Gepretix can help manage perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms and is sometimes prescribed as an alternative to Utrogestan
• Gepretix is natural, body identical progesterone
• It comes in a capsule and is easily absorbed
• Gepretix causes less side effects than older, synthetic progestogens
Gepretix is a soft capsule that contains ‘micronised progesterone’. Progesterone is a hormone made in your ovaries, brain and other tissues, which plays an important role in your menstrual cycle, supports pregnancy and works throughout your body reducing inflammation. Progesterone is hard to absorb through your skin and gut – by micronising it (reducing the particles to a very fine powder and suspending in an oil) and putting it in capsule form it is more easily absorbed.
The progesterone in Gepretix is derived from plants, including yam, a root vegetable, and soy. It is identical in structure to the progesterone produced in your body. Because of this, it is often referred to as ‘body identical’.
Women who take HRT and still have their womb (uterus) are required to take a type of progesterone, in addition to estrogen. This is because over time, taking estrogen can lead to a build-up in the lining of your womb. Taking a progesterone, such as Gepretix, prevents this occurring and reduces associated risks.
Progesterone is also prescribed to relieve perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms such as sleeping problems, anxiety and low mood, which are associated with declining levels of progesterone during perimenopause and menopause. It can also be taken by women who have had a hysterectomy too.
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How does Gepretix work?
Gepretix works by replacing the progesterone that is lost during perimenopause and menopause.
As it is a body identical hormone, women usually experience less side effects compared to the older types of progestogens. These older types, given as tablets or as a combination patch, can be associated with a slightly higher risk of blood clot and heart disease [1]. Studies have shown that women who take newer body identical progesterone do not have a higher risk of clot of heart disease [2].
RELATED: Synthetic and natural hormones: what’s the difference?
How do I take Gepretix?
Gepretix is given as a 100mg oral capsule. There are two ways of taking it:
• For women who have had periods in the last 6¬-12 months, the usual recommended dose is two 100mg capsules, taken together each evening, for two out of four weeks per month, on a repeating basis.
• For women who have not had a period for over a year, the usual recommended dose is taking one 100mg capsule every evening, without a break on a continuous basis.
The dosage information that comes with the medication differs slightly to this, but it is far more straightforward to take it in this way and easier to remember.
RELATED: Sequential and continuous HRT: what’s the difference?
Gepretix can be a natural sedative so can cause drowsiness in some women. It is therefore recommended you take it at bedtime.
It is best to take Gepretix on an empty stomach because eating food can actually increase its absorption.
What are the benefits?
Gepretix is a branded generic version of Utrogestan. It is more cost effective than Utrogestan and can be a suitable alternative to Utrogestan.
As well as easing menopausal symptoms, HRT can reduce your future risk of osteoporosis, as well as your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
RELATED: Can HRT and testosterone prevent osteoporosis?
Can I expect any side effects?
Women usually experience less side effects with body identical hormones than the older types of progestogens, but you may experience side effects initially when your body is adjusting to taking HRT. These can include vaginal bleeding, abdominal bloating, lower abdominal pain or discomfort and breast tenderness. These usually settle over time, but talk to your healthcare professional if they continue for longer than the first six months.
Some women find that their mood is lower when they take Gepretix or Utrogestan. This side ¬effect is less common nowadays and can improve in time but if it doesn’t, you can discuss alternative ways of taking Gepretix with your healthcare professional. For instance, this might include changing it to a vaginal pessary.
Some women have reported side effects with Gepretix that they did not have with Utrogestan – if this occurs to you then it would be worth asking your healthcare professional for Utrogestan instead.
RELATED: Progesterone intolerance
Who is Gepretix suitable for?
For most people, the benefits of HRT outweigh any risks. As Gepretix is a body identical hormone it is a good alternative to synthetic progestogens, which are included in some types of patches and oral tablets. It’s also beneficial for women who don’t want the Mirena coil fitted as their source of progestogen.
Resources
Electronic Medicines Compendium: Gepretix
NHS: hormone replacement therapy
