GP who assigned me to complete several blood tests that checked for anything under the Sun. With all test results coming back normal, my GP concluded I was neither peri-menopausal nor menopausal, prescribed me sleeping tablets (strong enough to knock a horse) which left me zombie like the next day.
At the height of desperation, my GP suggested going on antidepressant to which I refused as by now, I had started researching and suspected I was either peri or menopausal. i persevered with my research, kept discussing my findings with my GP. Only God knows what she must have thought about me and yes! I was worried,… I would be thought of as a hypochondriac but I needed to be heard. Finally, after more blood test, lack of period for several months, my GP confirmed what I knew all along (at least, since early 2021). I cried. No, I WEPT!!!!.
After more research, I am now on HRT Evorel 50 which delivers 3.2mg of estradiol with a Merina coil for the slow release of progesterone plus a much needed career break…. And I am noticing some improvements.
One final mention is the degree to which women suffer before getting a diagnosis is unbelievable. On average, most women go back and forth suffering in silence for five years before getting a diagnosis. Most GPs (both male and female) have limited understanding of peri/meno- pauses and if it doesn’t fit the textbook criteria, then it’s something else and finally, as a black woman – I felt there was very little acknowledgement of how my symptoms were expressed that it could be linked to pre/peri/meno – pauses. Yes! I had fewer symptoms than most described in textbooks and articles but my symptoms were really baaaadddd. Examples -unable to sleep for a whole week and losing concentration sometimes for about an hour, shocked that I am unable to explain or account for that hour and increasing anxiety that this happened and the cycle continues.
I hope forums like this will continue to help highlight the issues for women so others do not suffer like many of the women here have described.
Brilliant, brilliant post. Thank you x
I have been postmenopausal for 2 yrs. I started HRT 19 mths ago. I am on a 50mx Estraderm patch twice weekly, vagifem 10mg, twice weekly and utrogestan 100mg nightly. I felt better physically almost immediately but as time passed I became increasingly aware of my mood and thought process. I became very dark at times. 4 weeks ago I had an outbreak bleed and my GP told me to stop taking the HRT and he referred me to fast-track gynae. Thankfully, all seems okay but while I’ve been off the HRT I have noticed that my mood has lifted so much. I have been in a very mentally stable state. I do want to go back on the HRT because my hot flushes have returned, my achy joints, and my brain fog, just to mention a few but I am scared because I think I might be sensitive to the utrogestan, more so with the patch combo. I have a telephone appointment with my GP on 31st October to discuss going back to HRT. Do you think it would be worth suggesting that I try an estrogen gel instead? I’m not sure that I am getting the right ratio of estrogen via the patch and wonder if perhaps that is why I’m experiencing dark moods. I would appreciate your thoughts…. sandra
Hi all
I’ve just been prescribed gel & ustrogen at my first request by my GP who, after reading your comments, I now appreciate immensely. I’m almost too scared to start though as my main symptoms are just severe aching joints and weight gain with a bit of brain fog. Worried that depression may kick in and I’m better off not bothering 🤔. Maybe we only comment when we’re down & are too busy rejoicing when we’re up to comment how fantastice this combo is?? 🤞🤞
Hi I’m
Hoping for a bit of advice. Iv been on Everol sequi 50 for past two years. All of a sudden my symptoms came back with a bang! Constant flush all day/night nervous stomach bad anxiety which are all caused because of my bad flushes! My doctor prescribed me utrogestan oral and up my patch to 75. I started yesterday but couple of hours after taking the utrogestan I gradually got worse. My flushes anxiety went through the roof and I sunk into a suicidal mess where I was having a panicked attack! I’m now frightened to take todays dose. Iv been tired all day with brain fog and all my usual symptoms. I also have really bad vaginal dryness! I’m 49 and Iv never had a period since March. Any thoughts as to what I should do? I feel the utrogestan is not agreeing with me. I cannot get gp appointment till Thursday. Is there another way of taking the progesterone like vaginal? Iv spoke to my chemist in meantime and she doesn’t think there is. Im just lost and desperate to get sorted.
Yes, utrogestan can be taken vaginally. Have a talk to your GP – but if you have vaginal dryness, also ask about vaginal hrt to help x
I am 49 and will turn 50 this January, live in Ireland and have found the whole perimenopause to starting menopause journey to be one the hardest,uninformed ,frustrating and often battling to the point of exhaustion periods of my life. Pun unintended. I was perimenopause at 43, went through 3 years of hell after suffering undiagnosed compilcations following a miscarriage in November 2017. A month after the miscarriage came down with a fever and openly sweating feeling sick while at work. The male doctor I went to at a local clinic to work diagnosed me with gall stones without doing any proper exam. Sent me away with difene suppositories and advised if the pain got worse over Christmas go to A& E. Couldn’t eat for the next 5 days but stuck it out and the pain passed. Unfortunately the following month I had a 15 day period. Went to my gp who prescribed something to make them stop ,I can’t remember what it was and thankfully they did 5 days later. My gp advised to watch the next 3 months and if still worse than normal for me come back. It was and those months felt so long. I always had really bad heavy periods but the next 13 months were so hard. I couldn’t take a contraceptive as every form i had tried over the years to help with heavy periods had seriously disagreed with me. Heavier than usual periods contiuned 8, 9 and for 10 days. Could barely work but had to put that smile on my face stepping through the doors every morning and keep going. Because that is what we have been taught to do as women. For someone who never suffered from headaches they became a regular occurrence constant cramping and nausea. Was referred to a Gynaecologist after 3 months and had to wait until October that year to get in to see him .this was a private appointment! If I had opted to go public my gp advised I could be waiting at least 18 months instead of 6. The long and the short of it was a large demoid cyst on a twisted ovary. Both ovary and fallopian tube could not be saved and as the gyny put it, a women of my age, sure what did need them for. Yes that was spoken out loud. The kicker was myself and my now husband do not have children. I had never been lucky enough to fall pregnant prior to 2017. The miscarriage at the time played havoc with my mental health not to mind the thought of loosing half my reproductive system. Jan 2019 both my left tube and ovary were removed and that should have improved my symptoms. Unfortunately not and covid 19 hit and appointments went out the window.2020 arrive and it was not until Sumner when another appointment was forthcoming. November 2020 resulted in a d& c. December 2020 was my last period. Roll on 18 months of further insanity 3 to 4 hot flushes per hour no sleep, serious fatigue, crying meltdowns over nothing. Joints so sore can barely move ,headaches more like migraines bloating,dry skin dry hair, thinking hair by my forehead, itching skin, restless legs at night, waking up to pins and needless and numbness in my hands and feet . Numbness in my feet when walking or hiking, 2 Stone weight gain and in the middle of all of this my partner became my husband. What a man! A bit of spotting in April 2022, 4 weeks of nausea sore breasts, sore lower back all resulting in another miscarriage at 7 weeks of twins. It can happen apparently spontaneous follicle production even during this phase of not having periods. At this stage i really felt like life was having a good laugh at my expense. A final d&c in August 2022 and finally hrt starting sept 2022. All through this a full time job and a gp who wanted to put me on antidepressants. And when i initially asked about the halting of my periods was told i had to be 12 months without one to classified as menopausal. At 14 months without one was then told the classification had changed to 2 years without a period. ! When i asked about hrt she advised me to research it myself as she couldn’t advise if the right course of treatment for me. But was pushing the mirena coil as was the gyny i was referred to. None of them were able to answer my concerns around its affects on someone like me who had been unable to take any form of contraception due to the side effects . So I did research hrt and decided August 2022 to start, following another d& c . I felt if it didn’t suit I could at least could control it myself but a coil was in and not as easy to stop should side effects result. The really sad thing is not once in the last 2 years have my bloods been taken to check my hormone levels particularly with what I went through. And my gp is a woman. I was given a standard dose of hrt via a prescription in the post by my gygny consultant and no directions on usage. The first 3 weeks were bliss my hot flushes disappeared I started sleeping I felt a bit more motivated to get more exercise so started 2 classes a week and get my walks in around the week. How ever 1 month in the spotting started. Now I’m bleeding every 2 weeks. Cramps headaches and it feels like pms. The only upside is the periods are not as heavy as what I was used to. If you can even call that an upside. On estradot patch 50mg twice a week and 100gm of utrogestan dailt taken continually. I can’t and don’t want to go back to periods. It’s playing with my subconscious and toying with the unrealistic hope of conceiving at my age. Crazy unrealistic unachievable but is there. We had come to terms with not being able to have children and we were dealing with the events of May this year which threw a complete spanner in our decisions. We are in a good place now and I can’t have this peace eroded. I don’t want to grin and bear 2 week periods for a few months to see if it settles as per my gp. My gyny can’t see me until December the one who initially prescribed HRT. Why are we women second class citizens when it comes to health in any country. If I want to attend the one menopause clinic outside of Dublin , in cork near where I live( a small geographical mercy) I have to pay, they are all private. €250 for 1st visit and €100 every time after. But I can only attend if referred by my gp. I feel like stopping hrt 2 months in but the fear of all the symptoms I was having compared to the remaining headaches around the periods, the nausea during the periods the joint pain which never reduced. I feel its a small price to pay right now. Am I mad?
Hello! Please can you help, i have the same prescription as you- but im getting mixed messages – do i take gel and tablet at same time of day or gel in the am and tablet before bed?
Thanks so so much
Rachael
I do morning for gel and evening for tablet. The gel can make my restless legs worse so I’ve been told to do it this way. The tablets make you drowsy, so that’s why it’s best to take them at night.
I have just been prescribed Oestrogen and Ultrogestan. I am sure the doctor said use the gel in the morning and take the tablets at night but reading the leaflets that came with them, they say to take the tablets and the gel at the same time – any advice? What do you ladies do?
Most women follow your GP’s advice – morning for the gel and evening for the tablets, as they can make you drowsy.
Hi beautiful ladies,
I need some advice please I’ve been taking home replacement gel and tablets I have been taking them my period didn’t stop for two months I did talk to my GP about it and she thinks they will stop with time but I’m fed up with it I don’t know if it’s anybody else experienced same thing or not. To be honest I’m starting to worry about it. If anybody could reply that would be very kind thank you very much
What a great site, thank you for sharing your experience.
I was put on the same gel with testosterone some years ago but I have recently moved to Greece and I’m struggling to find the equivalent here.
I’m 70 now and having had my gall bladder removed realise that I was probably not digesting the ultrogeston so have changed to using vaginal Cyclogest 200mg (I use half (100mg) for the first 7 days of the month).
I was prescribed (and have been using) 3 pumps a day of Estrogel and one pump of Tostran 2% gel every 3rd day with the Cyclogest as per above.
So, I have found Dermestril 25 patches here in Greece but am having difficulty finding the equivalent to 3 pumps a day of Estrogel (2.25 mg) with the patches which recommend 2 patches x week.
I am also not clear if Dermestril and Cyclogest are also bio-identical.
Can anyone help – I will be glad to help anyone moving from UK to Europe through this maze.
Welcome and thank you for the info, Elizabeth (great name!). It must be so difficult finding the right HRT in another country x
Hi girls glad I have joined up as I don’t feel so alone now. So, I have started using HRT after 18 years. Why now?? Well, I had early menopause at 40 had my daughter at 37 after that my periods stopped. My doctor back then put me on four different types of HRT which did not suit made me go loopy and I came off all of it as was too scared, it frightened me. Now, 18 years later I have decided to have another go. I have osteopenia in my hip and lower spine and my mum has Alzheimer’s and dementia. Therefore, I needed to investigate HRT again. After seeing a consultant she started me off with Oestrogel two pumps in the morning and one 100mg of Utrogestan at night which was fine. I felt absolutely amazing… a new woman completely alive my libido increased massively I was on top of the world shouting down. Now, since August, I have been having the most horrendous periods which after 18 years is alien to me. My breasts have been so painful and tender that I have had to wear a bra at night in bed too painful to take off. I was told to increase the Utrogestanti 300mls at night which I have done. I have also been given Tostran one pump every other day on my wrists. Today, I am in bed, still with a heavy period and feeling low.😞 How my mood has changed since increasing the Utrogestan. I am now wondering g whether I should increase the Oestrogel?? I am having periods every two weeks now, heavy. Has anyone else experienced this erratic bleeding and low mood. It is definitely the increase in progesterone I think. I want to go back to the person I was in August with the happy factor can anyone advise me please. Thanks girls.
I started HRT 6 months ago and was put on Evorel Conti patches which I changed twice a week (not had a period for a few years now – am 54). After a few months the patches gave me a terrible rash and made me itch in that area. Doctor changed patches to Femseven patches which was a weekly patch. Still I had the itching and rash so he put me on Oestrogel 2 pumps which I put on in morning and one Utrogestan 100mg tablet which I take when I go to bed. Am having great sleep. I have been on the gel and tablets for only 5 days and I feel so low and am very weepy. Do I have to give it time? Obviously my other HRT is still in my system but never felt so low when I was on patches. Do you think it will get better once the different HRT settles down? Any advice would be great. Thanks.
It all takes time to settle, Clare. Give it a little more and then see your doctor x
I was told I was going through menopause at 32 and finally at 37 I have just started on Oestrogel and Utrogestan. Really hoping it makes a difference, it’s been a horrible few years where doctors wouldn’t help despite referring me to a specialist and having a barrage of test results backing up the diagnosis!
I feel you, I had the diagnosis at 37 and have been intermittently on HRT, with large periods of no cure because my ovaries seemed to work again and doctors just told me to “wait”. You’ll get better, it’s sure as math!
I’m 53 and still get a natural cycle resuming if I get continuous HRT or tibolone. If they stop giving me hormones, my body stops using them to create a cycle, periods stop again. I had more than a year of no hrt=no periods just to check I really am post menopausal. The periods are regular and of the usual duration, just like when I was 15, lol. Got to admit it’s draining at this age.
What is your utrogestan use now ? I was out on cyclical 2x oral tablets for 12 days of my cycle . But I was also suicidal . I switched it after lots of research to vaginally 1 tablet every other night (so just 6 nights ) and this is a game changer but I get a withdrawal after the cycle has ended so I’m about to try one vaginally every other day all month !!! My gP is worse than useless -!!
Where do you get utrogestan if your GP doesn’t cooperate? Mine is also close to useless, doesn’t believe hrt can affect mood negatively (only positively) and won’t prescribe utrogestan to me to try because it’s no more natural than the cheap ones.
Don’t tell me, I have once cut the patch in half because… the doctor had told me so!! I was *slightly* dubious it was not quite a smart move, but I did it and I felt, well, awful! I don’t think I’ll take patches anymore, there’s no way to adjust the dose.
Hi, I’m a newbie to HRT (on my second month of Oestrogel gel and Utrogestan) and I’m suffering with very sore boobs almost to the point, it reminds me of breastfeeding boobs! Can anyone please advise if this phase will pass and when?
Love reading all the posts here, so glad to know I’m not the only one who has these symptoms.
It can take about 3 months for your hormones to settle, but keep a watch out and if you’re concerned, see your GP. x
I have the same doctor!
Not really, but my GP will not under any circumstances prescribe me separate products after I reacted badly to the combined patch Evorel Conti. Lots of women love it, my GP thinks I ought to love it, but it made me suicidal after 10 or 11 weeks of feeling a bit better.
My GP says if I reacted to Evorel then I’ll react to them all because the progesterone (which I have experience with and blame for good reasons from my medical history) in Evorel conti is bioidentical to mine. Her opinion is that I’m wrong to think my mood could be affected by it at all, never mind making me suicidal. She thinks hrt simply cannot do that, it’s a wonderdrug that women love in all realistic circumstances. If I didn’t like it then my expectations must have been unrealistic.
I disagree, for what that is worth, being the person inhabiting this body and actually feeling what is going on doesn’t make my word mean much unfortunately. I asked for Utrogestan and an oestrogen gel. She said she’d never heard of hrt in a gel.
She’s young. In twenty years she’ll understand but that’s not much use to me now!
I went away, checked my info then phoned back with the brand name of an available gel and confirmation from google that the GP had it wrong about there being bioidentical progesterone in Evorel Conti, it’s totally synthetic.
I needn’t have bothered, she hasn’t had time to speak to me in the six months since. I wasn’t rude, they are just busier with things that kill people directly I guess.
I have got speaking to a locum on several occassions, that got me a non hrt treatment called tibolone and a referral to the NHS menopause clinic.
Now I’ve bought some hormones off the internet to try, I’ve been trying to get hrt off the GP for over a year now. They wouldn’t expect a man to live so long with something affecting his ability to work when there is a simple take home cure they refuse to bother looking into.
I hope these are ok and work for me, not my preference to shop online for meds, but I’ve been six months on the NHS waiting list and it could be months or years more, noone can tell me.
I’m 53 now, do they expect me to wait until I’m 90?
I might have other problems for them to ignore by then, y’know?
Hi Poppy,
You may not get to even see this but your GP is incorrect on so many levels. Trying you on just one combined patch and saying that you’ll react like that to all HRT is quite honestly, horrific. The progesterone in Evorel conti in synthetic, but perhaps she meant the estradiol was body identical ( it’s not bio identical which is a different thing altogether). There are many Oreo stations you can try to see which suits abd they all affect women differently. I can only hope your GP has some more knowledge now on HRT before she damages further women and I hope you manage to get your perfect HRT. I saw a menopause specialist in the end, as my GP also clueless.
I’ve been on the gel and tablets since August feeling far better but went to get my tablets last week to be told a supply issue and I’ve list count how many pharmacies I’ve been to to try and get them. Haven’t had tablets from 6 days now praying gp can sort something tomorrow feeling very depressed again joints are hurting all again. Are anyone else struggling to get them?
Hi,
Ive had a marina coil in place for around 6 weeks now. Im having spotting everyday at the moment and Im sure my face has become more puffy. My boobs are constantly tender and feel full (wheras prior to the marina coil I had fried eggs, which Ive grown to love, as fuller boobs makes me feel fat!).
Ive just started applying 2 x pumps of oestrogel 75mg as my mood has been horrific. Snappy, unkind, and very strong suicidal feelings at times. I have been on antidepressants since my late teens and am currently taking cutalopram which had kept me mainly stable in mood until the recent onslaught of perimenopause. Im just wondering if the marina is causing the suicidal thoughts, mood swings etc. Do you think adding the oestrogen gel will help or should I have the marina coil removed and try the progesterone pill and oestrogen gel combination?
The bloated feeling is getting me down too 😩.
Sending love to you all through this, yet another, extremely challenging phase of womanhood.
Hi. I am 55 and still having periods. I am on 1mg of sadrena gel and 100mg Prostergon capsule every day for about a year and I have noticed no difference. I dont have night sweats (had for a few months about 2 years ago) but a lot of brain fog and the anxiety is horrible. I am constantly in a state of high anxiety/frustration and lack of patience (all internally, I try not to show it externally, about 80% success:) and seeking solace in food & drink. I called my doctor to say it wasnt working and could I try anoher gel/capsule formula. She said they are all the same so no point in trying another. Is this the case? Does this mean the anxiety is not due to HRT? I was hoping it was rather than a now permanent state of being with depressants being the only solution.
Hi Midge. I’d ask to see another GP! Some HRT types suit one person and some suit another. They are not all the same! Please go back and ask to see someone else x
Thank you!
” I was so scared of the suicidal thoughts I’d had when the progesterone got me last year.”
Did you get suicidal from starting progesterone? I just started taking Utrogestan so I’m kinda worried.
I discovered I have a progesterone sensitivity, so patches and femostan made me feel bad, but utrogestan didn’t do this at all. Monitor your thoughts and feelings and talk to your GP if you’re feeling worried x
I have been on Kliofem for a couple of years (no-bleed combi) and was really liking it but have been so tired, my GP has suggested trying Evorel 75 patches and Utrogestan 100mg. I was not sure about the Utrogestan especially as you have to take it on an empty stomach (I finish work at 10pm often and am ravenous when I get home but the chemist says I can eat 15 minutes after taking it).
Hoping it resolves my tiredness. Feeling very lucky to otherwise be feeling well reading some of the experiences here!
Hi all,
I am feeling quite desperate this morning. I am 52, post-menopausal, and a previous Kidney and tongue cancer survivor. After not having a period for 18 months and feeling rather nauseas with low mood for quite some time I asked my GP for a referral to a HRT clinic.
After an assessment they gave me Everol 50 along with Utrogestan 100mg. I tried this combination and didn’t get on with the tablet so they switched me onto the combined Everol Conti patch. Been using this for 6 months now and no change to my mood or symptoms so went back and told them I was going to come off of HRT as it was not working for me. They then offered me the same combination that I was initially prescribed but to use the Utrogestan vaginally. It’s took me 4 weeks to get the prescription as out of stock everywhere and when I finally was able to get it I took the patch on for the first time last night and used the Utrogestan vaginally. Oh my, I have had the worst night ever. Body was rushing, heart was pumping, I couldn’t sleep, eyes were sore, head hurts, so I’ve took the patch off this morning and will not use this combination again. I hope my body starts to normalise again throughout the day, it feels scary! I’m not sure what to do now… Has anybody experienced this sensation with this combo or is it just me? X
I’m sitting here a big confused mess but hearing everyone’s stories really has helped ,I’ve been on utrogestan 100mg for the last 3 months orally and I have a 5 day break at the end of tge month because I’m so tired in the daytime, my gp gave me estrogen gel last week 1 pump a day and on day 2, I was an absolute mess I literally felt like I had been spiked I was so emotional, angry,scared anxiety like I was going mad so I stopped , I’m still on just utrogestan but feel so low forgetful constantly eating no energy can’t concentrate
I have been on the combination for 5 month now , and it’s been life changing for me . I’m finally off antidepressants, after 20 years ( from peri menopause to menopause)
I am experiencing periods at the mo but been told it’s normal up to six months , as I didn’t go through the menopause until 57 , so my hormones are like a 53 year olds 🤦🏻♀️
But the brain frog has lifted along with my moods ( except for a few days b4 my period ) I’m not a sweaty mess anymore either along with every other symptom.. it is scary when I dip with my period , as I had pmdd and the trauma is very real , paranoia and the depression was the worse .. but working through this with no meds.. I’m feeling and living my life for the 1st time in 20 years
Hi this thread is so great.
I wondered if anyone could help me. Im 40 and have recently started gel pumps and utrogestan which I take at night. But it makes me so dizzy and the other night I fainted when I got up for a pee during the night and hit my head badly. I’m a single parent and really dreading nights where I could collapse again.
Will side effects like this go away eventually? Or can I reduce the 2 utrogestan capsules to one?
Thanks
I started HRT when I had all the symptoms possible, including very painful intercourse (atrophying vagina – which nobody talks about in magazines!) I was on two different pills. Trouble was, when I changed to the Progesteron pill, I got migraine, so I was moved to a combined pill – Kilofem – which was great, and cheaper because I only paid one prescription fee instead of two. I was on that for about eight years. Now I’ve been moved to Oestrogel (2 pumps in the morning onto my arms) and Utrogestan at night. So far, all seems well, although I wake in the night with a very dry mouth.
I was appalled to read your first GP’s lack of knowledge on HRT but not surprised, since I heard the HRT module at uni was an option on the medical course. Thank goodness we have a dedicated HRT nurse at our practice. Fingers crossed that this mode of treatment continues to suit me, because I have no desire to come off HRT.
I still have periods and blood tests show I’m peri menopausal with low oestrogen levels. Ive been having awful symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats, massive headaches, achy bones and muscles, brain fog, lethargy and increased heart rate. I have just been prescribed Utrogestan 100mg (take 2 at bedtime) for 12 days each cycle and Estraderm mx25 patches (apply twice weekly).
I’ve got home with my prescription and I’m confused of how to take them together. It says to apply a patch within 5 days of my next bleed so is day one of my cycle considered to be the first day I apply the patch or the first day of my period. If I apply the patch on the first day of my period then is day 15 considered to he 15 days after my period starts or 15 days after I apply the first patch? I’m so worried I’m going to do it wrong and it won’t be of any benefit. TIA
Wow! I have came across this page whilst googling what my HRT is supposed to be doing for me. I am also on the gel and tablet combo, have been for 6 months now. I also take 200mg sertraline tablets for depression. (Upped steadily from 50mg, 100mg,150mg to now 200mg) for various reasons over the years. For years I have been feeling hopeless, anxiety, hot flushes/night sweats, suicidal thoughts. I have never really had a proper cycle when i was younger as I got the depo contraception, I did not bleed as you should. Maybe once a month seen a teaspoon full. Got sterilised when I was 23 as already had 3 children. I was diagnosed menopausal at age 40, I am now 50 and as I say on the gel and tablets HRT. I think it has improved my overall mood as i was so down and felt hopeless. I still feel down most days, i still get the whole array of symptoms, the brain fog and anxiety are the most worrying for me. I am now waiting on a call from the Dr as I need a prescription for more HRT. Could he up the dose of them to lift my mood and alleviate my symptoms? I am so grateful to have found this site. As there really isn’t much info or help anywhere. Also I changed my doctors a few years ago. I was on hrt and lower dose anti depressants for the first 2 years of menopause. Then as i saw an archaic Dr who said “why are you depressed?” I told him I didn’t know, to which he replied “you haven’t lost a child, Mother, Father or husband” !! And that his mother and grandmother all went through menopause with no problem. I left his room crying and didn’t get my prescription made up. He said there must be something making me depressed. I left my husband for a few months. 😒 There really should be more information for us women who think we are going crazy and we have to just put up with these horrendous symptoms as it’s a part of life. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you xx
Hello, I’m 55 years old , living in Belgium.
I take exactly the same combination as you :-). 12 days Utrogestan , 2 pills every evening.Then stop for 14 days. I sleep much better with the Utrogestan. Oestrogel 2 pumps in the morning.
Before I had Mirena and never felt so good with it and glad I didn’t needed it anymore, I felt relieved in the beginning. I thought: yes no more hormones… But then after one month without the Mirena I started to feel very bad, very tired, sweating in the night, and terrible hormonal headaches almost ever day… I took Ibuprofen almost every day. My gynaecologist that took out the Mirena was not pro HST. She is more occupied with pregnant ladies. But exhausted I went to a young lady GP . She said her mother also took hormones in her menopause. She said go to another gynaecologist which I luckily did. She prescribed me what I wrote earlier. Now almost no headaches anymore. But I feel less good when I stop the Utrogestan. That’s my experience after two months and a half. Will see if it stabilises.
I was shocked the Utrogestan is not covered by the national health insurance. So women pay the full amount in Belgium for this medicine. The oestrogel is paid back partially. I don’t understand how it’s possible that women after a certain age are all forgotten about… If the contraceptive pill is paid back by national health, why not hormones for women if they feel much better with this? Unbelievable…
I wish all women all the best in their search. Don’t hesitate to change your doctor. Sometimes they just are not in to HST. It’s normal that everyone has it’s own specialty. Sorry for my English, I do my best 😉
Hi.
Thinking of stopping my Utrogestan and Everol 50. I seem to get breast tenderness. Do any of you get the same please.
Omgosh, never have I seen so many comments on a blog post! And you reply to so many, just found your blog on my first month of gel and utrogestan, and wow look how essential your presence is!
Still gonna join in! I’m periperi, lol.
I’m scared of the utrogestan for low mood. Years ago I was on the mirena coil and took it out because I had rapid cycling mini periods and depression the entire 6 months. Didnt think about that because of the balancing oestrogen gel, but now started utrogestan and straight off am having pre menstrual low mood, despair, crying, skin breakouts etc! For 12 days BEFORE I start my break for a period? Ugh!
I know it’s important for health, and so nobody can advise to take a lower dose, I just wonder if anyone ever has or if there is any accessible scientific review on risks at lower doses pre menopause.
THANK YOU for your blog and do you have a pattern??