I am on estradiol patches with progesterone orally 10 days per month. Based on my two years of skipping periods for months and my fsh level over 100, the doctor initially offered me a combined continuous patch. I had read that until I've missed periods for 2 years (because I'm 39), I need to be on a sequential regimen. Further, because of negative experiences in the past with BCP and Mirena, I requested the micronized progesterone instead of synthetic progestin. The doctor obliged.
Now, in looking at my symptom calendar, I do believe I feel better on the progesterone days than on the estrogen only days. My first couple days on progesterone I feel sluggish, but then adapt and feel much calmer and happier the remaining days. I'm still grasping for a pattern to my moods, so I plan to observe this for one more cycle to be certain.
My question is: Is there any harm in going onto a continous combined patch before I'm officially post-menopausal? Aside from erratic bleeding patterns, are there other potential problems with it at this stage? If not, just how bad is the erratic bleeding, like lots of spotting, unpredictable light periods, or heavy anemia-inducing floods for weeks on end? I realize taking the Utro continously would also be an option, but for cost savings and convenience I may consider trying a synthetic for a short time.
