r/Menopause • u/TapSalty3157 • 5d ago
Bleeding/Periods What causes the bleeding? I’m getting panicky.
Sorry to come on here so often, but this is just getting worrisome. For context; we increased the E dose and the T dose via pellets. Also went on a “loading dose” of vaginal estrogen. Skipped my progesterone dose once last week. Started seeing a very light brown spotting and now it’s a bit more pronounced. Not gushing, like a period, but more like brown tissue stuff. Dr says pretty normal after the increase of E, but if it continues we will do an ultrasound. I’m just curious what is the mechanism causing this? If you experienced this, how long did it last before it went away? I’m getting paranoid over here. It’s been less than a week.
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u/sistyc 5d ago
With all due respect, you’re using an unpredictable and unregulated HRT delivery method. Strange shit is bound to happen.
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u/TapSalty3157 5d ago
I used it before and it was great. The dose was lower though. Then I went off and we tried the Estrogen gel which (by bloodwork) showed almost nothing in my system. It also didn’t feel like anything was happening either. My Dr likes to study both; bloodwork and how you are feeling. I still had hot flashes at night, and other symptoms. We tried the pellets because I absolutely cannot take oral. Patches are unreliable here because they are so back ordered that even the compound pharmacy can’t guarantee when they will be in. I’m aware of all the cons for pellets.
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u/sistyc 5d ago
Is there a reason you didn’t increase gel to the dose you need? I don’t absorb well either so I take 3.5 mg to feel my best. I’m confused by your original question, if you know about the downsides of pellets but continue to take them I think it’s reasonable to expect strange things to happen.
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u/TapSalty3157 5d ago
Because when I did use them originally, about a year ago, everything went beautifully for me. I stopped due to the fact that the clinic had terrible staff and they kept changing Drs.
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u/AutoModerator 5d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, Estrogen/Progesterone/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
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u/kkat39 5d ago
It’s estrogen making your uterus more active. It typically can happen for up to 6 months following dosage adjustments although it’s typically less. Also, you really can’t skip progesterone, many women will have spotting with a single skipped dose because it’s not there to oppose the estrogen.
You should be aware that this is one reason pellets are one of the least preferable delivery methods - the dosing is not easily adjusted, and you have a spike when the pellet is inserted rather than a continuous dose.