The importance of HRT Understanding the menopause

Menopause

The menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. 

Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. Sometimes they can stop suddenly. 
The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51. 
Around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.

Why have I been prescibed
Utrogestan (micronised progesterone) 100mg?

Utrogestan in combination with an oestrogen is used to reduce the symptoms of the menopause. It is used only in women who still have a womb (uterus).

Always read the package leaflet before starting this medicine and follow the instructions of your doctor

What is Utrogestan 100mg used for?

Utrogestan is indicated for adjunctive use with oestrogen in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus, as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

About Utrogestan 100mg Capsules

Utrogestan 100mg is an HRT that is used in combination with oestrogen-based HRT to reduce symptoms of the menopause in women who still have a womb (uterus). The active ingredient in Utrogestan 100mg is progesterone. 

When taking oestrogen alone as HRT, the lining of your uterus (womb) may build-up and cause problems. 

Taking a progesterone as well as oestrogen causes the lining of the womb to shed, preventing problems caused by the build-up of the womb lining. As a result you may get some bleeding at the end of each treatment cycle, similar to a menstrual period.

Each capsule of Utrogestan 100mg contains 100mg of micronised progesterone; this is derived from plants and is identical in structure to the hormone produced by your body.

Check-ups

It is recommended that you have an appointment with your doctor to review your treatment after 3 months of using HRT, to check how well it is working and how your body is responding. After which, an annual appointment may be sufficient, unless you experience any problems with your treatment in which case you should consult your doctor straight away.

Keeping a healthy lifestyle can help to minimise the effects of the menopause

Reporting Side Effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.