The active ingredient in Gepretix is micronised progesterone 100 mg per capsule. Micronised means the progesterone has been broken down into ultra-fine particles to improve absorption when taken orally. Key inactive ingredients include peanut (arachis) oil and soya lecithin. This is clinically important: if you have a peanut or soya allergy, Gepretix is contraindicated and you must inform your clinician so that an alternative progestogen can be prescribed. The capsule shell contains gelatin.

No, Gepretix should not be used if you have a nut (peanut) allergy.

Gepretix capsules contain peanut (arachis) oil, so they’re contraindicated in anyone with a peanut allergy.

If progesterone is needed, a non-peanut alternative should be prescribed, your clinician or pharmacist can advise on suitable options.

No, you should not change your dose or regimen without speaking to your clinician first. The dose and timing of Gepretix are carefully matched to your stage of menopause and your oestrogen dose, and adjusting either without guidance could mean your womb lining is inadequately protected. If your current regimen is causing side effects or not suiting you, contact your Voy clinician rather than stopping or adjusting independently. There are other progestogen options available if Gepretix does not suit you, and your clinician can guide this process.

The timing of bleeding on Gepretix depends on how you take the medication and your menopausal status.

Perimenopausal Women (Still Having Periods)

If you are perimenopausal, Gepretix is usually prescribed cyclically. This means it is taken for the second half of the month, rather than daily.

When Gepretix is taken cyclically, bleeding typically occurs after stopping the medication. This is called a withdrawal bleed and happens because the progesterone levels drop, triggering the shedding of the womb lining.

Postmenopausal Women (No Periods for Over a Year)

If you are postmenopausal, Gepretix is usually taken daily as part of a continuous HRT regimen.

In this case, monthly bleeding should not occur. The continuous balance of oestrogen and progesterone helps keep the womb lining thin and stable.

Irregular Bleeding on HRT

It is common to experience some changes in bleeding patterns when starting HRT. This can feel unsettling, but in most cases, bleeding settles within three to six months.

If you experience unexpected or prolonged bleeding, it is important to discuss this with your doctor to ensure your treatment is working as it should. Your doctor may send you for investigations or scans to look into the cause of bleeding.

Women who take Gepretix cyclically (for 12-14 days of the month) will experience a withdrawal bleed after stopping the medication. This is a normal response to the drop in progesterone levels.

While this bleed may feel like a period, it is not technically the same. Ovulation may not have occurred, but the womb lining is still shed in a regular monthly pattern. If you experience unexpected bleeding or have concerns about your bleeding pattern, speak with your doctor.

Gepretix is typically prescribed alongside oestrogen as part of combined HRT. Taking progesterone alone does not usually provide the symptom relief associated with menopause, as oestrogen is the hormone primarily responsible for managing symptoms like hot flushes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.

However, in some cases, progesterone alone may be prescribed for specific conditions such as heavy or irregular bleeding. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding your HRT regimen.

If you have a womb, taking oestrogen alone can cause the lining of the womb (endometrium) to thicken over time. This increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.

Gepretix contains progesterone, which protects the womb lining by keeping it thin and preventing excessive thickening. This is why it is prescribed alongside oestrogen as part of combined HRT. If you have had a hysterectomy (your womb has been removed), you do not need to take progesterone.

Gepretix vs Utrogestan: In terms of active ingredient, Gepretix and Utrogestan are identical, both contain 100 mg micronised progesterone per capsule and are body identical. Gepretix is a branded generic version, often available at a lower cost. Most women notice no difference between the two, though occasionally individual responses to different brands vary slightly. If you have been established on one and switch to the other, it is worth monitoring your symptoms for any changes.

Gepretix vs synthetic progestogens (e.g. norethisterone, dydrogesterone): Synthetic progestogens have a different molecular structure to natural progesterone and can behave differently in the body. They are effective at protecting the womb lining but are more commonly associated with side effects such as bloating, mood changes, and breast tenderness. Some, such as norethisterone, have also been associated with a small increase in blood clot risk. Gepretix, as a body-identical preparation, does not carry these additional risks and is generally better tolerated. It is the preferred progestogen in NICE and British Menopause Society guidance.

Gepretix vs the Mirena coil (levonorgestrel IUD): The Mirena coil delivers a synthetic progestogen locally to the womb and is sometimes used as the progestogen component of HRT. It is a long-acting option that suits women who prefer not to take a daily capsule. However, levonorgestrel is synthetic and not body identical. The choice between Gepretix and the Mirena coil depends on individual preference, contraceptive needs, and clinical suitability.

If you are postmenopausal (no periods for over a year), you will usually take Gepretix every day as part of a continuous HRT regimen. This provides ongoing protection for the womb lining and should prevent monthly bleeding. If you are perimenopausal and take Gepretix every day instead of cyclically, you may experience irregular bleeding or spotting. Always follow your doctor's prescription instructions.

Cyclical use:

• Prescribed for perimenopausal women who are still having periods
• Gepretix is taken for 12-14 days each month (usually days 15-28 of your cycle)
• This leads to a withdrawal bleed after stopping the capsules, similar to a period
• Suitable if you are still menstruating regularly

Continuous use:

• Prescribed for postmenopausal women (no periods for over a year)
• Gepretix is taken every day without a break
• Should prevent monthly bleeding
• Provides constant protection for the womb lining

Your doctor will advise which regimen is right for you based on your menopausal status and symptoms.

Yes, if Gepretix doesn't suit you, there are other progestogen options available. Your doctor can guide this process and make adjustments.

Common progestogens used in HRT include:

• Gepretix or Utrogestan - natural body identical progestogen
• Synthetic progestogens:
  • Medroxyprogesterone acetate – Provera
  • Norethisterone – Evorel Conti, Evorel Sequi
  • Dydrogesterone – Femoston, Femoston Conti
  • Levonorgestrel – Mirena coil (IUD)

Menopause is a time of change, and many women will experience weight gain as part of the transition. Weight gain during the menopause can have many different factors.

When it comes to taking Gepretix, there is no evidence that this causes weight gain. However, every woman is different and side effects are deeply personal. If you are taking Gepretix and worried about weight gain, it's worth tracking your symptoms and keeping a food diary to try and isolate what might be causing fluctuations in weight.

Yes, many women find that Gepretix helps improve sleep quality. Progesterone has a natural sedative effect, which is why it is usually taken at bedtime. If you struggle with insomnia or poor sleep during menopause, taking Gepretix at night may help you fall asleep more easily and improve overall sleep quality.

It is recommended to take Gepretix at least two hours after eating. This is because food can increase the absorption of progesterone, which may lead to stronger effects or side effects such as drowsiness.

However, if you take Gepretix with food or your bedtime is not two hours after eating, do not worry. It is a safe medication to take at any time. If possible, taking it just before going to sleep is recommended as it may help with your sleep.