Progesterone in HRT
What Is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a female sex hormone produced in our ovaries and adrenal glands. It prepares the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. If we don’t conceive and fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels fall leading us to have a period.
Why do we need it as part of HRT?
Oestrogen reduces may of our menopausal symptoms but it thickens the lining of our womb. Left “unopposed” the lining would get thicker, cause bleeding and changes that could be cancerous. The right amount of Progesterone is prescribed relating to the amount of Oestrogen you are using. Reduces your health risks.
Types.
There are 2 types of Progesterone. Synthetic which is called “Progestin” found in MIRENA, patches and tablets. Progesterone is mimicking our bodies natural hormone and is called “Micronised Progesterone” or Body Identical Progesterone.
Problematic Progesterone?
Many women take Progesterone and have very little side effects. In fact, a common side effects of Micronised Progesterone gives you a good nights sleep! That can’t be bad!
Side effects are common with any medication and HRT is the same. Side effects of Progesterone cause physical symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, spotting etc.
However, the psychological effects can be much worse and can impact some women quite significantly. If you have depression, significant mood swings, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), if have or could have a Neurodivergence or if you are someone who is sensitive to hormones you aren’t alone. You may be afraid of taking HRT because of this, or are you someone who didn’t get on with the Pill? Talking to qualified Menopause Specialists means I am qualified to understand your health, symptoms and offer you the best Progesterone.
Types Of Progesterone
MIRENA Coil.
During my menopause consultations I always discuss types of HRT. This includes types of Progesterone. If you have a womb you will be prescribed Progesterones as part of your HRT. A MIRENA IUD (coil) is an excellent choice. You can see how tiny it is. It’s inserted like having a cervical smear, your cervical is opened and it’s inserted through the opening in your Cervix into your womb. Yes it’s a bit uncomfortable but 15 mins later it’s all done!
The MIRENA delivers synthetic progestin directly to your womb. The doses are so small as it lasts up to 5 years! The amount absorbed around the blood stream is very low.
It controls heavy bleeding like nothing else, it’s a Contraception and it provides your Progesterone part of your HRT.
Most GP surgeries fit them.
What does it look like? It’s tiny! Click HERE for video.
MIRENA Coil
Micronised Progesterone.
This is a body identical HRT and I prescribe it very frequently. It’s derived from wild yams and soya. When absorbed into the blood stream it binds to receptors more effectively than synthetic progestein’s. It doesn’t increase risks of blood clots and reduces your risks of breast cancer. If you are perimenopausal I prescribe it 12 nights a month and if you are post-menopausal I prescribe it to be taken every bedtime. Taking it continuously reduces your risks of developing Endometrial Cancer. You should always take it as I have prescribed it. Examples of Micronised Progesterones are Utrogestan and Gepretix.
I prescribe Micronised Progesterone by mouth and off licence vaginally. The vaginal route needs to be prescribed this way. Many women who have side effects to Progesterone find this route suits them better.
Synthetic Progestins.
These are found in the Progesterone only Pill, combined oral HRT, patches and in the MIRENA Coil. Patches will have different hormones depending if you are perimenopausal or post menopausal. There are many examples such as Levonorgestrel, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Norethisterone. They all have different benefits, risks, side effects and if I’m prescribing them, I will discuss these with you.
Need Expert Advice?
Do you have questions about your current HRT regime?
Having some side effects and want to know if you can have a different Progesterone?
Would you like to talk to a Menopause Specialist?
If you need a HRT review or would like to talk to me about your HRT, please email me
Or book a consultation directly via www.bourne2care.co.uk
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Diane.
