There is always a lot of chatter about progesterone doses when adding in estrogen. (The progesterone is added to stop the uterus lining from over thickening which can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus lining)
Prior to April 2024 the usual dose of Utrogestan for those using up to 100mcg patches or 4 pumps of Oestrogel (or other equivalents) who were still having periods, was 200mg a day for half the month.
For those not having periods the dose was 100mg every day.
The Mirena coil was previously considered enough protection up to 125mcg patches or 5 pumps of the gel.
After many years of disagreement about doses, where we have been told that we need higher progesterone doses (seemingly based on speculation and fear), the guideline doses have been increased.
I feel obliged to pass on the new guidelines to you BUT I do want to say this.
Many women are progesterone intolerant so will struggle with this new dose and many women do not absorb their estrogen well so their oestradiol levels are low anyway, therefore the risk of an over thickened uterus lining is low but importantly we are all individuals and should be treated as such. This broad brush approach is harming women’s mental and physical health.
It is therefore key to your health and wellbeing to communicate with your doctor but also to question things if they feel wrong for you.
You can read the 2024 guidelines below.
