Make sure you regularly take your progesterone!
SAMANTHA OTHENShare
If you are as scatty as I am, even more so when going through menopause, then keeping on top of your meds may also be difficult for you. With so much going on, remembering to take my meds is always somehow the last thing on my mind. But here's why Progesterone is one you shouldn't forget!
When it comes to managing menopause symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be life-changing. Many women are prescribed oestrogen to help with hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, and more. But if you still have your womb, progesterone is a vital part of the picture.
Why Do We Need Progesterone?
Oestrogen helps relieve many of the common symptoms of menopause, but on its own, it can cause the lining of your womb (endometrium) to build up too much. This can lead to:
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Cramping
- A higher risk of endometrial hyperplasia (thickened womb lining), which can lead to womb cancer over time
- Progesterone works as a protective partner to oestrogen, keeping the womb lining thin and healthy. It helps prevent those complications, making it an essential part of HRT for women who haven’t had a hysterectomy.
Bonus Benefits of Progesterone
Many women also find that progesterone helps with:
- Sleep – It has a natural calming effect that promotes deeper rest
- Mood – It can ease feelings of anxiety or irritability
- Overall balance – Helping your body feel more settled and steady
What Happens If You Don’t Take It Regularly?
Taking progesterone inconsistently — or stopping altogether — while still using oestrogen can lead to:
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Womb lining changes
- An increased long-term health risk
- A return of unpleasant symptoms like poor sleep or mood swings
In short, skipping progesterone can undo a lot of the balance that HRT is meant to bring.
How quickly can the womb lining thicken without progesterone?
The rate varies from woman to woman, depending on things like:
- Your oestrogen dose
- How sensitive your womb lining (endometrium) is
- Your age, genetics, and overall health
But in general:
- Within a few months, oestrogen without progesterone can start to cause thickening of the womb lining.
- After 3–6 months, the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia increases significantly, especially if oestrogen is taken daily.
What are the signs to watch for?
Some women don’t notice any symptoms at all, but common signs of a thickened womb lining include:
- Unexpected or irregular bleeding or spotting
- Pelvic cramps or pressure
- Heavier than normal bleeding (if you’re still in perimenopause)
What to do now?
You’re definitely not alone — so many women pause or forget progesterone. The next best step is to:
- Restart your progesterone (but only after speaking to your doctor).
- Ask your GP for a pelvic ultrasound or transvaginal scan to check your endometrial thickness.
- Track any changes in bleeding, cramping, or general wellbeing.
Good news:
In many cases, reintroducing progesterone (especially cyclically) can help shed the built-up lining and restore balance — but it’s important to do this under medical guidance.
The Bottom Line:
If you're using oestrogen as part of your menopause treatment and still have your womb, progesterone isn’t optional — it’s essential. It’s the quiet hero that protects your health behind the scenes and supports your emotional and physical wellbeing.
If you’re unsure about your current HRT plan, speak with your doctor. And if you’ve accidentally missed a dose or two, don’t panic — just get back on track and seek advice if anything feels off.