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[LucyLoo]

Hi, I'm 42 and just over 3 months into the Prof Studd regime of 4 pumps of oestrogel and 100mg utrogestan (vaginally) 7 days per month, plus pea sized blob of testogel, for severe PMS and osteopenia. I started on 3 pumps of oestrogel but needed to go up to 4 pumps to override my cycle. I'm getting on pretty well so far and feel better than I did. As I'm doing OK on the 100mg utrogestan, Mike Savvas suggested at my 3 month review that I try 200mg of utrogestan for 7 days to see how I get on. He said if the PMS symptoms come back, I can go back down to 100mg. I am very nervous about increasing the utrogestan dose as I know I don't get on well with progesterone. On every type of BCP I've tried I've felt dreadful as the progesterone's built up with anxiety, depression, exhaustion and rage. I know I won't know if I get this reaction with 200mg utrogestan unless I try but I'm loath to risk it. I'm a single parent and don't want to risk putting my children through it if I react badly as I'm on my own with them so much. I've been so relieved to be OK on the 100mg (and spent so much money so far in order to try this regime!) it feels like a bad idea to rock the boat. However I do appreciate what a low progesterone dose it is and that it might mean my uterine lining isn't shedding enough. I was therefore thinking I could try having a uterine scan after a withdrawal bleed to measure my uterine lining. At least that way I'd know if the 100mg utrogestan is doing it's job or not. Please could anyone who's had a uterine scan after a bleed let me know how they went about it? Did you get it on the NHS or did you have to pay? Did you do it whilst still bleeding or after it had finished? I'm seeing my GP in a few weeks to ask about getting my oestrogel and utrogestan prescription on the NHS so can ask about uterine scans then and would appreciate any advice in advance please x

[Mary G]

First of all, I would ring Dr Savvas and tell him you really don't want to rock the boat and risk undoing all the good work you have done.   I'm sure he will understand because I had an email from another MM member a few months ago who said he had told her she could take less than that with regular scans.   I also take less than you with regular scans.   Also ask him why he wants you to double the dose. 

Are you using it vaginally?   It is better to take 100mg vaginally than 200mg orally.   

If you are progesterone intolerant you might he able to arrange scans via your GP otherwise there are private clinics that do them.

I would definitely opt for 100mg Utrogestan for 7 days with regular scans.   I take the view that it's safer to take less progesterone with regular scans that a high dose of progesterone and NEVER having scans.

By the way, I had another email from a former member whose gynaecologist told her that the NHS are conducting a 5 day Utrogestan trial for progesterone intolerant women.   I don't have any details on this but her gynaecologist is letting her try it under supervision.   Sounds very promising.

[LucyLoo]

Thanks for your quick reply Mary. Dr Savvas said I was OK to go back down to 100mg if I didn't get on with the 200mg and that I didn't need to contact him to tell him (as I have a six month review booked in in September). So I think I'll be OK to stick with the 100mg without calling or emailing him. I think he just wanted me to have a go in case it does suit me but on reflection I am too nervous to risk the impact it may have on my mental health and my children.

I am taking the 100mg vaginally. I know my local hospital does uterine scans as I've had one in the past for fibroids (via GP). I've got my fingers crossed I get a sympathetic GP who's happy to refer me for a scan that I can book in for the end of a bleed. If the GP doesn't agree, please could you let me know how I'd find a private clinic and what are the costs like?

That is promising news about the NHS trial!