HRT or birth control pill?

[Jpaterson]

Hello,

I’m 47 yrs old and 14 wks on estraderm patches, Utrogestan but recently added in the mini pill Cerazette for suspected endometriosis. Since starting my HRT journey, I’ve had nothing but terrible endo flares. Pelvic pain, bloating, frequent urination, uti’s, constipation etc. I’m in such a dilemma. Do I stay on this regime with the hopes the adding the mini pill will eventually do it’s thing and help with the pain or Do I scrap HRT altogether and go back on the combination pill? Do I just live with the peri symptom’s of extreme fatigue, anxiety, dizziness and heat surges but be endo pain free?

The other reason I’m on HRT is because of a family history of osteoporosis. Currently on the waiting list for diagnostic laparoscopy, but in the mean time can’t live like this! 

[Lindle]

You can't take the combined pill with HRT but you can take the mini pill. The combined pill would effectively act as HRT as well. But it is not to be given after age 50 and should really be stopped in the 40s so I think it very unlikely that a doctor would support you going on it at age 47 due to risks.

There is no guarantee that the any pill will help with endo pain. It is only appropriate for mild endo . I assume you have had a scan that showed nothing and ruled anything else out?

[Jpaterson in reply to Lindle]

Thanks! I had a transvaginal scan back in March that showed no endo but featureless ovaries and thin endometrium. Gynae told me that this was because the low contraceptive pill was doing its job. The only reason I stopped the contraceptive pill was because peri symptoms took over hence why I’m now on HRT and also for high family risk of osteoporosis.Meno specialist has come back and said I can go back on the low contraceptive pill but my gp feels I should stay on the HRT and add in the mini pill for the above reasons, but she has also written to gynae again to push for a lap or MRI.

[Lindle in reply to Jpaterson]

If it was a regular ultrasound it would be very unlikely to show anything as they only look at the reproductive organs.

[Belle76]

I don’t know anything about endo but maybe get referred to a menopause specialist clinic. You could also try a gel which gives you more control over how much oestrogen you put in your body.

How long have you been taking mini pill as it can take about 3 months for hormones to settle.

Good luck x

[Jpaterson in reply to Belle76]

Thank you! I’ve actually been thinking about maybe trying the gel for that reason actually. I only added in the mini pill 7 days ago so yeah I definitely need to give it a bit longer. I just think maybe being on the HRT was a fruitless task and doing more harm if indeed I do have endometriosis.

[Lindle in reply to Belle76]

I don't think you are allowed to give recommendations by name but there is some very inaccurate information on her website.

[Belle76 in reply to Lindle]

Well I have done so before I am not giving medical advice just offering an opinion, and I find her very helpful. And unless you’re a medical professional I don’t think you can say that what she has on her website is incorrect either. Maybe you can elaborate on what is wrong on her site and reasons that it is

[Lindle in reply to Belle76]

Anyone can say it is incorrect if in direct contravention of ESHRE guidance that doctors must follow. By giving reference to a website for what would have to be considered reliable info then you are effectively indirectly giving what will be taken as 'advice'.

[Belle76 in reply to Lindle]

But you haven’t given me what is wrong with her information you are quoting stuff to me that I’m sure before she published her information was all checked. I have already stated that I know nothing about endo and just saying where I found helpful information which she may or may not read and then discuss with her doctor. But you can not say medically the information is wrong, as you are not a doctor.

I am not going to over take this ladies post as she needs support

[Lindle in reply to Belle76]

Oh, because I am not a doctor I am incapable of reading the ESHRE guideline? If only doctors can give 'correct' information about endo then groups like this would not exist as everyone would be treated so beautifully!

[Belle76]

How often do you take utrogestan, is it for 2 weeks or 25 days or continuous. As that may make a difference. Your hormones may not be balanced. Maybe a blood test to check your levels.

[Jpaterson in reply to Belle76]

I started Utrogestan on cyclical days 15-26 then GP advised taking continuously to see if that regime might balance things and then a different gp advised to go back to cyclical because she thought it was a lot of progesterone and mini pill on top. So now back to cyclical 12 days with continuous mini pill and estrogen patch.I’ve asked for levels to be checked and told they don’t do that because I’m over 45.

[Belle76]

So lots of changes, I think they can check your levels over 45 to see what your levels are. I have read women have had it done but maybe private. If your on Facebook there are some groups on there that may help you.

[Lindle in reply to Belle76]

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[Belle76]

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