How does Utrogestan work?
Utrogestan is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT works by replacing the hormones that fall during and after the menopause, which helps to improve menopause symptoms.
The progesterone in Utrogestan comes from plants. It's identical to the progesterone that your ovaries produce before the menopause.
If you still have your womb, HRT containing oestrogen makes the lining of your womb thicken. This can cause problems. Taking Utrogestan or another type of progestogen prevents these problems, as it makes you shed the womb lining. You might get some bleeding, like a period, at the end of each cycle.
When will I feel better?
It can take up to 3 months for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to work fully in improving your symptoms.
There are different types of HRT, and it can take time to find the type and dose that works for you.
If you do not feel better after 3 months, speak to your doctor. They may suggest changing your dose, or switching to a different type of HRT.
Are there any long-term side effects?
It's best to only take HRT at the lowest dose that works for you, and only for as long as you need it to control your menopause symptoms.
This is because HRT can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer and blood clots. The risk is small, but it increases the longer you take HRT.
Usually, the risk is outweighed by the benefits of HRT, such as improving menopause symptoms, quality of life and preventing osteoporosis. But this depends on your age, symptoms and health. Speak to your doctor, who can help you decide.
How does it compare with other types of HRT?
There are several different types of HRT. They all work equally well to replace the hormones that fall during and after the menopause.
No one type of HRT is suitable for everyone. You may need to try different types to find what works best for you.
Utrogestan contains a type of progestogen that's identical to the progesterone that your body produces.
You need to take Utrogestan with a separate oestrogen medicine. It only comes as capsules.
There are other types of HRT that combine oestrogen and progestogen in one medicine. These are available as patches, tablets or capsules:
- sequential combined HRT, for if you're still having periods
- continuous combined HRT, for if you're no longer having periods
You can also take progestogen using the intrauterine system (IUS), also known as the Mirena coil or hormonal coil. This can be useful if you have side effects from other forms of progestogen, if you have heavy periods, or if you also need contraception.
Your doctor can help you decide on the type of HRT that's best for you.
How does it compare with alternatives to HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is usually the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms.
If you cannot take HRT, or prefer not to take it, your doctor may be able to recommend other medicines or lifestyle changes to help with your symptoms.
Medicines such as pregabalin, clonidine and some antidepressants (such as fluoxetine or sertraline) are sometimes used as an alternative to HRT to help with symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings.
What will happen if I stop taking it?
If you stop taking HRT your menopause symptoms might come back.
Talk to your doctor if you're thinking of stopping. They'll help you decide what's best for you. They may suggest that you reduce your dose gradually, to help stop symptoms coming back.
If you're having problems with side effects, your doctor might suggest changing your dose, or switching to another type of HRT.
If you stop taking Utrogestan, you'll need to either switch to another type of progestogen, or stop taking oestrogen. Taking oestrogen without progestogen can cause problems with your womb lining.
Can I switch to a different brand?
There are other types of progestogen medicine that work in the same way as Utrogestan.
There are also combined medicines that you can take instead of taking Utrogestan and oestrogen separately.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the brand or type of HRT that you've been using is not available because of supply shortages, or is not helping your symptoms, or if you have problems with side effects. They can advise about switching to a different type.
Can I get HRT for free?
You'll need to pay for your hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescriptions unless you're eligible for free prescriptions.
However, you can reduce the cost by getting an HRT pre-payment certificate (PPC). This means you can pay a small fee that will cover all your HRT prescriptions for a year.
Find out how to save money with a prescription prepayment certificate.
Will I gain or lose weight?
There is no good evidence that Utrogestan makes you put on weight.
However, it's common to gain weight around the time of the menopause and as you get older. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly will help you keep to a healthy weight.
Will it affect my contraception?
Utrogestan is not contraception.
It's still possible to get pregnant while taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), so you'll need to use contraception until 2 years after your last period if you're under 50 years old, or for 1 year if you're over 50 years old.
You'll need to use a non-hormonal method of contraception, such as condoms or a diaphragm, or other options which you can speak to your doctor or a pharmacist about.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Utrogestan will not usually affect your ability to drive or ride a bike.
However, it can sometimes make you feel dizzy or sleepy. If this happens to you, do not drive, cycle or use machinery or tools until you feel better.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking Utrogestan. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Utrogestan?
You can drink alcohol while taking Utrogestan but it may be helpful to cut down on alcohol during the menopause to reduce symptoms of flushing, and improve your sleep.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while taking Utrogestan, but take your capsules at least 2 hours after eating.
Do not take them with food, as this will affect how the medicine works.
Try to have a healthy diet, as this can help with menopause symptoms and keep you well.
Cutting down on alcohol and caffeine may help reduce hot flushes.
Can lifestyle changes help menopause symptoms?
The following lifestyle changes can sometimes help with menopause symptoms:
- Take regular exercise. This helps with bone health and can reduce hot flushes and improve your sleep. It may also help improve your general mood, reduce stress and help you keep to a healthy weight.
- Cut down on caffeine and alcohol. This may help reduce hot flushes and improve your sleep.
- Quit smoking. This can help reduce hot flushes and reduce your risk of developing other health problems such as cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Find out more about lifestyle changes for menopause symptoms