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[vintagefiend]

Hi there,

Haven't had a period for 8 months and have been experiencing various meno symptoms so probably almost menopausal.
Oestrogel has lifted me from a hell-hole of depression!! this was by far the worst meno symptom for me so i am very thankful.

My issue is that i haven't taken any progestogen (i have utrogestan on standby) and I'm coming up to 12 weeks of oestrogel (2 pumps daily)
I hate progestogens and have felt suicidal on the mirena so this is something i have been dreading and wanted to put off anyway to ensure that the oestrogen therapy was working.
My useless GP doesn't know i haven't taken my prescribed utrogestan but the whole thing is just not worth discussing with him- he is dire!!
does anyone know what a standard 3 monthly dose of utrogestan is likely to be for someone on 2 pumps oestrogel. I'm happy to take vaginally
 i will get a referral to a meno doc or specialist gp but this all takes time and energy so i've started without them!
i realise i might seem a bit cavalier but i have previously seen a private gynae who told me that 3 or 4 bleeds a year is fine.
I'll ask for a scan also.
i've been offered a hysterectomy previously and may well follow this up but in the meantime i know i need to grit my teeth and have a bleed!!
must admit i feel like i need a period- have lower back ache and feel quite lethargic- also retaining water- peeing lots which is annoying!!
thank you for any help.

[KiltedCupid]

Hi vintage friend - I hear you! Prog is the work of the devil for me, but a necessary evil unfortunately.

As you've not had a bleed in 3 months I'd imagine 12-14 days of prog would be your best bet. Preferably vaginally. I know it takes a while for the prog to fully ready the endo for a bleed so if you attempted a short prog cycle, you'd probably not shed the lot. Start off with 100mcg and move up to 200mcg for as much as you can take and that should do the trick, you'll know by your bleed. Just my opinion, but if was was doing 3 monthly bleeds, I'd defo have bi-annual scans.

All the best!

[Hurdity]

Hi vintagefiend - I agree re the timing. I would go for 14 days x 200 mg vaginally not orally as a minimum to start with and ensure you get some sort of bleed. Then see what bleed you get. If necessary and depending on your bleed wait another two weeks and take another course eg 12 days x 100 mg. Ideally you should do this under medical supervision to ensure your lining is not overthickening.

The only proprieatry product which gives prog 3 monthly gives 14 days of prog (Tridestra) per 3 months ( 12 weeks) and at double the dose of the same progestogen taken cyclically every month.
 
Three or 4 bleeds a year may be fine but depends on you, your absorption, your womb lining and your oestrogen dose which is why medical supervision is necessary.

If you are feeling pms-ish well maybe you have ovulated and your period will come naturally but you will still need to take extra progesterone due to the additional oestrogen you have been taking.

Right pain I know but you must look after yourself! Glad you have been feeling generally better

Hurdity x

[vintagefiend]

Thank you very much for your replies, ladies- really appreciated.

Right, I'll start tonight and keep under the radar for the next 2 weeks!!
I do feel a bit PMS-like which is odd after all this time- zits on chin, irritability (hasn't happened since last period 8 months ago).
I wonder if taking the oestrogen has encouraged my body to produce what progesterone it can via ovaries?!
or is it only possible through ovulation?
just would be surprised if i'd ovulated- though realise it's entirely possible!
Thanks again