Hey ladies,
OK---I am freaking out here. I started taking Estrogel the end of June and for the 1st ten days in August I cycled in P and actually passed a little blood--very light in color and just drops. I haven't had any kind of period in about 6 years. So, now I have been taking nothing but the Estrogel since August 10th and this morning I woke up and passed a little light colored blood (sorry so graphic). I wasn't suppose to cycle in the P until the first of November. I am taking the P every three months. Now I am really worried that something is wrong.
Do I keep taking the Estrogel even when I am shedding a little blood? Do I start cycing in the P now? I am sooooooooo worried. I really wish I had never started this whole hormone thing--it has caused nothing but fear, confusion, and I can't say it has really helped all that much. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me. Thanks so much.....avalina

OK, from what I understand that sometimes that bios start waking up "sleepy tissue" all through out your body. (example...Estrogen keeps bone, but only Progest. builds it. Your muscles & etc. start reverting back...like when you were younger.)

There are a few schools of thought. Many doctors like for women to cycle...using E and then add P. I believe that when you cycle your hormones, it will bring on a bleed or spotting. Some docs feel that you need a break from E for 3-5 days every month or at least every few months.

However, if you have already stopped having periods, or you are having terrible peri, some doctors feel that continuous BHRT is better. This keeps a steady stream of hormones, which results in no "ups and downs."

Both methods seem to be safe, as long as you are taking progesterone. I am in peri, but am on continuous BHRT. I still have light periods or break through bleeding occasionally. It is not harmful.

Because you have not been having periods, perhaps the continuous method would be best...taking both E & P together every day.

As for the answer, I am not for sure, there are different ways, depending on your doc. A quick call to your pharmacy or doc will get you the correct answer.

Also, did you have your Testosterone level checked? The addition of T makes a big difference if you are low. Perhaps this is the key of why you don't feel wonderful? ...and of course, sometimes it take a few months to balance out. It just depends on your body and where you are in the game.

Don't freak out or give up, just yet. If you can get balanced out, you will feel like you are about 25.

I am sorry that I was not more help. Most ladies cycle, so they should be able to give you ready answers; if not, I have a lot of information that I have not read which I could pull up for you.

Hang in there...

Shebee

By the way...most doctors seem to err on giving too little of E & P. They want to use the least amount. My doc starts with a higher amount and then drops down. This seems crazy to me, but I have to admit that I feel great! He must know something...LOL!

Ok, try to relax.

Keep taking the Estrogel. Do not start the P until November. You're probably just experiencing some "break thru" bleeding from either (a) your body adjusting to new hormone levels, or ( a buidup of the uterine lining. Only way to know is from a transvag ultrasound so I suggest you call you gyn. It is nothing to panic about. (I've been there, done that....) As for "has not helped all that much", I agree with the other response. You haven't had enough time to optimize your hormones to a level that enables you to feel well. I've had a long, hard 2 1/2 year of peri h*ll and within the last 3 or 4 months finally feel great. I started with patches, oral prometrium, and finally ended up with oral e, vag E, (but no P) while still in Peri, and take T for 1/2 of the month. I have my life back. Hang in there. Best regards, JZZ

oops, don't know why the smile face (with sunglasses) got into the post.....

Thank you Shebee so much for responding. Since I was spotting this morning I went ahead and used 1 ml. of 3% progest cream with the hopes of inducing a more substantial flow. It is so strange to be dealing with spotting when I haven't dealt with that in years and years. Wow--it just goes to show you how powerful these hormones are--that the E (even at .38 mg. per day--which I thought was way low) can cause the lining of the uterus to thicken a little. Unbelieveable.
I wish I could take the P every day but I have experienced other issues from the P--like candidas, toenail fungus, gastrointestinal issues. SO--kind of afraid to use P continuously. However, if I am going to have breakthrough bleeding from using the E alone then maybe I will have to give it a try. Hey--if I stop the E for 3-5 days a month when do you do it-Also--since I am spotting right now is this considered a period and do I count from the start of the spotting to see when it will happen again. Thanks so much avalina.

Hi Jzz,
Darn, I was so worried this morning about spotting that I went ahead and took 1 mg. of 3 percent vaginal P. I thought since I was spotting anyway I would go ahead and hopefully induce a bleed. Don't even know if that makes sense. I'm due for my yearly visit to my gyn in Oct. so I will ask her to do a vaginal ultrasound. Anyhow, thanks so much for your reassurance. So--you are not taking any P and you have a uterus? You are taking both oral E and vaginal E? May I ask what kind? Do you cycle in the P every so often? I am so glad that all is working out for you--I'm hoping I will get there too. avalina

Yes, I have my uterus but am still in Peri and having my own period. As long as my ovaries generate enough Progesterone to have a period then I do not need to cycle in a supplemental P. If I skip 3 months (no periods) then I will cycle in some P for 2 weeks (ie combo patch, oral angelique, vag progesterone, etc....whatever I can tolerate.)

And, yes I take bio oral (generic) Estrace estradiol (titrate dailey dose of .5 to 1.0 as needed) and nightly vaginal bio Estrace cream (nightly). Glad to be of help. JZZ Oh, and I think you should call your doc regarding starting the P early. See what they have to say.