Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I've visited yet I'm still struggling with irregular periods after starting bios about a year ago. (Some background: After worsening PMS symptoms lasting much longer, sleepless nights, depression, depression, depression, etc and blood tests revealing slightly low E & even lower P., I was put on .5 mg estradiol daily & 100 mg progesterone (both in troche form) for 3 weeks only with 1 week off for my period.) I had a regular 28 day cycle without bios but once I started bios it's never been the same.

When taking P for 3 weeks as prescribed, not only do some of my symptoms worsen (i.e. irritability, mood swings, bloating, etc.) but my periods start late as well (10-12 days late) making my cycles about 40 days. I've tried taking P from day 14 but then my period arrives between day 18-21. Every month it's something different. This time my NP told me to take the P from days 7 thru 21 which I did but my period is now +2 weeks late and I'm still waiting. I called my NP today because I don't know when I should start the P since I'm still waiting for my period. First she said to go ahead and start; I told her I was afraid if I did that, it would prevent my period from ever starting. She then changed her mind and said to just wait until my period starts counting that as day 1. To be honest, I'm frustrated with her and not feeling very confident in her instructions. I'm looking for another provider but haven't found one near enough to where I live.

Has this happened to anyone else? I am nearing 50 and wondering if irregular periods are expected even though I'm on bios? Yet, I've read that bios should maintain our cycles yet for me, every month is a new experience. Is it supposed to be this way? I'm so confused and worried.

Thank you for listening and allowing me to share my thoughts.

The hormones you are taking are not strong enough themselves to cause a period, they are merely supplementing your own natural hormones. During menopause your own hormones are going to drop, so even with the bios, you will still eventuall go into menopause and stop having periods. This is how women who are post, can take the hormones and never have a period.

My guess is your own hormones have become less and less, to the point where you are no longer "regular", which is to be expected - with or without the BHRT. Progesterone is usually prescribed at 200mgs if you are cycling it and not doing continuous therapy, and .5 estradiol is quite a low dose, probably not high enough to cause a regular cycle.

I personally don't know why you would want a period if your body has decided it is finished with them. I would continue the hormones, and not be concerned about getting the monthly visitor. As long as you are feeling good, of course.

blesstd, I read that sublingual E2 causes a rapid peak and fall. One source I just looked at (a study) said 6 hours ! Are you doing only one troche per day ? Maybe a more steady delivery would help. You could switch to transdermal, a patch would probably provide the most consistent steady release.

I second Floater on the periods ... I wouldn't be too concerned with them. I realize it's a hassle, you never know when you're getting one, but if you're getting relief from symptoms that's great.

Thank you, thank you, ladies for responding. You answered my question!! I assumed I was supposed to have a period regularly and became worried when my cycles started acting wierd. I did wonder about this being a natural occurrence since I'm in that ripe menopausal period and didn't know how the bio's would affect (if any) my cycles. When I asked my NP, she said the bios should regulate my cycle which now doesn't seem to be an accurate statement. (Seriously, I don't think she's paying attention to what I'm saying or tracking my history, and ends up giving me "standard" answers.) Hearing that having a monthly period is not critical and more importantly, a natural part of the process even if I'm on bios, makes a world of difference! The bios have addressed many of my other issues but I kept thinking my cycles should be regular.

I take .5 mg Estrogen daily (1/2 troche in the AM and 1/2 in the PM). I am supposed to take 100 mg Progesterone on day 7 of my cycle for 3 weeks, but since I haven't had a period, I'm not sure when to start it - or does it matter?

I've just been "enlightened" - thank you, ladies!

This is why I so love this forum. The info you read or get from the docs makes it sound like with bioidentical supplementation you'll get complete remission from unpleasant symptoms and you'll suddenly be menstruating like you did when you were 30. :-) It's so great that we can share real life experiences here. It's not so perfect after all ! We can have realistic expectations then.

Your period is 2 weeks late now ? How about this ... take the day you expected to get a period and count that as day 1. that's what I would do if I were you, and what I did when I was supplementing progesterone only.