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.

Utrogestan 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.

Yes, many women find that Utrogestan 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 Utrogestan at night may help you fall asleep more easily and improve overall sleep quality.

If you are postmenopausal (no periods for over a year), you will usually take Utrogestan 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 Utrogestan 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
• Utrogestan 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)
• Utrogestan 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.

Utrogestan capsules shouldn’t be used if you have a peanut allergy, as they contain peanut (arachis) oil. This applies whether they’re taken orally or vaginally. If progesterone is needed, a non-peanut alternative should be used instead.

No. Utrogestan capsules contain Gelatin (from animal sources) in the shell, and the oil inside may also be animal-derived. Because of this, it’s not suitable for a strict vegan diet.

Utrogestan 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.

Utrogestan capsules contain peanut oil. When Utrogestan is used vaginally, this oil can weaken latex condoms, potentially reducing their effectiveness for contraception and STI protection.

For this reason, people using Utrogestan vaginally are advised to use non-latex condoms (such as polyurethane or polyisoprene) or an alternative method of contraception. This is not a safety issue with the hormone itself, but a practical consideration to ensure condoms remain effective.

Utrogestan is usually best taken at night before bed, as progesterone supports sleep and may cause drowsiness. Taking it at bedtime helps reduce daytime drowsiness and can improve sleep quality.

It is important to take HRT in a way that fits into your lifestyle and routine. If you have any questions about when to take Utrogestan, speak with your doctor.

Women who take Utrogestan 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.

It is recommended to take Utrogestan 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 Utrogestan 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.

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

Perimenopausal Women (Still Having Periods)

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

When Utrogestan 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, Utrogestan 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.