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[Francie]

Hi

I have been prescribed Femoston 1/10 and am also considering the other options including Utrogestan and separate oestrogen. However from what i can see, the dose for Utrogestan (for peri-menopause) is 200mg for 12 days, whereas the dydrogesterone dose in the Femoston is only 10 mg for 14 days. Could someone let me know whether i have got this right , since i am wondering why the Utrogestan dose  is so much bigger??

Thank you 

[Cassie]

The Dydrogesterone is synthetic, whereas the Utrogestan is 100% micronised pure Progesterone, perhaps that is why, but I am sure that one of the experts will be along shortly to clear this up

[Francie]

Hi again
 
Yes I know it bioidentical but I was surprised that the dose of Utrogestan is 20 times greater than Dydrogesterone per day. Unless i have got it completely wrong. Can anyone shed any light please?

[Francie]

Hi Ladies

Has anyone any thoughts on this query? If not may have to contact Dr Currie and pay £15.
Many thanks

[Hurdity]

Hi Francie

I've just had a quick look at this paper and I think this is your answer:

As progesterone is rapidly metabolized in the intestinal tract, liver and many other tissues, its effectiveness is dependent on the galenic preparation, and – if administered orally or vaginally – on a high dosage. Therefore, most HRT preparations contain a synthetic progestogen (progestin) which can be used at relatively low doses because its inactivation is slowed down owing to structural peculiarities.

http://www.cenegenicsfoundation.org/library/library_files/Pharmacology_of_estrogens_and_progestogens___influence_of_different_routes_of_administration.pdf

As Cassie says - Dydrogesterone is synthetic - even though it is the closest progestogen to prgoesterone.

It costs £25 now to consult with Dr Currie - so I hope this helps answer your question!

Hurdity x

[Taz2]

Thanks Hurdity. Its good to have an explanation.

Taz x

[Francie]

Hi Hurdity

Thank you very much for taking the time to look this up for me - really appreciate it, especially since the fee has gone up !

I had a look at the article but it was really far too complex for me.  However I have been taking the Femoston for about a month - thought i'd give it a try over Xmas and see what happened. I am pleased and a bit surprised to say that i am feeling  lots better - less tired and stressed, no flushes, sleeping better, less acne and generally more positive. I am a bit worried that there must be a catch but i guess that is the increased risks of various things! Not sure whether to try the oestrogen patch and Utrogestan. I know the patch has lower risk of dvt. I have had some pms symptoms on the Dydrogestan but not too bad. Are there any other benefits to Utrogestan other than less pms?
Owe you a drink!
Francie x

[Sarah2]

Hi

There is some research which seems to show a link between natural progesterone and lower risk of breast cancer.

This is the paper

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1974841/

The most relevant parts if you want a quick read are the introduction and the conclusion.

[Dancinggirl]

Francie - I know a few ladies on Femiston and they are doing really well.  I believe the progesterone in Femiston brings fewer side effects than most of the other synthetic ones. If you are feeling good, I'd stick with it - at least for the time being. Yes, Utrogestan is described as  "breast friendly" by Dr. Currie and maybe give it a try at some stage. I haven't tried Utrogestan but now I am very post meno I may give it a go.  I think one of the problems with Utrogestan is that it needs to be taken on an empty stomach before going to bed and can cause heartburn - some ladies use it vaginally which can effect the bladder (make you go to loo more often). I don't think there is any HRT that doesn't bring some, often small, downsides but the benefits usually make these side effects worth tolerating.
You have been given a low dose HRT and your cancer risk is likely to be very low.  Instead of worrying about the risks, think about the benefits to your long term bone & heart health and the improved quality of life you are now experiencing.  Enjoy life now.  DG xx 

[Francie]

Hi everyone

Many thanks to all who have responded - the info/input is really appreciated. I am going to see a meno specialist to discuss whether I should try the patch plus utrogestan and generally talk things through and will let you know what transpires. xx