HRT and diarrhoea

[CornishChick]

I started HRT at 49 a few months back, not due to menopausal symptoms, but because I found my testosterone to be at the very bottom of range. The very good private hormone doctor I saw said HRT should balance my hormones and is a better way to increase testosterone than by giving testosterone (it did double after the first 3 months, still dire but seems positive so far).

I seem to have developed diarrhoea after each (normal) bowel movement, which could be a coincidence, but it started around the time that I introduced the Utrogestan (progesterone) tablets.

I used to have exactly the same bowel movements for years until I found this group and gave up gluten. Although I tested negative for coeliac, gluten definitely causes diarrhoea for me and I haven’t had it for over 5 years, unless I am inadvertently fed gluten.

I just wondered if anyone else has experienced this gut issue after starting progesterone? I am not usually sensitive to medications and there doesn’t appear to be anything in it which rings alarm bells for me. I am thinking I should probably contact my GP for a fit test as a change in bowel habits can be a sign of cancer. Just thought I’d run it past the wealth of experience on here first.

Thank you.

[radd]

CC,

Both progesterone and oestrogen can effect bowel movements. I used to be constipated just before my period and then go the other way during my period. Horrible.

Which HRT and how much progesterone are you taking?

[CornishChick in reply to radd]

Thank you for your help. I take the Lenzetto spray, currently 3 a day and 100mg Utrogestan once a day without a break.

[waveylines in reply to CornishChick]

Sorry know nothing about this but in your shoes I'd contact the consultants ze retary and ask for advice. You may need a lower dose.

[radd in reply to CornishChick]

CC,

Yes, agree with Wavylines that you might need a dose adjustment but would say a raise rather than a reduction as 100mg is the lowest dose anyway.

I had it explained to me that as progesterone falls within the natural cycle, it is the replacing prostaglandins (inflammatory chemicals) that stimulate the uterus (period pains) but also the bowel (diarrhea), so may be 100mg isnt enough? 🤷‍♀️.

I'm not sure how this fits in with HRT but I have 200mg progesterone prescribed off license, although not for your issue but sleep.

[CornishChick in reply to radd]

Thank you. I’ll ask at my check up, due now but no appointments available until October!

I hoped it would help my chronic insomnia but sadly not. The private GP did say I could have more if it helped my sleep, but it’s had no effect. Did it help you?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Are you taking utrogestan daily or 2 weeks on , 2 weeks off? I found taking a single dose daily easier on the stomach than 2 tablets for 2 weeks of the month.

[CornishChick in reply to Buddy195]

It’s 1 tablet every day. I was originally prescribed the 2 weeks on/2 weeks off method as I was still having regular periods. But then I missed a couple of months and begged to take it continuously as I am fed up with periods! I was quite heavy the first day and always have low ferritin, so I thought it might help. I also started iron tablets and after several months my ferritin had gone down! I wondered if it’s to do with the diarrhoea after each bowel movement? I feel like I’ve gone back to having a leaky gut.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to CornishChick]

Supplementing with iron tablets also gave me loose bowel movements. humanbean is very knowledgeable about improving ferritin, so it may be useful to look at some of her posts/ replies.

[CornishChick in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you. humanbean is amazing and has helped me massively in my thyroid journey. I don’t think it’s the iron causing it but will keep an eye on it. Thank you.