Perimenopause with Endometriosis

[Bee-bee-b]

Hi, since having an endometrioma removed 10years ago I have managed to use diet, exercise and complementary therapy to keep me going. However I have now hit perimenopause stage I’m 42, and have been put on continuous utrogestan and estrogel one pump. This seems to have helped with some symptoms but really aggravated my endo. I have paid to see a private specialist for advice who said I should be on sequential hrt, however everything I’ve read says continuous, so you are never taking estrogen that is unopposed by progesterone. I have been offered the mirena coil as an alternative but I really don’t want this as I don’t respond well to synthetic progestins. I did ask the consultant about just taking utrogestan 2weeks on 2weeks off as I have heard that some women only really need progesterone support at this stage. However I was told this isn’t an option as progesterones only use is to protect the womb lining. I don’t understand as the mirena is progesterone only and they advocate that 🤷🏻‍♀️

So I have brain melt and not sure what is best as I’m worried about the aggravation of my endo but also need some support with the peri symptoms. Anyone else trying to navigate this dilemma or anyone have any good sources of advice, as so far it has been quite conflicting for me.

[RosieFalkor]

I think perimenopause itself aggravates Endo personally. I didn’t even find out I had it until I hit peri and all hell broke loose! Looking back I can see I did have it for a long time but the intensity went through the roof when I hit 40.

The newest research is suggesting Progesterone does have other benefits from what I understand. I’ve found it really helpful, and I had a hellish time with the Mirena they recommended.

I would make an appointment with the Newson clinic or another private menopause specialist if you can. They will be able to give you the latest advice and I know other women have gone Utrogestan only by doing this

[Bee-bee-b in reply to RosieFalkor]

Thank you, do you know if there are doctors in the Newson clinic that specialise in endometriosis? I think it’s so important that the doctor has a good understanding of the disease in order to be able to fully understand our needs.

I find that interesting you know of others who have been prescribed utrogestan only as it doesn’t seem to be the ‘done thing’ in the U.K. So far I’ve found that medical professionals seem to think progesterone isn’t as important as oestrogen.

[Brambledoggy]

Morning. Are you able to click on my profile, posts and replies? I was in your position. You probably need just to get the exact balance correct and you do need combined continuous HRT, it’s ALL about getting the balance just right. Too much Oestrogen will aggravate your endo, it did to me, too little Progesterone can have same effect. I did 75mg oestrogen patch and it was too much, so now down to 50mg to see how I get on. I take nightly Utrogestan of 100mg. I did try upping my Utrogestan (as this is of particular importance to endo sufferers) to 200mg, helped my endo symptoms but made me feel a bit weird. Try reading the Hormone Repair Manual by Lara Briden. At this stage of your life it’s very important to sort out your hormones, but don’t just listen to the GP. You very much need to do your own research and find out what works for your own body, not someone else’s. I think HRT and Endo and perimenopause and menopause is a minefield!

[Bee-bee-b in reply to Brambledoggy]

Yes I can get on your profile, I will have a read through thank you